Each spring since the 1930s, Art Hawtin and his father before him, have been bringing calves to the Plains of Cardin to gain weight on the native tufted hair grass and poverty oat grass. Where there is sufficient moisture Beaver grass is a favorite of the cattle.

Hawtin buys his Charolais Cross steers out of Saskatchewan. During their six-month stay on the glacial plains, the yearlings put on about 300 pounds. Purchased hay and some grain supplements their grass diet. The cattle share the plains with moose and white-tailed deer who inhabit the cedar and birch woodlands that surround the alvar.

Because this alvar has no soil depth, cattle fences become major construction projects. Holes must be drilled into the limestone rock to anchor steel posts. Cardin ranchers also build cost-efficient fences they call "T"s. The "T" is made from two cedar posts and stands entirely on the surface of the ground to support wire fencing.

It is important that the cattle learn to respond to the calls of "Co-Boss, Co-Boss." They come quickly, anticipating a treat of hay or grain. Hawtin counts his cattle at these assemblies and goes looking for ill or straying steers that don't respond to roll call.

Winters on the Cardin Plain can be harsh. By early November the cattle are called in for the last time. Their next and last stop...feedlots.