Cattle branding may seems a little harsh, but it's the only way to be sure that your cows remain your cows. These days, rustling is a less common "trade," but it's still important to label your livestock with your ranch's brand.

The brand above is from a family ranch in San Lorenzo, NM. I first saw their brand - and many others - in Las Cruces, NM. Something about this particular brand moves me - it looks like an eye and the beach and the sunset and a crown all at the same time. I'd have liked to see the brand on a cow.

These family ranches with their family brands that they stamp on cows' hide - well, they're not unlike our own families! Instead of crests, they have brands! Their brands - like our crests - are a source of family heritage and pride to be proudly displayed. There are so many proud families in the world!

Find out the name of the family that this brand belongs to and you'll prove loyalty to your own family - and our extended extended human familiy.

LOYALTY POINTS AVAILABLE:
1st family: 35 points
2nd family: 30 points
3rd family: 20 points
4th family: 15 points

BONUS ACTIVITIES:
- earn 5 TOUGH points if you "brand" your family's crest on your hand with a ballpoint pen.
- earn 5 SMARTS points if you design a suitable cowbrand for your family.

GETTING BONUS POINTS:
- Take lots of photos!
- Be sure to display your family crest somewhere (do not photshop it in)
- If you have receipts, photograph those as well!
- Post photos with tag "lgfl" on flickr and send to taylor (taylor dot garcia at g mail dot com)