HAYDEN LAKE - Three tour buses appeared in the slight haze of the warm afternoon, carrying passengers from all over the country. The Rocking R Cattle Company's huge Black Angus bovines lazily strolled the brilliant green grass of the countryside, flicking an ear or tail at the sounds of the bus engines.

Ron and Shelley Rosenberger's 160-acre Hayden Lake ranch was one stop along the six-day Annual Western Livestock Tour, which ends Saturday. About 120 people visited Rocking R to view the sprawling scenery, the majestic animals and to compare notes with others in the cattle-raising industry.

Linda Davis, from Cimmaron, N.M., began shooting photos as she wandered from the bus.

"I'm enjoying taking photos of this beautiful, beautiful green grass and these beautiful cows," she said. "It's a treat for us to be able to be here and for these kind people to share their business with us."

Davis said she has been on a number of tours in many different states.

"You learn something and enjoy each trip," she said. "We learn it expands our horizons, because when you take care of animals, it's 24-7, and you don't get away from home very often. This is a week of vacation," she said.

One objective of the tour is to demonstrate the diversity in raising livestock in different environments. Rocking R is surrounded by trees and experiences plenty of rain and snow. This varies from ranches in other areas, such as mid-Washington, where the terrain is more of a high desert and utilizes different irrigation. The Livestock Tour, presented by the Western Livestock Journal, takes guests to a number of agricultural locations, including horse farms, hay presses and family-owned ranches, like the Rocking R.

"There are fewer and fewer family ranches and family farms that are feeding people, and I really believe that there's still a niche market for those family farmers and those family ranchers because people want to know where their food comes from," said Shelley Rosenberger. "We're proud to be a part of it. It's hard work, but we're glad to be a part of it.

The Rocking R Cattle Company breeds registered Black Angus cattle, beef cattle known for quality.

"The Rosenbergers sell bulls to the commercial producer who raise calves on a commercial basis, and those calves are what go into the meat market, restaurants or food distribution," said Rod Wesselman, regional manager of the American Angus Association and consultant to the Rosenbergers. He explained that the Angus breed is known for maternal ability of the cows in how well they breed and care for the young, as well as how the "marbling" (flecks of fat in the steak) works to create tender and juicy cuts.

Margret "Midge" Swickard visited from the Five Dot Ranch in Susanville, Calif., a ranch that has been active for about 140 years. The 82-year-old said she was on the tour for the wonderful people, the scenery and to see how other people do business. She had never been to North Idaho.

"I'm 82 and I don't get out a lot anymore, and this is an easy way to visit with everyone, and then to see such beautiful country. You're fortunate to live here," she said.

Visit www.rockingrcattleco.com to see the ranch. Tour info: www.wljtours.com.