'Jeff Deming returned to the Rocking-D Ranch after four years of college, hoping for the chance to implement some of the ideas he was sure would improve the ranch. But John Deming felt a man should prove himself first and had Jeff working like a hired hand. Jeff was quickly getting back in shape, but was still receiving a lot of "kidding" and the worst came from the foreman, Quinn Barker. Jeff had to admit he didn't like Barker, but his father swore by Barker as a "dang good man with cows." At the same time, John Deming was inclined to underestimate his son's ability and had considered Jeff's college education a waste of years and effort.' (Publication summary)