My Farm Is More About Love Than A Business

Curious Bleu, a beloved Scottish Highland steer, and Cameron, a loyal farm helper, are two reasons Carole Soule loves life on Miles Smith Farm.

Coach Carole Says: "We aren't what we know, but what we're willing to learn."

After 22 years raising cattle, you'd think I'd be unaffected by June, the friendly cow who walks over looking for scratches, or Tazzy, the grumpy mini-pig, grunting for dinner. But despite the years, the critters still pull on my heartstrings. I melt when Owen B, a yearling Scottish Highland steer, regards me with those big eyes, and Curious Bleu, our riding steer, lets me sit on his back.

A farmer's life is not all fuzzy calves, funny pigs, and tolerant steers. Last year, two calves died, and I broke down sobbing each time. (I know this sounds weird, coming from the proprietor of a meat farm, but I can't help how I feel.)

Thankfully, no calves have died this year, and the weaned babies watch with anticipation when I deliver their feed twice a day. Then, after they finish munching, they'll bounce out into the paddock, kicking up their heels as they frolic and buck in youthful joy.

We have "angels" who help on the farm, like Jean Blodget, who feeds the critters when we need help. Jean, the "Queen of Water Games" at our farm camp, ensured the campers cooled off under the sprinklers after working with cattle. Jean, a farm friend, is unafraid to dive in and try new things. And then there's Cameron, who had been one of our summer campers and now volunteers to feed and brush the calves and do anything else that needs doing, including walking Cody the dog.

No matter how bad my day has been, my spirits soar when I walk up our farm road, autumn leaves crunching underfoot and sunlight, as if shining through stained-glass windows, filters through the leaves of trees arching over the road. I'm enchanted by Eleanor the donkey, who keeps her pen-mates, the goats, sheep, and Tazzy in line. Eleanor is in charge, and they all want to follow if she leaves the pen. At feeding time, Eleanor brays until she gets our attention, demanding dinner for her pals.

I love them for reminding me of the marvels that abound here like the calves who sneak out under the fence to eat fallen apples, naughty but so cute. And Topper and Finn, my 4,000-pound pair of oxen, pull a log sled and turn left or right on command. (If only husband Bruce was so compliant!). I'll be at the Sandwich Fair on Oct. 12 with Topper and Finn, where I'll show them off in the Log Scoot competition in the afternoon. That these giant beasts obey commands from little me never ceases to amaze and enchant me.

I'm also charmed by the friendship of Owen B. and Venus, a Belted Galloway heifer, who ignores Mason the bull and stands beside Owen, licking his face. They are inseparable.

Mostly, though, my heart goes out to folks like you, who buy beef and pork from us and who keep our little world afloat financially. Whether you purchase our meat or the products of other New Hampshire farms, I thank you. Your support ensures the survival of local farms like ours.

We couldn't do it without you. Thanks!
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Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, where she raises and sells local meat. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com. Carole is also now a certified Life Coach who helps humans and K-9s achieve the impossible a little at a time. Click here to learn more about K-9 Coaching.