Bad experiences bring useful lessons. This year confirmed and expanded my belief that local is better. Of course, I've learned that other local products also deserve our support and help when the supply-chain becomes unstable again.
Some of you have lived on a farm, some have not, but I bet most of you have a pet. Pets are one way many of us connect to our "farmer-selves." Raising a dog and raising a cow have similarities. For instance, a dog needs to express his "doggie-ness" just as a cow must express her "cow-ness."
Bleu found the perfect post.
There's something about harnessing and commanding the might of 3,000 pounds of muscle and bone that is gratifying. It makes imposing my will upon my 160-pound husband hardly worth the effort.
Stash watched from behind the fence as I worked with his teammate, Topper. They are 8-year-old Scottish Highlander oxen, whom I call the "the boys." In past years, the three of us competed at the Hopkinton Fair – the two of them in a yoke with me (the brains of the outfit) directing their efforts. This year, with no fairs, they need another job, so I've decided to put them to work pulling logs out of the woods to be cut into firewood.
The most crucial factor in a cow's life is her place in the herd. Put a new cow in with others, and the herd goes wild. Sometimes, depending on the new cow's energy, they chase her around the field. Other times the top cow will head-butt the newcomer until she either gives in or becomes the new leader. Once the hierarchy of the herd is re-established, calm returns.
