Party Animals on the Farm

Miles Smith Farm in Loudon invites you to a Christmas on the Farm event on Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReinSteer will greet you. There will be firepits to warm feet and fingers and treats to feed the animals. 

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With the holidays upon us, the Scottish Highland cattle of Miles Smith Farm are ready to party if "party" means eating extra hay.

Yes, cattle eat lots of hay – even more in cold weather. My Highlanders are right at home in ice and snow. Their thick skin, coarse hair, and natural insulation help, but they must also stoke their inner furnaces. So, we have over $20,000 worth of hay ready to feed them this winter.

Some of my cattle have too much stored energy, also known as fat. My Highland steers, Topper, Red, Bleu, and Finn, could stand to lose 100 pounds each. No, I'm not body-shaming them! Too much weight is hard on their joints, so they are on the farm weight-loss plan. They are in a separate pasture and receiving reduced rations. But we still give them the occasional pumpkin treat, smashed and tossed to them by farm visitors.

Once again, Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReinSteer (also known as Topper) will welcome farm guests this year. Last year, he tolerated his red-nose ornament and stood quietly for pictures. And, as long as carrots are involved, he'll fill the role again this year.

At this fun event, Curious Bleu, the riding steer, will once again let kids climb on his back and pose for photos. Eleanor the donkey, two sheep, and the goats will follow you around the barnyard begging for alfalfa cubes. Emily, the calf looking for snuggles, will greet you, and Tazzy, the mini-pig, will grunt and complain until she gets a belly rub. There will also be calves to brush, bunnies to cuddle, and hot chocolate to drink. Maybelle the cow is expecting, so a new calf might join the party.

If this sounds like a good time, come to the farm on Saturday, Dec. 16, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, children are free, and all proceeds will benefit the Learning Barn and its animals.

If you have any pumpkins, bring them along. The critters love them, and they also act as natural dewormers.

Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm in Loudon, where she sells beef and other local products. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com.  

We'll have the firepits roaring to help keep your feet and fingers warm and carrots and alfalfa cubes to feed the animals. 

Sign up HERE.