There are a couple of significant dates worth mentioning. Did you realize that last week the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has calculated that by February 9th, 2024, a Canadian household of average income will have earned enough to pay for their entire year’s grocery bill, which lands on the same date as 2023. It is worth mentioning that the average Canadian disposable income is not representative of every Canadian’s experience or the effects that rising food prices have on them. Either way, this is an interesting date and I hope that some of your disposable income allows you to enjoy some great Canadian grown food.
Canada’s Agriculture Day this year is on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Let’s celebrate the hardworking people who bring us the food we love and the essential contributions of agriculture to our nation’s prosperity and well-being! Everyone is encouraged to share your celebration through photos and videos on social media using #CdnAgDay. Participate in a virtual farm tour to gain insights into the agricultural process. We really need to celebrate the food we love all year long, but I hope some of you will join in the fun this week. Raise your forks and make some noise!
On the home front I have been still preparing for calving by making sure I have the right supplies on hand, moving gates, getting everything bedded down. I held off moving the herd home hoping that a few cooler nights would give us some firmer ground. Then I stress hoping that I don’t regret that decision. I nervously walk to the cows each morning hoping that all is fine. It always seems that you worry more through the night than you do in daylight hours though the exact same thing could happen. Since I am going to be away next week, I am trying to add a few extra gates to hopefully make it easier if my helpers need to get someone in without me. The first time calvers can sometimes be a bit harder to get in the barn and of course I have a couple of cows that tend to be a bit stubborn at times. My biggest hope is that they just wait until I get home but there is no controlling the process – it will happen when it happens!
I spent some time with my horse before calving starts. He needed a hoof trim and a little grooming. He seemed happy that I remembered him as he normally gets upset when I take him away from his bulls. It was a job on my list, and I knew I should do it before I get busy with calves. The worst part right now is walking across the fresh snow and not knowing where the patches of ice are. Hard on us to walk on, but think about having four legs to control.
If you are looking for something fun to do this Sunday February 18th at noon at the Emo Arena, come out and watch the Muskie Girls Alumni game! It is the rookies vs. the veterans. It will be lots of fun!
The Emo Ladies Hospital Auxiliary have started their plans for their annual Shamrock Tea for Friday March 15th. Mark your calendars it is always a nice time! These ladies work very hard to raise funds for our local health care facilities and we should support them whenever we can!
