Grass starting to green up finally

You certainly could see the grass greening up as the temperature reached double digits on Saturday!
I was excited about seeing the lawn–and then thought, oh yeah, that’s the next thing: cutting grass!
I still have a few large rocks to move before that first time on the lawn mower. The first time is scary as you uncover and throw around all those hidden winter treasures.
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I really was hoping to make the trappers’ workshop in Devlin on Saturday, but we decided we had better tackle vaccinating the cattle, instead. I’m still not myself so I don’t move too quickly, but my boyfriend/partner, almost step-kid, and my momma were there to help.
As always, the cows weren’t overly eager to head into the corral but eventually they all made it.
We needled all the cows first. Of course, my helpers were frustrated by my cows’ slowness (since I have no voice, I just listened this time!)
Next we ran all the calves through–and they were much quicker since we can squeeze multiple animals up at one time. We then put through all the yearlings and they were pretty good since they haven’t formed the fat, lazy habits the older cows have.
Lastly it was the bulls.
In two-three weeks, we will run the calves all back through, as well as the yearlings, since all vaccines need to be boostered the first time they are administered.
The next time, though, we will sort cows and yearlings and the bulls will go out!
It went quite well but it sure seemed like a long day of hard work! I was more thankful for the help than many other times I tell you! I have tackled this job alone before but I sure wasn’t able to do that this time around.
It was a great job off the list and by doing it on Saturday, we missed out on the rain we had Sunday.
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The lambs have started—three sets of twins and one set of triplets so far.
I had to pull two of them since they were coming head first and no feet. There isn’t a lot of room to get these things straightened out on a ewe, but thankfully I was able to get them and everyone is doing well.
The barn is busy again!
It is looking like sheep-shearing will take place on May 2, so we will just keep them all locked up until after this job is off the list.
Maddie and Marlee were away over the weekend but my boyfriend/partner made a trip to town Sunday afternoon to bring them out so they could do some sheep cuddling.
It worked out well since the triplets were born while they were out.
There’s a good chance now if you are unable to find my mom that she will be over admiring the lambs. It is her favourite time of the year.
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We certainly have a busy week ahead of us here in Rainy River District.
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Community Expo takes place over the weekend at the Fort Frances Curling Club, Emo will be celebrating its annual “Spring Fever Days” festivities, and the Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association has its first cattle sale of the year.
As well, the Special Events committee for the Riverside Foundation for Health Care is hosting its annual spring luncheon.
There is no shortage of things to do or places that you could volunteer if you have some free time!
As well, the Cloverbelt Local Food Co-op is hosting a morning session, entitled “Towards a Regional Marketplace–The Future of Farming in the Rainy River District,” at the Emo Inn this Friday (April 22) from 9:30 a.m.-noon.
The agenda includes Barry Potter (forage-fed beef for local markets), Marcus Lesdham (regional food map), and Mary Ferguson (what does the future of farming in Rainy River look like to you).
Lastly, Cloverbelt will discuss how we can support a food hub in Rainy River District.
Get in touch with me if you are interested in attending! The agenda looks great!