Quick change from fall to winter

It seems as though we have transitioned from fall to winter just like that!
These cold nights certainly have tightened things up.
I think my plowing days may have come to a complete halt. I’m happy that I have the better areas of the Emo Agricultural Research Station completed but I likely needed another day or day-and-a-half to complete all that I wanted.
Alas, this is not the only job I haven’t completed but this is the type of year we have experienced.
We still are busy cleaning seed and submitting data as we can. And we continue to work on projects/partnerships to keep us viable (we are lucky to live in a community that sees the value of keeping our ag station going).
It looks as though 2015 will be business as normal, at least. The University of Guelph is pleased with the partnerships we found for 2014, so thank you to those who helped make this happen.
Once our data is complete, I will make a booklet and you’ll be able to review our year (but I’m still a few weeks away from this).
• • •
I managed to find and purchase five bred heifers. The money I received from my cull cows will turn go towards the purchase of these heifers for us.
I’m heading out to Brandon to pick them up so it is exciting times for little farm.
Not only did I need to do this to keep my cow numbers up, but if I wouldn’t have spent this money on heifers, I would have spent it on something else (so this way, I have something to show for it).
I told the girls that I’ll put one heifer each in their name, although this might have to be their Christmas gift!
They liked and approved the heifer part–but are still thinking on the Christmas part.
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The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture still is seeking a few directors for its board.
With Saturday night being a busy one for activities in Rainy River District, attendance at its fall supper/meeting was down a little.
If you are interested in sitting on the board (and joining Linda Armstrong, Ang Halverson, Ted Zimmerman, Kristina Pollard, Jeff Pollard, and Elaine Aveyard), please let them know.
The board meets 10 times a year and it is a very worthwhile experience.
• • •
Congratulations to John and Shirley Vandenbrand, who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
Their family hosted a great night for this occasion over the weekend.
We wish them many more happy years together.
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The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society (fair board) will be hosting its annual meeting next Tuesday (Nov. 18) at 7:30 p.m. at the Emo Arena.
It is the night that you come and share your ideas or suggestions for upcoming years, and everyone is welcome.
The RRVAS also will be looking for directors so if you have time and interest in our fall fair, please attend.
• • •
The Rainy River Regional Abattoir has ventured into another small side business. It now has tote bags of malting barley pellets for sale (livestock feed).
If you would like to see the feed analysis, get in touch with me and I will forward it to you (the tote bags will weigh between 1,700 and 1,900 pounds).
If you are interested in purchasing, get in touch with Marg at the abattoir (482-3028).
They are nice heavy pellets–well worth feeding.