As I write this column for the Holiday Paper – I am still not fully decorated, and I am certainly not finished shopping. It may very well be that I will be shopping after Christmas. It is not for the great deals; it is for the lack of time and the fact that I really am stumped on what to purchase.
My mom and I vaccinated and dewormed the cows, and it went very smoothly. The cows cooperated nicely to come into the corral, but the main reason is that there is no frost, so they don’t like to get off the packed trail because it is too hard to walk. They had 2 needles and a pour-on dewormer. The vaccination to prevent scours in their calves is a hard vaccine and it requires a 1.5-inch needle. The cows don’t appreciate this much. I don’t like giving it either, but I do like a bit more confidence and security for calving. The first-time calving heifers will have to be brought in near the middle of January for a booster of this.
When we were struggling with our water issues my horse managed to escape out and run around the yard for a bit. He quickly stopped upon finding the spot where I feed the deer. I put his halter on a returned him to his paddock but then realized that I hadn’t dewormed him or trimmed his feet. I will put this on the list for over the holidays.
The elk have once again returned to forge off me. I am getting more and more frustrated with them. I keep thinking of ways that I could stop them for eating my hay but all solutions cost $. I was hoping that they would get discouraged if I drove into my hay storage area more often, but the younger group seem to be less concerned with our presence. I keep some smaller bales for my sheep, goats and alpaca and they seem to really enjoy those. We will try installing the solar panel again with the radio and hope that will deter them for a bit.
I am expecting lots of company again and plan to attend many events over the next couple of weeks. It is the best part of the holidays – enjoying your friends and families’ company. I normally have a list of appetizers and food that I want to make but for some reason I haven’t even thought / prepared that! I know it will happen whether you are ready or not. I hope that all of you enjoy the season and can spend it with some of your favourite people. I wish us all – a great 2025! I hope we have a perfect growing season with just the right amount of moisture. 2024 wasn’t an easy one for farmers.
Thank you to all of you that continue to read my “Moos”. I am always shocked with how many people tell my how much they enjoy reading what is going on in the country.
-Rainy River Cattlemen’s is looking for a Sales Barn Manager. Please reach out to Murray McDonald at 807-276-0307. As well RRCA is hosting their AGM on Thursday January 16th at Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.
