Week #33 - Farm welcome!

Mama and Hazel checking out their new digs!

This week we welcomed Mama and Hazel to the farm. Mama is a cross between a Dexter and Swiss Dairy cow and Hazel is her two month old heifer calf. They came to live on the farm this week and ar hesitantly getting to know the other occupants - both two legged and four. 

Graceson was particularly interested in their arrival, as the sole bovine in the crowd. He is a Dexter bull who has been a bit lonely for his own kind lately..... Raised primarily with goats, pgs and chickens, he was having a bit of an identity crisis! He let the entire neighbourhood know of his joy, as he bellowed and hollered into the night!

We are looking forward to the potential for some fresh cows milk in our future but need to help Mama get used the place first!

Grace's long weekend message!

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Grace wants to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! 

May your tables be full of fresh local food grown in a sustainable way, surrounded by friends and family in a spirit of gratitude and generosity. 

Happiness is....

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Happiness is a wheelbarrow of turnip greens... at least if you are cow or a goat. 

Full of spunk!

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At two weeks old, Graceson (Grace's son) is full of spunk and growing fast. While he doesn't wander too far away from his mama, he does run and jump and play with the goats once in a while. 

His older brother has decided he is alright and is quite protective. Like all big brothers... no one can pick on his little brother except him! 

Grace-full!

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Our Dexter cow named Grace is pregnant. Based on our calculations she's due in 10 days...

She looks terribly uncomfortable in this heat and has no patience for the bugs ... Tonight I walked out to spray her down and check on things. I swear she said 'thank you'! 

She's big and looks like she's having twins, we have our fingers crossed for a girl! She is Grace-full!

There is one in every crowd....

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We all know someone... there is one in every crowd (farm)... someone that always has to be the centre of attention. 

On our farm, it's Gaston, seen here photobombing the picture of his mother, Grace standing behind. The look on her face says it all don't you think....

Someone is watching you....

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Ever felt like someone is watching you? 

Each night as we milk the goat, the other animals peer through a hole in the wall at us. It is the funniest feeling. 

I think they are making sure that we don't forget to come and visit them later. 

Cow-lick!

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After we milk the goats each night, we have a routine (they would suggest a necessity) to visit with the goats and cattle in the barn. We must come armed with treats or we quickly are told of everyone's displeasure by way of a cacophony of bellowing and bleating from all.

Gaston's favorite treat is a pre-made horse treat made from apples. He sucks them off your hand with a exuberance that leaves you needing a towel and wanting a shower. 

When the dog barks...

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When the dog barks.... It might mean the cow decided the grass is greener on the other side of the fence and has pushed over the fence! 

Indeed yesterday Grace did decide to test the theory (that the grass is greener)! Fortunately the pull of a scoop of oats is stronger than the taste of adventure and she easily was lead back inside the corral. 

Time for some fence repair! 

Not just another pretty face!

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Gaston is a 8 month old Dexter bull calf. Him and his mother have been enjoying the sun and warm weather. 

Friday's Felfie

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Friday's felfie (farmer selfie) - me and Grace hanging out together.