It's Autumn in our hemisphere of the planet and if you are lucky enough to live in a region where the leaves change colors, it is quite possible that you are enjoying a spectacular explosion of color all around you right now. If your area has not received the right mix of rain, temperature and humidity your leaves will not look good at all. You will see pasty browns and dull yellows before the leaves finally fall to the ground.
Last year in Maine, our colors were yucky, but this year, we are fortunate! I took my camera out over the past week and captured some wonderful shots for you to enjoy. One of the places I stopped was a churchyard in Belgrade Lakes. I was told they had over 1400 pumpkins of all size ranges and was very surprised to hear that the pumpkins were grown by Navajo Indians in New Mexico and shipped to Maine for our Halloween pleasure. They do this every year!! Go figure!! And good for our Native American brothers and sisters for reaching out and becoming involved in creating income for their people!
I wanted to capture photos from more areas, but the leaves reached their 'peak color' in the past few days and already have either dropped to the ground or are a terribly dull brownish hue.
So please enjoy the slide show! It is a bit 'long' but I think you will enjoy it!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Thursday, October 04, 2007
It's Fair Time in the Country!
It is the tail end of Fair time in Maine and I went to the Farmington Fair in my area about two weeks ago.
I haven't been in a couple of years so John and I spent four hours walking around. We spent time in the Exhibition Hall looking at a variety of submissions by residents in surrounding towns. There were categories in baking, photography, oil and watercolors, knitting, crocheting, tatting, quilting, rug making, basketry, woodworking, and agriculture.
There were products for sale such as jellies, jams, preserves, honey, syrups, fudge and handmade crafts.
Walking outside there were additional vendors selling a variety of items including; bulky knitted sweaters, sweatshirts, jewelry, leather wallets, hot tubs, and food! Foods of all types including complete homemade meals and lobster rolls. There was even one Thai food vendor.
The carnival rides were there. We always ride the Tilt-A-Whirl because it makes me laugh and giggle in wild abandonment like a four year old, and it is the only ride I feel "safe" on. I have this "thing" about being so many feet above the ground unless I am structurally well-supported.
We were at the Fair during hours when the horses were racing and John, who loves horses and watches horse racing on TV has never attended one in person, so we watched one and then he placed several bets. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and won a few (I say a few) dollars. It was fun!!
We also visited the animal exhibits which are always interesting for me. It's the petting zoo I never got to participate in as a child because petting zoos not not exist. There was the usual variety of lambs, ducks, special breeds of chickens, llamas, a donkey, miniature horse, cows and Bulls! They caught my eye in a big way! Those creatures are HUGE ! When we first entered their building, John and I wondered would it be safe? They were in open stalls, not tied in, and they are gigantic! They could easily kill a human with size alone, yet they were so peacefully docile. It was a moving experience for us both. Resting on all fours, these animals stood almost 6 feet. Their legs down to their hooves were massive! I asked if I could pet one and was given permission. I was humbled at their calmness, and the feel of their body...... warm and silky. He weighed 4400 pounds and did not even flinch as I moved my hand on his hip area. I was impressed with at him for his relaxed calmness, and myself for having the nerve to get that close and touch. I was born and raised in the city, and touching anything other than a dog or cat is unusual (smiles).
I find most farm animals to be friendly and eager to interact with human beings. They are inquisitive and loving; much like babies, toddlers, and children under 7. It is refreshing to be in their company. It brings out the innocence and the way it is supposed to be on this planet. If only we could spread this interactive lovingness to everyone on the planet, life would be so wonderful and peaceful!!
There was also a building set aside for businesses wishing to expose you to their products. There were the usual local businesses, and there were a few "new age" vendors offering massage and magnetic jewelry to stop or ease body pain. Magnets, when correctly applied are excellent at stopping pain. But you must know the "rules" of magnetics. Improperly used, they can create problems. There is information available about this on Google and some books on healing will have a chapter or two on magnets. I personally got instant relief from shoulder blade ache when I jokingly asked John to put a small round magnet (used in crafting) on the spot that was painful. He held it there for all of 60 seconds and the pain disappeared and did not creep back!
So be aware that there are different forms of healing available if you need it. The body does not always have to be drugged in order to bring relief or to heal. If you are interested in learning more about magnetic application, here are some links for you to explore:
Magnetic Therapy Websites:
http://www.northpolemagnets.com/understanding_magnetic_therapy.html
http://www.emaxhealth.com/6/459.html
http://www.naturesherbal.com/Healing_Magnets.htm
People who use a medical device such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or insulin pump, should not use magnets because they may affect the magnetically controlled features of such devices.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/magnet/magnet.htm
And now for the SlideShow!
I haven't been in a couple of years so John and I spent four hours walking around. We spent time in the Exhibition Hall looking at a variety of submissions by residents in surrounding towns. There were categories in baking, photography, oil and watercolors, knitting, crocheting, tatting, quilting, rug making, basketry, woodworking, and agriculture.
There were products for sale such as jellies, jams, preserves, honey, syrups, fudge and handmade crafts.
Walking outside there were additional vendors selling a variety of items including; bulky knitted sweaters, sweatshirts, jewelry, leather wallets, hot tubs, and food! Foods of all types including complete homemade meals and lobster rolls. There was even one Thai food vendor.
The carnival rides were there. We always ride the Tilt-A-Whirl because it makes me laugh and giggle in wild abandonment like a four year old, and it is the only ride I feel "safe" on. I have this "thing" about being so many feet above the ground unless I am structurally well-supported.
We were at the Fair during hours when the horses were racing and John, who loves horses and watches horse racing on TV has never attended one in person, so we watched one and then he placed several bets. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and won a few (I say a few) dollars. It was fun!!
We also visited the animal exhibits which are always interesting for me. It's the petting zoo I never got to participate in as a child because petting zoos not not exist. There was the usual variety of lambs, ducks, special breeds of chickens, llamas, a donkey, miniature horse, cows and Bulls! They caught my eye in a big way! Those creatures are HUGE ! When we first entered their building, John and I wondered would it be safe? They were in open stalls, not tied in, and they are gigantic! They could easily kill a human with size alone, yet they were so peacefully docile. It was a moving experience for us both. Resting on all fours, these animals stood almost 6 feet. Their legs down to their hooves were massive! I asked if I could pet one and was given permission. I was humbled at their calmness, and the feel of their body...... warm and silky. He weighed 4400 pounds and did not even flinch as I moved my hand on his hip area. I was impressed with at him for his relaxed calmness, and myself for having the nerve to get that close and touch. I was born and raised in the city, and touching anything other than a dog or cat is unusual (smiles).
I find most farm animals to be friendly and eager to interact with human beings. They are inquisitive and loving; much like babies, toddlers, and children under 7. It is refreshing to be in their company. It brings out the innocence and the way it is supposed to be on this planet. If only we could spread this interactive lovingness to everyone on the planet, life would be so wonderful and peaceful!!
There was also a building set aside for businesses wishing to expose you to their products. There were the usual local businesses, and there were a few "new age" vendors offering massage and magnetic jewelry to stop or ease body pain. Magnets, when correctly applied are excellent at stopping pain. But you must know the "rules" of magnetics. Improperly used, they can create problems. There is information available about this on Google and some books on healing will have a chapter or two on magnets. I personally got instant relief from shoulder blade ache when I jokingly asked John to put a small round magnet (used in crafting) on the spot that was painful. He held it there for all of 60 seconds and the pain disappeared and did not creep back!
So be aware that there are different forms of healing available if you need it. The body does not always have to be drugged in order to bring relief or to heal. If you are interested in learning more about magnetic application, here are some links for you to explore:
Magnetic Therapy Websites:
http://www.northpolemagnets.com/understanding_magnetic_therapy.html
http://www.emaxhealth.com/6/459.html
http://www.naturesherbal.com/Healing_Magnets.htm
People who use a medical device such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or insulin pump, should not use magnets because they may affect the magnetically controlled features of such devices.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/magnet/magnet.htm
And now for the SlideShow!
Monday, October 01, 2007
Got Milk ??!! - Organic Dairy Farming
John and I were invited by our friends Randy and Jill Bates for a tour of their expanded dairy farm!
The Bates come from 'multi-generational' dairy families and made the decision to become "organic" about two years ago because organic farming is in demand, and you receive approximately one-third or more for your product.
Dairy farming is hard work! If the nation had to depend upon me to supply us with milk, they would be 'out of luck!' I am serious!!
The Bates have about 75 cows, but only 35 are producing milk. The remaining cows cannot produce milk until they have given birth, and it takes approximately 2 years after a cow is born before it begins puberty and goes into "heat." When a cow goes into "heat" she is ready to become pregnant.
Dairy farming is a science. A lot of planning goes into it. I've found out a lot of information from Jill and Randy, and I don't know how they keep up with it all!
Along with feeding the cows, you have to keep track of a number of things such as which cow is in 'heat' and is "available" for breeding. When it is time to breed a cow you only have a 24 to 48 hour 'window' to get the semen inserted at the mouth of the cervix (yes; they are just like a human female). Of course, all of this is done artificially now, so you have to place a request for semen to be delivered and inserted. You have to pay $15 for insertion, plus a minimum of $50 for a shot of semen. The semen price is determined by the bull's breed and his pedigree. Yes! Cows are pedigreed just like any other prized animal.
If the cow does not become pregnant (you know because she will go back into heat in another 21 days), you have to go through the entire process again. Semen; once inserted, is only active for about 12 hours (run boys run!). If a cow is having trouble becoming pregnant you can choose to have a "pregnancy check" performed by a veterinarian. The vet gives a physical exam and chemical work is so done. The chemical process takes about 35 days to determine if all of her reproductive 'equipment' is in good physical condition.
Jill told me that it is a big business for those who provide bull semen. The people involved house and pen the bulls, collect, freeze and store semen for delivery when cows are in heat.
Dairy farmers have to keep books showing detailed histories for each cow. After calving, a cow gives milk for 305 days, and it is not advisable to allow a cow to become pregnant for two months. Her system needs "rest" and "recuperation."
If a cow gives birth to a male, he is sold to a "sale barn" after it reaches seven days old.
When a cow becomes pregnant, she will give birth nine months later (like a human).
The Bates have approximately 544 acres of land. Three-hundred and seventy-four acres are used for managed woodland and to harvest wood for fuel. The remaining acreage is utilized for crops (100 acres) and pasture (70 acres). Pasture must have access to drinking water and the Bates have 9 natural ponds. What a life these cows live!
If you are an organic dairy farmer, you have to treat your cows differently from a conventional dairy farmer. I asked Randy what steps he had to take in order to do so, and he said that the cows must have access to pasture land, but the government is 'somewhat vague' about this.
His own personal definition and practice is: "During pasture season (when grass is growing) all cows one year in age and older should receive nearly all of their nutrition from pasture land, supplemented with a special grain mixture. The grain required for organic feed is composed of: corn, wheat, soybeans, peas, and an assorted range of minerals. The grain is "costly" but the cows love it!! It is like a desert to them."
In the cold months when the ground has stopped producing grass; cows are fed dry hay, grain, and balage. Dry hay and balage are basically the same thing (grass) but are processed slightly different. Dry hay is grass that has been cut, dried by the sun, and stored in a building without being wrapped in plastic. Balage is grass cut while green and allowed to 'wilt' for a few hours; then it is machine wrapped in plastic. Wrapping in plastic ferments and preserves it.
If an organic cow becomes sick, you cannot give it chemicals. It must be treated with homeopathic remedies. If antibiotics are required, they must try homeopathic antibiotics first (there are quite a few... Humans, take note). If they do not "work" and a chemical antibiotic has to be used, then the cow must be sold to a conventional dairy farmer.
Jill told me that when you are a farmer, you have to wear many hats and wear them well. You not only have to know how to produce your product, but you must maintain financial books, books for the livestock, you must be a scientist, a welder, a plumber, an electrician, a mechanic, a landscaper, a doctor; you name it, you must be it!
I asked what a "typical" day was for Randy and here is what he said:
He gets up at 4:30 AM; goes to the barn at 5:30 to milk and feed the cows for two hours. Depending upon the season he will work on crops for haying, repairs of anything needing attention (and something always needs attention), he will work on fencing and maintaining farm equipment. He heads back to the barn to do another milking between 4 PM to 6. In the winter, he has to add another hour to the milking process because you have to feed and clean out the stalls. In the warmer months they basically feed themselves. The only thing they get fed manually is the special grain they love so much.
Randy and Jill have a son and daughter still at home who helps them with the farm. Nathan, age 21 helps with harvesting crops, repairing and maintaining equipment. He will help with the milking if Randy needs it, or if Randy, for some reason cannot milk.
Allison, age 19 is still in school (she will graduate in 2008). She performs a variety of chores in the morning and evening when able to (schoolwork prevails). Allison will also fill in with milking if Randy is not able to do so.
Jill keeps all of the books required to run the dairy business. She runs the household (cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, painting, wallpapering, etc) and she also has to be "on call" to run at a moment's notice to purchase a part for equipment repair. In haying season (they managed to prepare and harvest 15,000 bales of dry hay and 450 bales of balage), she pitches in as well. Jill also finds time to help others who need it, when they need it. She helps her other with keeping her books and takes her to medical appointments, cleaning house, etc. Jill also helps out when needed in our Town Office.
I asked Randy if he had any unfulfilled dreams surrounding his farming life, and he said, No. He told me he is extremely happy, and would not trade his life for anything! He is very content and happy! How many people do you know who can honestly say that about their profession?? Not many, I am sure!
By the way; the Bates sell their organic milk to Hood and it is processed, sold and marketed under the Stonyfield name. For more information and details about Stonyfield's products, click on the link below:
http://www.stonyfield.com/OurProducts/Milk.cfm
Another note: I find cows to be highly intelligent, and gentle. They are perceptive and curious just like humans.
Now, of course there are some pictures........
The Bates come from 'multi-generational' dairy families and made the decision to become "organic" about two years ago because organic farming is in demand, and you receive approximately one-third or more for your product.
Dairy farming is hard work! If the nation had to depend upon me to supply us with milk, they would be 'out of luck!' I am serious!!
The Bates have about 75 cows, but only 35 are producing milk. The remaining cows cannot produce milk until they have given birth, and it takes approximately 2 years after a cow is born before it begins puberty and goes into "heat." When a cow goes into "heat" she is ready to become pregnant.
Dairy farming is a science. A lot of planning goes into it. I've found out a lot of information from Jill and Randy, and I don't know how they keep up with it all!
Along with feeding the cows, you have to keep track of a number of things such as which cow is in 'heat' and is "available" for breeding. When it is time to breed a cow you only have a 24 to 48 hour 'window' to get the semen inserted at the mouth of the cervix (yes; they are just like a human female). Of course, all of this is done artificially now, so you have to place a request for semen to be delivered and inserted. You have to pay $15 for insertion, plus a minimum of $50 for a shot of semen. The semen price is determined by the bull's breed and his pedigree. Yes! Cows are pedigreed just like any other prized animal.
If the cow does not become pregnant (you know because she will go back into heat in another 21 days), you have to go through the entire process again. Semen; once inserted, is only active for about 12 hours (run boys run!). If a cow is having trouble becoming pregnant you can choose to have a "pregnancy check" performed by a veterinarian. The vet gives a physical exam and chemical work is so done. The chemical process takes about 35 days to determine if all of her reproductive 'equipment' is in good physical condition.
Jill told me that it is a big business for those who provide bull semen. The people involved house and pen the bulls, collect, freeze and store semen for delivery when cows are in heat.
Dairy farmers have to keep books showing detailed histories for each cow. After calving, a cow gives milk for 305 days, and it is not advisable to allow a cow to become pregnant for two months. Her system needs "rest" and "recuperation."
If a cow gives birth to a male, he is sold to a "sale barn" after it reaches seven days old.
When a cow becomes pregnant, she will give birth nine months later (like a human).
The Bates have approximately 544 acres of land. Three-hundred and seventy-four acres are used for managed woodland and to harvest wood for fuel. The remaining acreage is utilized for crops (100 acres) and pasture (70 acres). Pasture must have access to drinking water and the Bates have 9 natural ponds. What a life these cows live!
If you are an organic dairy farmer, you have to treat your cows differently from a conventional dairy farmer. I asked Randy what steps he had to take in order to do so, and he said that the cows must have access to pasture land, but the government is 'somewhat vague' about this.
His own personal definition and practice is: "During pasture season (when grass is growing) all cows one year in age and older should receive nearly all of their nutrition from pasture land, supplemented with a special grain mixture. The grain required for organic feed is composed of: corn, wheat, soybeans, peas, and an assorted range of minerals. The grain is "costly" but the cows love it!! It is like a desert to them."
In the cold months when the ground has stopped producing grass; cows are fed dry hay, grain, and balage. Dry hay and balage are basically the same thing (grass) but are processed slightly different. Dry hay is grass that has been cut, dried by the sun, and stored in a building without being wrapped in plastic. Balage is grass cut while green and allowed to 'wilt' for a few hours; then it is machine wrapped in plastic. Wrapping in plastic ferments and preserves it.
If an organic cow becomes sick, you cannot give it chemicals. It must be treated with homeopathic remedies. If antibiotics are required, they must try homeopathic antibiotics first (there are quite a few... Humans, take note). If they do not "work" and a chemical antibiotic has to be used, then the cow must be sold to a conventional dairy farmer.
Jill told me that when you are a farmer, you have to wear many hats and wear them well. You not only have to know how to produce your product, but you must maintain financial books, books for the livestock, you must be a scientist, a welder, a plumber, an electrician, a mechanic, a landscaper, a doctor; you name it, you must be it!
I asked what a "typical" day was for Randy and here is what he said:
He gets up at 4:30 AM; goes to the barn at 5:30 to milk and feed the cows for two hours. Depending upon the season he will work on crops for haying, repairs of anything needing attention (and something always needs attention), he will work on fencing and maintaining farm equipment. He heads back to the barn to do another milking between 4 PM to 6. In the winter, he has to add another hour to the milking process because you have to feed and clean out the stalls. In the warmer months they basically feed themselves. The only thing they get fed manually is the special grain they love so much.
Randy and Jill have a son and daughter still at home who helps them with the farm. Nathan, age 21 helps with harvesting crops, repairing and maintaining equipment. He will help with the milking if Randy needs it, or if Randy, for some reason cannot milk.
Allison, age 19 is still in school (she will graduate in 2008). She performs a variety of chores in the morning and evening when able to (schoolwork prevails). Allison will also fill in with milking if Randy is not able to do so.
Jill keeps all of the books required to run the dairy business. She runs the household (cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, painting, wallpapering, etc) and she also has to be "on call" to run at a moment's notice to purchase a part for equipment repair. In haying season (they managed to prepare and harvest 15,000 bales of dry hay and 450 bales of balage), she pitches in as well. Jill also finds time to help others who need it, when they need it. She helps her other with keeping her books and takes her to medical appointments, cleaning house, etc. Jill also helps out when needed in our Town Office.
I asked Randy if he had any unfulfilled dreams surrounding his farming life, and he said, No. He told me he is extremely happy, and would not trade his life for anything! He is very content and happy! How many people do you know who can honestly say that about their profession?? Not many, I am sure!
By the way; the Bates sell their organic milk to Hood and it is processed, sold and marketed under the Stonyfield name. For more information and details about Stonyfield's products, click on the link below:
http://www.stonyfield.com/OurProducts/Milk.cfm
Another note: I find cows to be highly intelligent, and gentle. They are perceptive and curious just like humans.
Now, of course there are some pictures........
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