Country Girl Heartbeats Farm Archives - Page 5 of 6 - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

October 26, 2017October 27, 2017

Using what I Had

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2014 found me feeling frustrated and defeated with my present circumstances….

I knew I was not going back to previous jobs(for a long term solution) working as an equine trainer and manager. My current health would not allow it. Recovering from a tough onset of Mono while dealing with other chronic illness left me floundering. I found some encouragement in 2015 as I participated in the 2015 TCA Thoroughbred Makeover with Navajo Bo. As 2016 rolled around I was giving serious thought and prayer to what was next. I strongly desired to raise my own food. I had a few ideas rolling around in my head. Chickens for eggs and meat, my own milk, butter and cheese via a cow, a garden, canning, a green house, perhaps a spring house, and a hydroponic system were some of my farming/homesteading ideas. Somewhere in all that I should be able to find a way to earn an income was my thought.

Using what I had….

I looked around at what buildings were currently standing on the almost 12 acres. One was a large chicken barn. The design did not leave room for creating stalls for horses or cattle. It was however double walled and even had some insulation were it looked like a previous owner had started to make a shop out of it.

Chickens became the first project to pursue. With 3 heritage breeds, they are all a developing work in progress. I like many qualities of Scottish Highland Cattle for milk, butter, cheese and meat. I do not have them yet and have strongly considered the American Milking Devon. Truth is, until I actually own them, there is that possibility I will change my mind.

Chicken Project

Thirteen Swedish Flower Hen chicks were my first purchase in May of 2016.

I have since added Swedish Flower Hens from 3 additional farms to create diversity in the breeding stock. In the fall of 2016 two more breeds caught my eye, Silver Gray Dorking and Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner. Both are rather rare and hard to find I discovered but by mid November 2016 I had chicks from each breed.

Fruits and Vegatables

I planted garlic for the first time in the fall of 2016. I also grew Sweet Potatos in buckets during 2016. I transplanted wild Black Raspberries to create a row of black raspberries. I started some grapes plants from vine cuttings and will be producing concord grapes in the future. Did you know that in 1849 Ephraim Wales Bull planted 22,000 seeds before deciding on the what we now call the concord grape? Amazing! Has me wondering what variety I could develop.

The spring of 2017 found me foaling out mares for an Arab training barn.

The additional work left no time for me to plant and garden in 2017. The exception being a harvest of garlic in August.

I am always on the look out for ways to accomplish my goals with what I have, be it material possessions or personal skills, and building on that to achieve other dreams I have.

One way I helped to finance my chicken project and this website was through Swagbucks. In 2017 I earned over $225.00. While not a huge amount, it all adds up.

What ways have you accomplished goals and seen dreams come true using what you had available?

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October 23, 2017October 24, 2017

Kananaskis Country

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The beginning of our day trip in August 2017 to Banff National Park lead us through the beautiful Kananaskis County. Highway 40 guided us north winding through the Canadian Rockies.

A few times we stopped to stretch our legs and take pictures.

Around each bend a new sight awaited.

Beauty!

There are various parks within Kananaskis Country. In Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, we pulled into a parking lot, a rest area we thought.

Instead, we learned of a day hike into a mountain meadow. We discussed how wonderful that would be.

My mom wasn’t up for it. We did have our destination planned to Banff National Park specifically to see Lake Louise.

Bighorn sheep were moving along the highway after we left the trail head and parking lot.

Isn’t this baby adorable?

Driving through Kananskis Country I knew I wanted to return and explore, hike, camp and ride horses. My bucket list seems to be growing with every new place I visit. Have you ever visited Kananaskis Country? Would you like to?

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October 16, 2017April 10, 2018

Waldhaus Pub

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Our day trip to Banff National Park included a stop in the town of Banff. Travel along for a visit to the Waldhaus and enjoy a meal on the Pub patio. We found our way to a parking spot down along the Bow River after driving through town.

My heart called me to hike up a path leading to a restaurant located on the side of a hill. I am not sure I have the words describing the beauty but it smelled of sage and the distinct smells one only finds higher up in the mountains. I took a deep breath and felt the excitement brought by exploring new places.

The trail led up through a wooded hillside coming out about halfway between the back side of the Fairmont Hotel and above the Bow river. It opened to a view of the Waldhaus restaurant.

Following the side-walk and stairs I continued on my short hike, downward now toward a meadow and a shallow mountain river.

I hiked along a tributary to the Bow river that ran near the base of the Waldhaus, soaking in the smell and sounds of flowing water. Peace filled my soul.

Meeting up with my Mom and sister back at the parking lot I found a growing desire to eat on the deck of the Waldhaus Pub. A decision I have NOT regretted for a minute!!!!

We strolled along a paved road upwards all the way.

A local golf course tees off the 15th hole half way between the patio and the river.

Many new to us items listed on the menu had us delightfully considering our options. Rosemary spatzle and pretzels with beer mustard and bacon butter…..Delicious!!!!

Enhanced by our by the beautiful views and smell of sage and pine,

we decided on a sweet treat.

Of course coffee served in huge pub style cups complimented the sweetness.

Take a moment to relax and enjoy. Sounds of the river running over the rocks below play a background melody.

Our view across the patio showed the back side of the Fairmont Hotel up on the hill.

A different direction

The next treat came in the form of a visitor on the meadow below

A close up as this beautiful creature decided to bed down for a nap.

We could not leave without exploring the inside of Waldhaus Pub. Wow! The view from one of the windows was frame worthy in itself. (My Mom’s artistic eye)

One final look down the valley

Our hike back to the car led to the discovery of a trail leading straight upwards to an out cropping with a bench sitting on it. I could not be denied the challenge. Up I scrambled to a most beautiful view of Bow falls. With both my sister and I exclaiming over the sight, my mom was not about to left out!! .

I watched in disbelief, awe, and a bit of concern as my 75 yr old mother worked her way up the vertical trail. Now how was she planning to make it back down? I love my Moms spirit and spunk!!! A quick hike back towards the Waldhaus found a slightly safer and shorter way to lower ground. It was still rather steep. Taking baby steps sideways with my Mom in between us, all three of us held hands and carefully worked our way down. I couldn’t resist a quick wave and grin towards the windows of the Waldhaus. What a funny picture the three of us must have been, inching our way down the hill. Memories that bring a smile to my face.

I must say a huge ‘thank you’ for my sisters guidance at this stop in our journey. Did you enjoy the visit to the Waldhaus Pub as much as we did?

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October 13, 2017October 23, 2017

Growing Sweet Potatoes in a Bucket

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My Mom, seen my sprouting sweet potatoes on the counter and exclaimed, “You know you can grow sweet potatoes from these”? She had given them to me, purchased locally to her house. I had not eaten them all. Intrigued, I ask her for more details. This is how I began growing my own sweet potatoes.

She clued me in to the procedure. Showing me how to twist off the sprout at its base, she said, “If you stick them in water they will grow roots like crazy and make sure you keep adding water”. Excited to see this process for myself I set up two glass jars. I since learned there is also another way to start sweet potatoes. One can place a cut section of a the potato in water and it will grow both roots and a vines. This too would be planted in soil to grow sweet potatoes.

I set them near a window to allow them access to sunshine. Over a period of several weeks I did indeed have a sweet potato plant ready to place in soil.

I started some in smaller pots of dirt before moving to a permanent growing pot. Unless the weather has not warmed enough to safely leave the plants outside, I would recommend planting directly into the container or ground where you will be growing the Sweet Potatoes.

I learned through a FB group that sweet potatoes could be grown in buckets. One of my goals, as I began exploring how I was going to live a homestead lifestyle, was to use what I have. Remembering I had saved cracked water buckets, I happily located them. Some had cracked from water freezing in them and others had not survived the pawing of a horse. They were going to be perfect for allowing the soil to drain.

For soil, I went to what was left of a horse manure pile from several years past. Bits and pieces of decomposing shavings left among the decomposed manure created a small amount of aeration. How cool! What was once horse manure was now a nutrient rich soil available for me to grow food in. Ah Ha! The horses do have a part in this homestead. They are producing potting soil.

Once planted, regular watering(if there is not adequate rainfall) and keeping the weeds picked out are the only needed work til harvest. These plants grow a rather large leaf base so after they are big enough the weeds are less of a concern.

My first year growing sweet potatoes I did not know what to expect at harvest. When the weather was forecast to be below freezing in a few nights I knew the growing season was coming to an end for the potted plants. The beauty of raising potatoes in pots is dumping them to harvest the potatoes. No digging!

I remember looking at the top of the bucket, seeing some potatos and hoping they were big enough.

I also recall turning the bucket over. Much to my delight I found my worry had disappeared for all I could see through the crack across the bottom of the bucket was one large sweet potato!

I was impressed with the size of the sweet potatoes.

One of the best parts of this process was that I had produced food with out spending any money. While not everyone can initially start for free, there are ways to start with only a small investment. Anyone can raise sweet potatoes even if living in an urban environment. Every year save some potatoes for sprouting for the next year. This is one way to produce food, with the health benefits of eating local food, for minimal to no cost.

I cook them wrapped in tin foil, baked in the oven until soft(about an hour) and topped with salt and real butter…um, YUM! Of course there are many recipes for sweet potatoes, but this option meets the requirements for my current health challenges. What are your favorite sweet potato recipes?

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October 11, 2017February 28, 2020

Bar U Historical Ranch Rodeo – Part 2

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During the intermission I enjoyed the display of talent by local Canadian artists. The air had a bit of a chill in it. No sun to warm us with an overcast sky. The distinct smell of horse and cow manure mixed with dirt floated on the breezes as the arena was worked for the next events. To some that may be distasteful, but to me I took a deep breath soaking it all in!

Hand braided cinches, photography, bosels, hand crafted leather, and stunning one of a kind bits and spurs were some of the wares on display. I met Kim Taylor, of Sliding U Photography. Her mission: Promote and educate others of a dying breed. I am proud to be using her 2018 planner featuring Canadian artists and stunning photographs of Alberta ranch life.

The first half began with group B of Team Sorting. I will be honest. I skipped out to enjoy a wonderful conversation with a local Canadian who was assisting at Kim Taylors table. I enjoyed hearing her story. We share common ground in our love of adventure.

Wild Cow Milking

Do I need to say more? The cows were of the true wild variety!!!

Cows were turned loose.

Teams were again given a specific cow to rope and milk.

Milk went into a bottle and was transported to the west end of the arena to be dumped. ‘Must be enough to dump out’ was the rule.

Broke Horse Race

Members from 4 different ranch teams entered the arena riding or leading horses that were saddled and bridled. One rider from each team removed the saddle and bridle from their horse and handed it off to be led to the opposite end of the arena. Here a team member held the horse loosely with no halter or bridle.

Back with the saddle and bridle on the ground, the jockey(s) stand waiting. Here another mounted member waits for the horse to be released. This riders job is to rope the horse and return it to the jockey to be saddled and bridled.

Horses are turned loose on the opposite end of the arena from the ‘jockey’.

The horse is roped by another member of the team and delivered to the ‘jockey’.

The rider bridles….

and saddles the horse before racing it back to the other end of the arena.

One’s definition of broke often varies…Some of these horses found themselves as excited as the humans…

Expressed by bucking en route to the finish line….

These are broke horses! What could possible go wrong?

?????? Broke Horse Race ??????

That, readers, completes the competition section of the Bar U Historical Ranch Rodeo.

Steel’s Scouts

Next was a reenactment display of Steel’s Scouts (late 1880’s).

This army troup sometimes called the Buckskin Calvary, Ranch Calvary, Cowboy Calvary and Steel Calvary formed to fight against Indians in the Northwest Canada. They were a tough lot made up of ranchers and cowboys.

While researching online, I came across a great book on Steel’s Scouts telling the story of how they shaped a part of Canadian History.

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Have you enjoyed the rodeo? Comment with your favorite event. I have enjoyed it twice and then some. Once in person and multiple times as I have created this post. I am going to leave you with a personal favorite picture of mine from the rodeo. Puts a smile on my face every time. Might be cause these little feet belong to my niece.

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October 9, 2017October 15, 2017

Bar U Historical Ranch Rodeo – Part 1

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Bar U Historical Ranch, located near Longview, Alberta (Canada), put on an old time ranch rodeo August 20, 2017. Ranch Rodeos differ from other rodeos as points are awarded to teams representing specific ranches instead of individuals. While the events vary, the common thread provides representation of action that would take place on a working cattle ranch. When my sister explained the event, months earlier, I realized I was not completely new to this type of rodeo. We are blessed in my hometown to have a ranch rodeo put on by a local family. Here teams, made up of friends give a rare glimpse into a competition most commonly found in the western states of the USA.

Arriving, we were given the option for a horse drawn wagon ride to the rodeo arena which sat down in a little valley. I was excited for the opportunity to attend and see the action Canadian style. Five classes or events allowed teams to accumulate points for the winning title. Other awards went to the one voted top hand of the day and top horse.

Note: Be sure to click the pictures for an enlarged view

It was not stop action and the comradery between teams was evident. They sat on horseback and cheered, laughed and hung out around the arena. Much the same as one would find at any rodeo, a sport all its own.

Team Branding

A group of numbered cattle were turned into the area. As the team of 4 representing a Canadian ranch entered the arena, they were given a number specifying which was theirs to ‘brand’. One roped the head, another the heels and one dismounted to ‘brand’.

In this case it was mark on the hip instead of an actual branding iron. They had the option to carry more than one rope and any one of their team could attempt to rope.

Team Sorting

Teams were given a number determining the first cow to sort from the ‘herd’. Once that cow was across the predetermined line it needed to stay there as the team members worked to sort the next highest number cow. The cow or steer, of course, desired to rejoin the group of cattle on the other end of the arena.

The challenge was to sort as many cows as possible in the correct numbered order, while keeping the sorted cattle across the line within the allotted time frame. These four membered teams stayed busy and we all enjoyed the action.

Team Doctoring

This event represents how cowboys might go about caring for sick or injured cattle out on pasture when no head gate, corral or barn are available to restrain for treatment.

Rules: 1. Rope the cow’s head and heel(s) if need be 2. Mark the forehead with the marking stick 3) turn the cow loose. Fastest time wins.

As I stood along the arena fence I was privileged to enjoy some cowboy humor.

Announcer:  "Teams remember to mark the forehead for the doctoring mark."

Cowboy competitor:  "Is that where we usually administer the drugs?"  (back over his shoulder)

(For the record:It is not.)

Have you enjoyed the first half of the rodeo? (Common question from the announcer) We are going to break for an intermission. Come back by clicking here for the second half including my favorite events: the wild cow milking and the broke horse race.

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October 6, 2017April 10, 2018

A Broody Swedish Flower Hen

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Fact: 20% of Swedish Flower Hens go broody. Not a high number really considering 50% of my Silver Gray Dorking Hens went broody at under a year. (3 out of 6) My first group of 8 hens(SFH) are well over a year old and no broody among them. Out of 18 (SFH) hens this is the first to go broody. I was trilled to realize that one of the Swedish Flower Hens was indeed broody and at 6 months old. Hatched on March 9, 2017, she had only started laying the beginning of August. I have not even placed a rooster in that pen of hens yet. Her efforts are in vain. There is no way she has fertile eggs.

If you have read any of my September posts, I was having a rough time loosing my horse McCoy, struggling with my own health challenges while attempting to keep up caring for the animals. “There is nothing new under the sun.” The truth of Ecclesiastes 1:9 has been a source of comfort to me, knowing others have indeed experienced these trials and lived to see another day. I chose to see an opportunity for growth.

Catching up on pen cleaning and farm maintenance needed to come first, in my opinion, before giving thought to hatching eggs. Happy when I received an order for Silver Gray Dorking chicks, I decided to use the IncuView Incubator.

Thursday(yesterday) proved to be a beautiful October fall day. I did not move quickly for that is not in the best interest of my health, but rather I slowed down, accomplishing needed tasks in a relaxed fashion. For one who once sported the nickname “energizer bunny” slowing down is an accomplishment in itself. That, readers, is my sense of humor showing, for the simple truth, presently, I am not physically capable of working as I have in the past.

Feeling confident that I can, once again, care for the animals to meet my standards, (Clean! Clean! Clean!) I decided to attempt to give the broody hen eggs to hatch. After consideration of different options, I brought in a 100 gallon tank and set her up in there. Bedding and Swedish Flower Hen eggs from a different pen went in first. I removed her from the eggs she was sitting on, totally changing her environment. It was a bit of an experiment for me. I felt hopeful but not sure what to expect. I chased away the believe that I required a perfect outcome of my choice. It was going to be okay if this didn’t work. I would learn from this. I was going to get feed back from my results.

She was drawn to the eggs but was anxious about her new house. She became occupied with pecking at the hardware cloth top. I added feed and water after seeing her sit on the eggs. Oh, but then when I came back she was off them. I lifted the lid, a quick intent look from her and suddenly she flew out. I caught her after what felt like several minutes, but did not take me that long at all. Well, “I will give you 24 hours”, I decided silently. I told myself I was going to stay away from her to give her time to settle. NO peeking at her for one hour and I looked at my watch. In my excitement, I had not realized she was receiving constant checks, like every few minute checks. Silly of me really, but I so badly wanted this to work.

I reduced my checks to periodically throughout the evening. Before going in for the night she was indeed setting on the eggs. This morning found her still flattened like a pancake covering all 11 eggs. Excitement!!

Both, the eggs in incubator and the broody hen should be hatching near the date of October 26th, fulfilling the 21 day incubation period. Did you know the exact temperature will shorten or lengthen the time it takes for chicks to develop? Stay connected on social media for up to date reports on the hatches.

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October 2, 2017October 2, 2017

Unpleasant Tasks

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Looking around on the farm, after returning from my trip out west, numerous tasks had been put off far too long. First, I needed to recover from a nasty bug and now I find my energy level is slow in returning. Last week, I felt as if I began to start chipping away at the list glaring in my face. I am thankful for the days that I need to refrain from physical activity to rest my body physically. It gives me time to work on the backside of this web site and time to write. It does not quench the burning desire to get stuff done.

One of these tasks were most unpleasant for me. I have said before I do not enjoy killing animals. This had not changed, but I have been seeing an opossum sauntering off when walking into the chicken barn after dark. Up until last week it was always out of sight by the time I returned with the gun. Note: This species is known to carry disease(s) that spreads to not only to chickens but horses as well. My horse hay is stored in my chicken barn at the moment. Yuk! ‘Possums in my barn is simply not ok with me. Trapping them did not seem to be a great option either for I would likely catch one of my many cats or kittens before a ‘possum.

Arriving back to the barn, gun in hand, I managed one shot, but not fatal. Due to the amount of items stored in that barn I needed to move boxes to get another. I felt completely inadequate, wanting to simply give up on this. Of course, I was not ok with leaving a wounded animal to suffer and some of my cats were becoming rather curious. All did not end well, in my mind, if I did not complete that which I had started. I found a dog kennel and positioned it, hoping the ‘possum would enter it. While it seemed like a hopeful idea, it did not work. I took a deep breath and prayed, “Lord how do I do this?” He said, “Go for the heart.” It worked! I was thankful for the leadership and thanked Him out loud when I seen it was a female. I knew how much harder this would had been for me had I found babies or needed to deal with babies in the barn.

Imagine my surprise when two nights later I entered the barn to see another ‘possum walking around. I was feeling stronger over all and good thing. Before I went to bed that night I had removed the presence of two male ‘possums. I also seen one sneaking off into the nearby wooded area. “You better stay out of my barn” was my silent message.

While that was all unpleasant enough, I had several bodies to depose of. Truth: I did not feel strong enough to bury them. I had lost some growing chickens as well. My preferred method: burning for disposal, but I was going to need some wood to fuel the fire. Also, the area around the barn was in need of TLC to create a cleaner look and discourage animals from lurking right outside the barn. A few hours on the riding lawn mower, a wheel barrow to haul sticks and previously cut fallen limbs provided me with wood for the fire. While I need to mow the area again in the next week, the appearance has improved dramatically. Certainly the lack of cover leading to the barn, while it will not stop an animal from entering it, will create a more vunerable environment to get there. One other simple discouragement has been to only allow access to the cat food during the day.

I believed the Lord had laid it on my heart to repair the shelter next. My spouse proved a great help to make some needed improvements. At some point, Bo and Rosie had found a way to remove several boards on the south side. How horses do what they do? I have yet to figure out. Sometimes they leave me shaking my head. Thankful this did not result in injury.

I worked moving the manure and dirt from the area and he worked on the boards themselves. We patched it all back together so now there is once again a south wall on the shelter.

This project is going to need more attention in the near future but Saturday we were able to provide a safe shelter for these mares. Looking around and seeing minor improvements motivates me to tackle the next chore.

Homesteading and farming on any scale is not for the weak of heart. I may struggle physically right now, but my spirit has not lost its spunk. I needed to wade through my grief to find it. I am thankful to Lord for leading me. I have no idea how many times I have repeated Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

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September 28, 2017September 30, 2017

Lake Louise

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“Lake of the Little Fishes” as the Stoney Indians called it, was named Emerald Lake by Tom Wilson. His job as horse packer for the Canadian Pacific Railway lead to Edwin Hunter, a Stoney Indian, taking him to see it in August of 1882. Tom was the first non Indian person to see it. Two years later, in 1884, Queen Victoria named it Lake Louise after her fourth daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. The lake is fed from the run off of Victoria Glacier.

“You have to visit Lake Louise at least once in your life, see it in person,” stated my Mother. With that she broke into a line of the song Blue Canadian Rockies. I trust her eye for beauty and have heard her say how beautiful Lake Louise is. Having been there in her past she has shared her desire to return. Honoring her wishes, we added a stop at Lake Louise as a part of our day trip to Banff.

In 2017 Canada celebrated 100 years by offering free admission to all National and Provincial Parks. Folks from around the world were navigating Banff National Park to view the beauty. We traveled through Kananaskis Country on 40 to Trans-Canada Highway also known as #1. I do not recall ever being completely immersed in the mountains as I was that day.

View from our parking spot of a different glacier (not Victoria Glacier)

I found the crowded atmosphere overwhelming and questioned why we picked this location as we drove around trying to find a place to park. The first available had a two hour limit and we would need to ride a bus up to Lake Louise itself. Arriving, after a short bus ride and walk to the lake, found the edge of the lake lined with crowds. A long line for rentals extinguished my desire to canoe on Lake Louise as an escape from the masses.

Alas, we found our way to an available spot on the rocky shore. Forgetting the correct words of the Blue Canadian Rockies my mom had inserted her own… “my feet in the waters, of the beautiful Lake Louise.” That sounded nice, so after sitting on the rocks off came my shoes and socks. My sister and mother followed suite. Suddenly, I realized a new feeling had overcome me. As I sat barefooted on the rocks a sense of complete peace had overcome me. I felt a connection to the earth and creator, the crowds of people were no longer visible to my spirit.

My sister and I took turns sitting on an island rock. Peaceful, relaxing laughter and conversation danced between the three of us. We all braved the cold waters of the Emerald Lake dangling our feet from the banks of Lake Louise.

Our time and Mom’s mobility was limited, but there is a trail leading from Lake Louise to a tea house high in the mountains that I am adding to my bucket list. Now, I too, have a desire to return to Lake Louise. Do you?

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September 22, 2017September 23, 2017

Scottish Highland Cattle Show 2016 St Joseph County Fair

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I discovered Scottish Highland Cattle(SHC) online, while searching for miniature cattle. I came across an article describing SHC’s dual purpose as a producer of both meat and milk. Intrigued, I read that this gentle breed was known to originally inhabit the houses of Scottish families. Conveniently located in a gated section of human residence, one did not have to exit into the cold to obtain milk. I am sure to some the smell may have negated the option to avoid the cold. Their long hair provides protection from extreme cold and promotes a less fatty, healthier meat. A large horn spread provided a strong defense against predators. Bulls too were known to be on the gentle side. Of course, like any animal, how they are raised, handled and selective breeding plays an important role in developing attitudes. SHC milk is high in butter fat, while meat is high in iron and protein, but lower in cholesterol. If need be, the breed ha been known to survive on brush. Survive, but not thrive. Cows often produce calves until the age of 20 or longer. All of these details were positives as I desire to produce my own food.

I researched online, looking at sale posts and breeders websites, FB pages, ect. Excited, I attended the 2016 SHC show at the St Joseph County Fair in Centreville, MI. I learned more about the breed as it presents now in the United States and met breeders from different areas in Michigan.

Scottish Highland Cattle in the United States today are less likely to be used for a family milk cow. While some do, the primary goal for most breeders is to raise SHC for beef (meat) and to excel in the show ring. A SHC that produces too much milk presents a problem for the breeder that does not desire to milk a cow out. If she produces too much milk for a new born calf, mastitis can set in and create illness and or death. Damage to a quarter of a cows bag would create a cow that is no longer desirable in the show ring.

The breeders I met were kind in sharing knowledge and even allowed me to show in a couple classes. Not only was I privileged to pick their brains as I begin developing my eye, but I actually was allowed to lead and show the cattle. Skyler Anderson of Skye High Farms gave me a crash course in showing cattle. Pat White allowed me to show cattle she raises and owns with her husband on LEA-White Farms. Eddie of Dundonald Highlands provided a Scottish Highland for me to show as well and shared stories of raising Highlands depicting his dedication and love for the breed. All contributed to my wonderful experience and learning about this fantastic breed. Click on the links to any of their farm pages to learn more about Scottish Highland Cattle.

LEA-White Farms earned the titles of 2016 Reserve Grand Champion Scottish Highland….

and 2016 Grand Champion Scottish Highland….Congratulations!

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