[Robin]

Not to worry. Anyone with interest will find us. We have some other events
this spring summer like fairs, etc. Jason, if you would like me to put your fliers out please PM or e-mail. I will give you my address. I don’t know if that will help get attendees but lots of folks pass by on event days. Not everyone knows about DAP. Robin

[Robin]

There is a book “Stone By Stone”, author, Robert M. Thorson explains the History in New England’s Stone Walls. The walls were “thigh high” as that is about the limit a farmer could stack the stones.
The book is very interesting. Enjoy!
Publisher Walker & company, New York, copyright 2002.
Robin

[Robin]

I meant one foot, not one inch…sorry about that.
Robin

[Robin]

Check with your local zoning code officer. Yes, there are fence laws, depending your location. Here in Campbell Hall, NY a fence over 6′ must be within your boundry 1″. Livestock rules apply to different areas. You may also want to check with Cornell Co-op Ext. They are very helpful. Good luck.
Robin

[Robin]

We have a stock which we bought second hand. The previous owner had a belly band, we used it a few times, but it broke with one of the animals in it. Not fun. Since then, no belly band. they just stand on three feet while one gets trimmed. (Hoof trimmer said they get too confident with the bellyband and put all their weight on it). So far, so good without it. The hoof trimmer brings a little foot stool to rest their hoof on while it gets trimmed. It’s different than a horse stock. Hope this helps a little. Robin

[Robin]

My oxen “smell” for ice and are very cautious about stepping on it. They will aviod it anyway possible. This may be your problem. They are smarter than you. Treat them with respect and they will repect you….don’t beat them!
My guys do not have shoes. Do yours?

[Robin]

Merry Christmas to all those I have met on this site. For those who have not have the opprtunity to meet the folks behind this site, you are in for a great surprise when you do. What a fantastic group! I have attended the event for the past three years. I just hope it will continue for many more years.
Support it when you can, plan to visit when you can. This is a unique group of people. Wishing everyone the best in 2011!

[Robin]

Jen, if you want more info on Highlanders contact Leo Causland at http://www.onefuzzycow.com
He is a friend of mine, use to live in Goshen,NY became a rancher in Colorado. Has show cattle plus some for the freezer. Good luck. Robin

[Robin]

Do you really want the minutes to be this public, or e-mail privately to members? I am not sure you have my phone #, but you do have my e-mail.
This was a great event, inspite of the rain. You know I will help anyway I can.

[Robin]

Great news Vickie. This should be a real hoot. Are you camping or staying in a motel? Looking forward to seeing everyone.

[Robin]

Great looking little “guys”! I’ll see you & your “guys” next week.
Robin

[Robin]

Since I started this thread, I thought I’d jump back in with some Fair observations. I attended 4 this season. Unusual for me to go to that many.
Each had a specific reason. Keep in mind, this area is not a rural as it once was.
Our fair season is July-late August.The first I attended was Ulster County Fair in New Paltz, NY. This is run by the Fair Board. They do a great job.
This is a fairly small fair with something for everyone. The main attraction for me this year was to see the Gatlan Bros., nice concert, included in the Fair admission fee, all carnival ride are included in the admission fee also. Great for parents.
There, also, was a draft horse competition (always poorly attended by spectators), tractor pull, etc. These are mostly adult competitions.
Other things of interest was the sheep, goat, pig barns, wool spinning building-adults running the program…including a few men. They were originally from Europe. Had to help their Mom spin for clothes.
The grounds here are very well kept, clean, enough rest rooms, plenty to do for a day.
Sussex County Fair, NJ had an oxen pull. That is the reason I went. This is the only fair in the local area with an oxen pull. The pullers came from Ct. It was fairly well attended by spectators. The pull was one of the best in years.
This happend to be the last day of the fair so some barn animals had already left for home. I did get to see the alpaca agility competition. This was all 4-Hers. Good for them!
Other events here was a truck pull/kids game tent with educational games-ag. related. Very interesting. There was a landscaping building,elephant & camel rides, pig races, a wolf exhibit, then the usual rabbits, cattle, ducks, chickens.
This is a nice NJ State Fair, very clean. Extra costs for the carnival rides.
Always plenty of food at all the fairs.
Dutchess County Fair, NY (The area of Chelsea Clinton wedding) This fair is a mini Freyburg. No oxen, but they do have bull riding event, draft horse events, English riding events. Most horse events are poorly attended by the public.
This fair has plenty of cattle shows, mostly adults,plenty of farmers to talk with. There is an anitque farm equipment building, with folks to explain the equipment. Some equipment is running.
A wool spinning barn, a birthing barn for the public to watch animals actually give birth. There were several calves, pigs, a draft horse with a young one,
goats. Some already gave birth others waiting. This barn is very active with the public walking in and out.
One fun thing is the “stick pony rodeo”, basically kids on a stick horse, barrel racing. This always keeps the adults laughing….kids have a great time.
There is a milking barn, certain times of day, of course.
The poultry barn here had many varieties of foul, including several GEESE,
chicks being hatched, some animals could be handled with the supervision of adults.
There is also a Canine tent, dog agility, dog shows, water dog contest, plus the adoption groups.
One big item at this fair is the Milk Shakes from the 4-H booth. Over 20,000 are sold during the fair. Always a long line here.
All carnival rides here are an extra fee. So is the big name entertainment. Here I saw Montgomery Gentry show. I paid $28.00 for very good seats.
All of the fairs mentioned, you can get close to the animals, pet them, talk to folks in the barns.
This fair is very clean, good entertainmnet, something for everyone.
Notice, I did not mention Orange County fair, my home county. This fair is very run down, dirty, mostly a carnival. Unfortunately, the local folks don’t go here anymore.
I did bring my oxen to the Otisville Fair. See the first thread. I did not have a chance to walk around, but all comments were folks liked it, small, clean, local folks. Not too much carnival stuff.
The Freyburg, Me. fair is the Daddy of them All. I have been there several years in a row, stayed 4-5 days and still have not seen it all. Some folks tell me it has changed in the past few years. Don’t know!
Hope to meet some of you in Tunbridge.

[Robin]

The Otisville Fair is in Orange County, NY a few miles West of Middletown,NY not too far from the NJ, Pa border. It’s a very small fair put on by the Lions Club.
One local dairy farmer has gotten several kids involved by having them work on her farm a few days a week. She had cattle for all of them at the Cattle Show. I think that is great.
I am not ready to start another team. I still have Frank & Jesse along with Jed & Grey. It’s a “time” thing…..just not enough time to do all the things we want to do. Jed & Grey are still in pretty good health to pull a light wagon, logs, etc. Jed & Grey are brown swiss, Frank & Jesse are milking devon X’s. (Can you tell I got them from Howie)?
The other things I think about, will there be a cattle vet. in the future. Right now there is one cattle vet in the county. He is not a young man. If he retires, not sure if there will be another.
Then there are the other services like hoof trimmer, feed supply, hay, etc.
As the farmers leave so do the services. Two farms closed in the past two weeks. Not many left. It’s very sad. No farms, no food.
Robin

[Robin]

Hi Jen,
I’ll be there with the paper products, etc. as last year. I’ll be glad to help anyway I can. See ya in Oct.
Looking forward to meeting our old & new members. I have relatives in Idaho…should be a good chat with Geoff.
Robin

[Robin]

Do you have any photo’s of Richard Smith’s longhorns in yoke?
He was at the Sussex, NJ fair, but did not have them yoked while I was there.
Did they have an ox pull at your fair?
I thinks he will be at the Dutchess County fair this week. I may get to see him on Thurs. when I plan to go.
You “guys” look great. Keep up the good work. Will you be in Tunbridge, Oct?

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