[Robin]

We have used white vinegar for cleaning. There is a website for many of its uses.
Also club soda will take stains out. Airline attendants use it all the time for spills.
Peroxide also has some cleaning value.
I am sure there are many other things…..baking soda is another.
We, also, use white vinegar and salt as weed killer. It will not hurt the animals and does a fair job.

[Robin]

I recently heard the same about goats eating the poison ivy, human drinking the milk thus becoming immune to getting poison ivy.
A local goat farm recently started selling raw goat milk, licensed to do so, of course. Very interesting.

[Robin]

check out wagonmasters.com
It is updated daily. It seems Bob is doing a little better.
I have sent a few $$$ to the fund, also sent word to our local Draft Horse Club with hopes some others would like to contribute.
How is Dan your ox doing?
Regards,
Robin

[Robin]

Howie,
Is that Betty? That photo is not all that old. Look at the car. Must be late ’50’s early ’60’s. Just a few years ago, right!!! LOL.

[Robin]

Hi Barbara,
It was great speaking to you at the Pa. Farm Show.
It seems Dan has six legs in your photo.
sorry you didn’t get into the ring. Maybe next year.
Robin

[Robin]

There is a single ox there. Look for Dan the Ox along with Barbara his drover.
They are in the Exotic Area…about the third aisle in. I believe this is the Northwest Hall.
She was there on Tuesday. Not sure of her schedule for the rest of the week.
There is a lot to see at the show. Give yourself plenty of time.
All of it is indoors. Good thing with this wild winter weather.
You will find oxen in Pa. Check out Howie…a wonderful person to learn from.

[Robin]

I belong to the Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association based in Ultser County, NY. We have run into the same questions, etc. so the club has decided to start giving basic lessons. The only requirement is folks be club members, for insurance purposes. The members decided a group of 20 students was all they could handle at one time. Right now we have a wait-list. The instructors are club members, who have been using draft animals for years.
The interest is there, but folks (general public) are lost as to where to start, how to get started, etc. Great emphasis will be on safety!
I was in the same boat with my “steers” until I met Howie, Ray Ludwig, etc.
I am still learning everyday. Now, at least, I can pull logs for firewood, use my ox cart, etc. with confidence. I don’t have a lot of land to work, but I am outdoors everyday, even if it’s just mucking or brushing them in bad weather.
I attended the Pa. Farm Show yesterday. I met a gal from Pa. who had her ox on display. Lots of interest from the public, same with the mustang horses, pull horses, etc.
Carl & Lisa keep up the good work.

[Robin]

I belong to the Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association based in Ultser County, NY. We have run into the same questions, etc. so the club has decided to start giving basic lessons. The only requirement is folks be club members, for insurance purposes. The members decided a group of 20 students was all they could handle at one time. Right now we have a wait-list. The instructors are club members, who have been using draft animals for years.
The interest is there, but folks (general public) are lost as to where to start, how to get started, etc. Great emphasis will be on safety!
I was in the same boat with my “steers” until I met Howie, Ray Ludwig, etc.
I am still learning everyday. Now, at least, I can pull logs for firewood, use my ox cart, etc. with confidence. I don’t have a lot of land to work, but I am outdoors everyday, even if it’s just mucking or brushing them in bad weather.
I attended the Pa. Farm Show yesterday. I met a gal from Pa. who had her ox on display. Lots of interest from the public, same with the mustang horses, pull horses, etc.
Carl & Lisa keep up the good work.

[Robin]

A few years ago I had three teens “work” here for a summer. I had four oxen at the time. the kids helped to a degree, but they did have a great time and will never forget the experience. We put up electric fence, worked the animals, when it go too hot we would give the animals a shower, which turned into a water fight among the kids. It was fun.
It’s hard to find kids that are really interested in livestock.
At every event we take the oxen to, there are many questions, some interest, but most folks do not contact us again.
I do have a few older folks interested in learning. One couple, in their 50’s come often. Another gal wants to train her steer. Another family comes when they have time,as they live over an hour away.
Remember, my area is more McMansions than farms. All in all the effort is worth it. I try to enlighten folks of how hard the work was to build a homestead, farm from scratch, etc. when this country was young.
I know others on this forum work for real with their animals. That is just not the case in this area. It will be interesting to hear from the others.
Merry Christmas to all.

[Robin]

Here is another article from the Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/enviornment/article5323615.ece
I can’t believe what I am reading these days. This article pertains to NO MORE BEEF IN BRITON, (the home of Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding).
Also, someone was on TV a few evenings ago stating that Australia should eat camels and kangaroos instead of beef due to the cattle emissions.
I never hear anyone from the media standing up for the farmers on these or other farm/ranch issues.
Where do these people think their food comes from, whether it be beef, other meat or produce/fruit, etc.? It’s a lot of physical work for little pay.

[Robin]

When will the old format change? I never did get your snail mail, if you replied to the info I sent you. Hope all have a wonderful holiday season.
Robin

[Robin]

I know how you feel. I have lost several “best friends” over my 65 years.
One was hit by a car on Christmas Day when I was eight years old. Will never forget my “Bucky”. She was there when I was born. Lots of tears over the years. I always thought as one gets older these losses would be less hurtful….not the case.
I send my sympathy!
I now have a collie “wanna be” and one of her pups. I am sure the pup is part hound. A real handful. I got them from a rescue group. They needed a home an I needed to fill my empy spot. I am sure one day I will shed a tear over them, also.

[Robin]

Cats & rodents…My cat is indoor/outdoor and he does a good job on mice/rats/squirrels/rabbits, etc. The only problem I find, other than the carcus’ is worms. I have to worm him every 4 months for tapeworms. Last year he had other varieties. If you can’t handle your cat for shots, vet appts. how will you be able to get a pill down?
I did have more cats previously, but they have passed away. Right now, I have the indoor/outdoor guy plus one indoor sissy cat. She is afraid of her own shadow, but I haven’t seen any mice in the house in a few years. She must be doing her job.

[Robin]

RE: No Name Gang
Where are they located and when & where do they do their farming? Do they have a contact person/web site/anything?
Our local draft club would be interested in seeing them.
Thanks,
Robin

[Robin]

I am paying $4.00 per square bale for grass hay, $5.00 per bale for straw.
About $4.45 for wood shaving on a 25 bale pallet. I am in Orange County, NY. Big horse country, some dairies are still here, but few. I have oxen.

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