[Robin]

I have under worked & over weight oxen.
Do you mean breed? I have a team of Brown Swiss which I got from the Brooklyn, Ct. oxen 4-Her’s. They are about 14 years old.
I also have a milking devon/red holstein cross. Also a milking devon/normandy cross. They are about 10 years old. Can you guess where I got them?????
From a great oxen guy, Howie Van Ord.
I also have a Holstein, who was given to me about 11 years ago. He’s a good pet, just hangs out with the “guys”.
I did lose one last December. He was 9 1/2years old, Holstein/Jersey cross, also given to me.
It is interesting here in this area, as I am the only oxen person in the county.
I do the best I can without a local mentor. I travel, when I can, to the oxen workshops, gatherings, etc. just to learn.
As the farms leave, so do the services, like Vets, hoof trimmers, feed stores.
I can only hope some of it will come back. Wishfull thinking, eh?

[Robin]

Hi folks, I’m down here in Orange County, NY. I buy from the local farmers as much as I can. Right now I am paying $4.00 per gallon for raw milk, cream not available. If I need cream, I take it off the top of the container. We make butter with it from time to time.
I am paying $2.75 a doz.for eggs, direct from the farm. Free range chickens.
Both places are pretty much self service. The dairy needs to know your order ahead of time. Your order is in a container, in refrig waiting for your pick-up. (Their container is + $1.00 or bring your own). They have a real nice set up. They have a small herd of Jersey cows, about 24 cows. A good part of their milk is sold direct to the public. In NYS they have to be licensed to sell raw milk.
There are several produce farmers in the region, most in the Pine Island blackdirt area. Many sell to local grocery stores.
I have been buying from the local farmers market in Goshen, NY for several years. It is one day a week on Friday. A few years ago the customers were
there, but not in great numbers. Last year the numbers increased tremendously, this year the place is packed. The “Buy Local” campaigne is really working.
Keep in mind, Goshen in the county seat, lots of day workers in town for the government and other businesses. Goshen does not have a grocery store!
The lunch hour crowd buys here every week, plus the local residents.
As I drive around the local area, the roadside stands always seem to be busy. The farm I buy my hay from is busy from 7:00AM ’til dark. They sell hay, corn, cabbage, squash, potatoes, garlic, onions, etc. all season. Hay & straw all winter.
The prices are fair, lots of good local food. I am sure the farmers will never be rich, but they can pay their bills, etc. They live a lot more conservatively than folks in other trades.
The farms are disappearing rapidly. McMansion were growing, but now that is all changed. There are bus tours to view the houses in foreclosure!
Another note, most folks from the city have no idea where their food comes from or how much work/expense is involved.

[Robin]

I am about 70 miles from Times Square in Orange County, NY. Tell me more about yourself. Folks interested in oxen are always welcome, by appointment only.
My e-mail is dmjure33@frontiernet.net
I have several who need work. We are pulling logs for firewood right now.
regards,
Robin J.

[Robin]

I am about 70 miles from Times Square in Orange County, NY. Folks interested in oxen are always welcome, by appointment only.
My e-mail is dmjure33@frontiernet.net
I have several who need work. We are pulling logs for firewood right now.
regards,
Robin J.

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