New oxen team

[Anonymous]

Vicki- You are correct that this team, Abbott and Costello were part of the Ingham County 4-H Working Steer project, though technically not part of her 4-H Club. We’ve had three clubs participate over the past 10-12 years and Abby was the one who got the kids involved (with the encourgement of her parents). Abbott and Costello originally belonged to Eli Bean.

I see Tim H was wondering how the program was going and it is winding down unfortunately. As far as I know we were the only county in MI to offer this project in both 4-H and Open class generating a lot of interest in the local areas. All of the original members have grown up and are continuing with their adult lives in new adventures. The youngest is a senior in high school this year. I doubt we will have the 4-H show this year but I believe that Judy (Abby’s mom and the Superintendent) is hoping to have the Open Class show. Anyone interested in showing can go to the Ingham County Fair website at http://www.inghamfair.com/index.htm. Forms and fair book can be found under Exhibitors. If you watch the slide show on the home page you will find Eli with Abbott and Costello they first year he showed them.

Eli has been to Tillers many times and has attended the MODA gatherings every year but one since he was 7/8 years old.

[Anonymous]

Andy, I have to tell you how pleased Eli was to read your post. As you know this was a very hard decision for Eli to make but one he felt was the best for Abbott and Costello. Eli knew it was unfair to keep a team that he was struggling to find the time to work while balancing college classes, working part time and shooting for the MSU Rifle Club. Eli has had a love of oxen since he was 7/8 years old and attended his first MODA Gathering. Though it was hard to watch them leave our farm we both were encouraged to see your enthusiam and willngness to work with them.

[Andy Carson]

Thanks for the thoughts. I didn’t put Eli’s name up as I didn’t know if he wanted it presented in a public forum. I was happy to see some spirit out of the steers when I want working them and at home because I was worried about getting a team that was too slow. Like I said, the oxen I have been around before (which wasn’t alot) were so slow. I have been leading them around and getting them used to me and my wife. Once you catch them, they are gentlemen, but Costello requires bribery to catch. I have pretty much transitioned them over to my horse hay now. It’s still grass hay, but it’s green and leafy and sweet smelling. My wife calls it “cow crack” because they love is so much. I’ll have to watch them close to make sure they don’t get fat.

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