It is already the end of June and summer is in full swing. I am trying to figure out where spring went to. With having a brutally cold winter with no snow, it has been a concern what Mother Nature had in store for us this summer. We have been blessed with lots of timely rains and the pastures are looking terrific! With what I am hearing we have more than made up for the lack of snow.
In May, the cows got their yearly checkups and vaccinations for breeding season and the cycle of life starts all over again. The bulls went in with their girls on May 22, making them very “Happy Campers”. Yankee was a concern this spring, as with all of us; he is getting older. He had his 10th Birthday and had a hard winter. But he has his spring back in his step and has settled from what I can tell all of “his” girls. Koal received the majority of the females and I don’t hear him complaining, but then he always has a spring in his step.
June started off with us heading east to the Osceola Highland Classic held in Reed City, MI. The show was top notch as always and the 3 Highlands that were with me did very well. It was their first experience on a trip and boy, they had a journey. From Michigan, we headed for Duluth, MN to attended the 63rd National Highland Convention. Coming home on the 15th of June, I was so pleased to see how well they did on a 2 week trip.
I have been honored to be the NCHCA Junior Chairperson for the past 3 years. This year the North Central Highland Cattle Association sponsored the National Convention held in Duluth, MN. This was a year long project with many ups and downs along the way. For the Junior part , we wanted to do something special in essence have their own convention. We had a Pool Party, watched cargo ships come, did some sight seeing in Duluth and had farm tours suited for them. It was a very busy 3 days with new friends made along the way. Our goal was to make sure the kids had a great time and learn something about their cattle . With the smiles we saw on Saturday night at the banquet, I think we met our goal. Because of the great folks we had for chaperons, this event was very special for everyone.
At the banquet on Saturday night, it was me that was surprised with being named 2014 AHCA Member of the Year!!!!!! Surprised and honored doesn’t even begin to express my feelings. Mark & Jamie Schulz of Flatland Farms made the presentation with so many kind words that made that moment even more special. In the beginning of July, I am headed back to Michigan to attend and help with the 4th Annual Midwest Cow Camp. At Almosta Farm there is something going on each month through November, so please check out the calendar and I hope to see you at one of them.
Always remember there is a chair on the deck for you and the door is always open at the Almosta Home if you find yourself in Northeast Nebraska.
