Across the country the farming communities celebrate their heritage in various ways. It may be their crop, strawberry days, potato days or something else. These celebration days harken back to a time earlier in history. The old crafts and machinery show up, locals get together to visit, talk about the weather and the days events. A feast is set out and there is more visiting.
This past week I went to Old Thrashers Day at a neighboring town. It has been going on for a number of years. The show was spread out over a few acres with different activities in the locations plus there fairgrounds next door was being used.
There was more then I want to put in one story so I am going to spread it out over a number of stories. To say the least, I enjoyed my day and next year will plan better for a longer stay.
One of most interesting was watching this young lady and her oxen. They are about 1500 pound animals and with a little flick of her whip the ox responded. There is no leash or harness, she leads them around with the buggy whip. It is a flick above them or a gentle tap on their shoulders to get their attention. Mostly it was a gentle tap and the oxen would respond and move to her commands.
She gets them hooked up and they push their buggy back up on the trailer. They have to push evenly or the buggy goes lopsided on off the trailer. It was a treat to watch her work with the animals.
She said they are 4 years old so that means they will grow some more. They will probably grow to over 2000 pounds.
I talked with her a bit and she said they use them around the farm for various chores, such as hauling water out to pasture. She also said she has fun with them around the farm.
There were some other woman there dressed like her. I am guessing they might be a Mennonite type of sect. Yet to get the animals to work together like that takes time and patience.
Fall has arrived…. will be in the 40’s most of the day and it has been raining past 2 days. No frost on the pumpkin yet though but it will be close.
4 comments:
That does sound like your cup of tea John. Surprisingly I don't see many things like that around here though farming is a huge thing. I think since our involvement in the Farmer's Market stopped it's not as obvious to see what the farming community is up to. It can get down to the forties at night here but still rises usually to the seventies during the day. I'm not looking forward to the inevitable cold to come.
Hi John now that is something I would love to attend. Must have been amazing watching these animals work. Can't wait to see what else you saw. Have a wonderful week. Hugs carrie
That would be something to see, John. Wow, just to think how huge and powerful these animals are, and then to see how a person and a whip controls them. It boggles the mind. :)
John Im so glad you shared this story and did get out and take these photos. How interesting it is in different place and your so right the big cattle will grow more , much more. They are beautiful. I cant believe people still live like that but to be honest maybe that the best way. Im really enjoy this post and cant wait to get to the next. Were busy with the harvest. I havent been out with my camera as I hope as I had minor surgury yesterday so that has set me back a few more days. Darn car accident I had in March will haunt me for a while yet. Thanks for stopping by my last blog. Your words really beautiful and I am saving them. Thank you my friend.
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