Ian won Champion AOSB (All Other Standard Breeds) with his Phoenix pullet.
Northeast Poultry Congress 2012
Written by Paul on January 17th, 2012Our future oxen
Written by Paul on December 15th, 2011
We purchased a second bull calf, Buck from the same farm where Clovelly came from (he’s on the left). He is Henry’s cousin. They will be trained to pull sleds, plows, logs and carts.
Cow Commons
Written by Paul on December 12th, 2011The town “common” is often thought of as a small green space in the town center. It originally was a concept brought from Britain where a large tract of generally less arable land was put aside for the grazing of livestock (generally livestock of the rich). In Marlborough, a large tract which included much of present day Southborough was established in 1664. The following is from a transcript of the Marlborough Town Records. It describes a number of landmarks which can still be located. The Alcocke Farm was in the SE corner of present day Marlborough, given to the original surveyor of Marlborough. The Stony Brook is now the reservoir system up to Crane meadow where the new exit is off Rt. 495. Stirrup Meadow Brooke is by the high school and then up to the Assibath (Assibet) River probably near the Solomon Pond Mall and to Hudson. It was basically a ring around the nucleated town center.
Links
Written by Paul on December 5th, 2011Here are some resources that have guided our projects over the years.
http://www.milkingdevons.org/
http://www.beltie.org/
http://peteandjensbackyardbirds.com/
http://www.polyfacefarms.com/
http://www.nofamass.org/
http://www.eatwild.com/index.html
http://www.heartwoodschool.com/
http://www.plimoth.org/
http://www.osv.org/
Belted Galloways on the Pasture
Written by Paul on November 3rd, 2011The belties have almost made it to the end of October on pasture forages alone. We have had great grass growing weather this fall and with our rotational grazing we have been able to maximize the growth potential of the pasture forages by allowing the best forages to re-grow for three weeks before they see the cattle again. This also helps to break the re-infestation cycle of parasites. We currently have six paddocks and hope to add a couple more next summer. The cows will be on the pasture until the end of November. Its a great time to come take a walk.
Annual Cow Pie Bingo, Saturday November 5th at 4:00PM
Written by Paul on October 26th, 2011The Breakneck Hill Cow Fund will hold its annual cowpie bingo fund raiser Saturday November 5th at 4:00 PM in the Community Garden. There will be 100 squares sold. First square a cowpie lands in wins $200. Squares are $20. Money raised will go to help feed the cows this winter. We still have plenty of squares available. Squares can be purchased online or by calling 508-330-7216 or emailing paul.bourdon@gtc-bio.com. Henry, our new Milking Devon calf will be available to pet and lead on a halter. Hope to see you there.
Henry with his milk mustache.
Why drugs should only be used therapeutically in livestock
Written by Paul on October 25th, 2011I thought this was a great resource for anyone who eats meat and/or uses antibiotics. Currently, antibiotics are used at sub-therapeutic levels in livestock to assist in weight gain. This creates the perfect situation for evolution. Bacteria can easily develop resistance to these antibiotics which are also used to treat infections in humans. The waste from the livestock is spread on fields used to grow vegetables and if not properly washed the bacteria end up in a human unable to treat the infection with that/ or those antibiotics. These problems are becoming more and more common and the federal government is finally starting to pay attention but the big agri-industry is not going to change without a fight so its important to pressure your congressmen to eliminate the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics. This website is a good place to start.
http://www.saveantibiotics.org/moms/
http://www.saveantibiotics.org/resources/HHIFBibliographyFinal%20with%20TOC%20012011.pdf
Annual Cow Fund Update
Written by Laurie on October 14th, 2011It’s hard to believe that the Breakneck Hill Cow Fund (BHCF) was established 10 years ago! The BHCF, a non-profit, 501c3 organization was formed to buy hay for the belted galloway cows previously owned by Farmer Ray Davis. In 2002 the BHCF assumed ownership of the cows and has an expanded mission not only to care and maintain a community herd of cows in Southborough, but also to promote and celebrate Southborough’s agricultural history and the importance of local farming.
Over the years we have strived to improve the overall health and genetic diversity of the herd. We have invited impressive bulls such as Zeus, a Nationally registered bull, George, and most recently Ferdinand, to spend summers with our lovely belted ladies. Presently, our herd stands at 12 belted galloway cows, 5 steers, 1 Milking Devon and her 1 month old bull calf named “Henry”.
The cows have enjoyed their summer home on the rolling fields of the Breakneck Conservation land. 6 paddocks have been created in the pasture to help the cows better maintain the grasses and support grass regeneration. Rotating the herd through these paddocks also ensures that the cows have access to a healthier food supply. They will soon cross over to their winter paddock at the Breakneck Hill Farm in early November.
The BHCF continues its dedication to community outreach and education. We depend on volunteer work from youth groups and enthusiastic adults looking for an opportunity to connect with their “inner farmer”. We thoroughly enjoy our visits from preschool groups, scout troops, and people passing by. We greatly appreciate the help from local groups and individuals in helping to feed the cows throughout the winter, putting up fences, and many other cow related activities. Without your help, we could not continue to have the herd of belted galloway cows here in Southborough.
The BHCF raises money to purchase hay and maintain the herd through a series of fund-raising events; all money raised goes directly to this purpose. Hay prices have soared and are over $6/bale. The cows ate over 1700 bales last year! A booth at Heritage Day helps us raise awareness of the cows in Southborough and serves as one of our most consistent ways to raise funds to support our cow cause. On Saturday, November 5th at 4pm, we will hold our annual Farm Day. This is a family outing that takes place at the Breakneck Hill Community Gardens and includes a family hike, local treats and sweets, and our exciting “Cow Pie Contest” which is one of our biggest fund raisers and most exciting events!
For more information please visit our website at www.southborobelties.org
Please donate and help us keep our belted galloways healthy and happy!
Thank you!
Laurie Bourdon-President, Chris Molinaro-VP, Joyce Greenleaf-Secretary/Treasurer, Paul Bourdon-Operations Mgr, Russ Devlin-webmaster
Southborough Heritage Day
Written by Paul on October 3rd, 2011We will have a booth at Heritage Day this Monday October 10th. We need to raise about $3000 for hay to get through the winter. We will be there with our affectionate little goats and our new calf, Henry plus some friendly chickens. Stop by to see them.
Chicken Tractor
Written by Paul on September 28th, 2011
The second hatching of dorkings chicks went into the chicken tractor built almost entirely from recycled materials. The chicken tractor with no bottom is moved daily to a new patch of ground so the chickens can forage for grass and insects.