Webmaster’s note: The format of this column has changed a bit, with all of the Quill’s Endians participating at various times and in various ways! This month’s column is written by Phil.
When Things Break Down…
There are seasons when everything seems to break down. In nature, in societies, and with equipment, stressed systems eventually give. So it has been with equipment at Quill’s End this year. Being beings of few means, we rely more on our resource and sagacity during such seasons. This, too, has fallen short this summer. Our tractor (1989), which already displayed uncommon character, has sat idle at far too regular intervals waiting for proper attention.
We have taken our cues and are refining our mechanical skills, such as they are, to meet the moment. Animal husbandry, as we practice it, does not require daily usage of steel, diesel, and hydraulics, but they do come in handy to move, crush, turn, spread, mow, and transfer when needed. As the season wears on, the need for a working machine, having oft been broken when needed, becomes more pressing. It occurs to me that machinery only goes awry while you are using it, whereas the opposite applies to living beings. The inanimate objects in our lives can only display character when in use; living beings can display character even while at rest.
Astrid was born on a cold November day 5 years ago. A daughter of Teeter and Freddy, she was immediately destined for incomparable character. Marked by a white star on her forehead, her name was her destiny as well. I had to save writing about her for last, as the words to describe her are more complicated.
A magnet for human attention, Astrid is usually the first in any given paddock to approach. She demands attention and gets it as her coloring, health, and shiny coat endear even the most inexperienced bovine observer to her. Oh, but it doesn’t stop there. She loves proper attention, and scorns being slighted. She can come to the barn in a mood for perceived slights, discomfort, or…nothing at all. She will refuse to be milked until such efforts are made to mollify her and assure her of most favored status.
Having her is a pleasure as her personality brims over and spills out when interacting. Her health and vigor makes you think you know what you are doing. She is a one of a kind that you’re OK with, as a barn full of Astrids would probably be unmanageable. There is only so much farmer to go around.
Heather and Phil Retberg and their three children run Quill’s End Farm, a 105-acre property in Penobscot that they bought in 2004. They use rotational grazing on their fifteen open acres and are renovating thirty more acres from woods to pasture to increase grazing for their pigs, grass-fed cattle, lambs, laying hens, and goats. Heather is Vice President of Halcyon Grange #345 and writes a newsletter for their farm’s buying club of farmers in her area and has generously permitted us to share some of their columns with Grangers. Visit the Quill’s End Farm Facebook Page for more information.