Some of the weather statistics that were spit from the lips on both radio and TV recently stated that the dry weather we have been experiencing here in the midwest of southern Ontario has been the worst in somewhat more than 30 years.
I certainly could not argue with that, for my memory dates the mid or late 60s as the driest that I can recall.
At the time of this writing, we have had several slow showers spanning several days.
The lawn has greened and the hay fields have sprung to life. While leaning on the paddock fence, watching the changing pattern of the Boer goats grazing, I could see a blue tinge in the hayfield just beyond.
When I finally ambled over to satisfy my curiosity, I found, though not yet beyond a foot in height, the alfalfa forage was out in full blossom and the bees were buzzing each and everywhere, sipping the nectar that will end up as honey on our winter’s toast.
At this point my mind began to crunch thoughts. The dry season, though not affecting our immediate needs, brought on a gross shortage of hay, and second-cut would be at a high premium, but due to the shortness of growth, the bales would tumble end over end from our baler, in relatively fewer numbers. Would it or would it not put more jingle in the pockets of our faded, knee split, blue jeans to leave it standing to self-seed and thicken the crop in coming years? Who is to say?
Our goat population is due to double this fall and the following year, and with the additional coming of age of brood does, it will double once again, within that same year, so I’m thinking the ball of thought is bouncing in the direction of saving harvesting fuel costs and leaving the second cut uncut to reseed. The better to feed our goats when their numbers favourably increase.
This past weekend has been an interesting one for me. I chose to host the third of four monthly summer general meetings of the Saugeen Valley Fur and Feather Fanciers Association, which are held each summer at the homes of different members. The meeting is usually quite short and followed by a potluck barbecue type dinner.
Boy, what a way to pig out on a selection of things that would just boggle your mind if I were to list them all. There is everything there from the proverbial soup and nuts to pigtails and sauerkraut waiting to tantalize your taste buds. I can express it in no better way, though possibly impolitely, than burp, burp, B-u-u-r-r-p-p!
The main discussion of the executive portion was the upcoming, twice-annual spring and fall Buy Sell Trade Day being held, as usual, at the Mount Forest Fairgrounds on Sept. 30 from 7am to 1pm.
So mark your calendar, folks. I have every intention of being there; it is an interesting rub-shoulders and see think-a-like people day for me.
But please take note: There is one big change this year. The continued threat of rabies has deepened the concerns of the Board of Health and the Humane Society, as well as the insurance company, thus encouraging strongly recommendations that absolutely no dogs or cats, leashed or otherwise, be allowed on the grounds during that day’s festivities. The gates will be so signed. It is hoped, folks, that you will do your best to cooperate. Hope to see you all there.
Take care, ‘cause we care.
barrie@barriehopkins.ca
519-986-4105