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| "I haven't had my coffee yet!!" |
The other news: Not the way I planned
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Back in May we experienced a cattle incursion that had me running around like a demented dude rancher.
This morning, that story continued.
The short version: we’re having hog fencing installed around our seven acres. One stretch of the old fence—between our property and that of Neighbor 1—was taken down yesterday. And for the lack of one 12' gate, cows belonging to Neighbor 2 found their way over to Neighbor 1’s property.
This was un-neighborly for a few reasons, not the least of which is that cows like to munch on and otherwise demolish small trees like the ones Neighbor 1 has been working for months to grow.
Looking up from my coffee to see half a dozen cattle in a place they didn't belong (and immediately seeing why) was a bigger jolt than any caffeine hit.
I ran out the door and set about herding the cows off Neighbor 1's land. Neighbor 1, meanwhile, called Neighbor 2, who sent his grandson out on an ATV.
Pertinent detail: one of the cows (whom we call Poppy) is blind. Left to her own pace and direction, she's independent and sweet as can be. Herding her (and her calf) is another matter entirely. We did *not* want Poppy to panic and, say, go tumbling into a nearby gully.
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| Actor portrayal. Not an actual cow. |
Did I sweat buckets in that time? Yes, yes I did.
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Denouement: Poppy did *not* take a tumble into the gully (nor did anyone else).
We rigged up a temporary gate, confirming the general security of Neighbor 1's trees—which should be cow-safe until Monday at least, at which time the new stretch of fence will be complete.
Farm-Fit Note: Herding cows on foot is an excellent workout. I recommend you incorporate it into your regular fitness routine at your earliest convenience.
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