On the 23rd of August 2014 Albert Tan and Libby Day held a field day at there chittering farm. Russell, Chris and myself got there around 8:30 to help set up and to get our heifer ready for the prize draw. We got of her of the trailer and tied her up along with two bull calfs, a young heifer and two cows. People started arriving and by the first hour over 100 raffle tickets were sold. Libby started introductions and we started with Beth Green talking to us about NLS ear tags and cattle identification, it was such an interesting topic to listen about I personally learnt a lot and so did a lot of other people. Russell then introduced Geoff Dawe who was talking about Animals Husbandry, he started talking to us about dehorning and showing us different types of techniques like the gas/heat dehorner, the more hands on tool which pulls and scoops the horn out. The next thing he showed us was a testicle remover, there was two ways, a rubber ring for calves and younglings and then a much larger ring which is for bulls and older cattle. We next went down to the cattle chute where a cow called Ebere was in there ready to milk, Geoff Dawe next explained the quality meat cuts, fat measuring and the basics of clipping. Mary did demonstration on how to milk and test to see if the cow is cycling (to help the artificial insemination). Next we went over to the crush and watched Geoff ear tag Binti plus two calves and use a dehorning paste on the calves as well. When using the paste the calves have to be away from there parents for 6 hours. It was lunch by then everyone enjoyed a hotdog with some salad, Russell and myself went around tried selling more raffle tickets. We managed to sell another 150 tickets which was fantastic, everyone was determined to win the little heifer Jynx. After lunch Jean Witcombe spoke to everyone about artificial insemination and showed us a demonstration at the end of the day. After Jean finished her talk Mary Ipkendanz gave a presentation about milk and the benefits of drinking raw milk freshly milked from a cow. She also mentioned about making cheese and butter. Every lecturers presentation where very interesting and everyone learnt something new in each 4 talks. After all the lecturers it was time for the raffle, the first prize was the heifer Jynx who was won by Beth Green who was excited about the news. The next prize was a lifetimes supply of toothpaste which was won by Jean Witcombe, 2 dexter travel mugs who were one by Collin Howel and Myself. Another prize was 3 halters won by Cameron Sept and two others. Albert auctioned of the dexter sign and the highest bidder was Paul Robinson.
By the end of the day everyone was pretty tired but the day was so successful and everyone had a brilliant time and learnt so much. Thankyou to Albert and Libby for putting your time and effort into holding the field day. Thankyou to Russell and Chris cleghorn for donating the young heifer for the raffle prize. Thankyou to the lecturers for coming out and giving well prepared speeches and demonstrations. Also a big thankyou to everyone for coming and buying raffle tickets.
By the end of the day everyone was pretty tired but the day was so successful and everyone had a brilliant time and learnt so much. Thankyou to Albert and Libby for putting your time and effort into holding the field day. Thankyou to Russell and Chris cleghorn for donating the young heifer for the raffle prize. Thankyou to the lecturers for coming out and giving well prepared speeches and demonstrations. Also a big thankyou to everyone for coming and buying raffle tickets.