The 4 H Fair Continued, The Horse Barn and Other Goodies

The horse barn and the surrounding area is almost a separate fair, all to itself. Here is where you can meander through the peaceful wooden stalls and hear the soft rumble and faint whinnies of the horses. This barn has a certain magic to it. With a swish of the tail and a firm, warm breath through the gate and a longing wells up in my chest. Oh, to have a horse...someday.

This is the show ring where they have the competitions. This is Dressage, which as I understand is a type of English riding. The 4 H also has Western competitions with barrel racing etc.

Another big part of the fair is the Tractors. They are there by the tons. Every variety of Farmall and John Deer. One night during the fair week, there is a tractor pull.

There are also delicious vendors that sell Bar-B-Que and smoked goodies or more traditional Carnie fare, like corn dogs, cotton candy, and snow cones. Here is Zach tapping out an old fashioned Birch Beer into the authentic tin cup. Birch Beer is a soda that tastes like a cross between wintergreen and Root Beer. It's very common out East.

To tie up the end of the fair, there are also amazing displays. This sheep is made from phones and phone cords. Ingenious! There is also vegetable growing contests and craft displays.

Wild Wednesday, Red Fox

Last year Zach and I went to the East Coast for our honeymoon in October. One of the places we visited was the Cog Railroad. The Cog Railroad is in New Hampshire and is the most direct route up Mt Washington. It climbs the side of the mountain at a 30 degree angle. Mt Washington is the highest mountian in the northeast. It was 65 degrees at the bottom of the mountian, and 28 degrees at the top, with a foot of snow! For more information on the Cog see the link below. One day I'll write a post with more details about the trip.
http://www.thecog.com/schedule.php

 

As we were leaving the parking lot we encountered a wild Red Fox. Zach pulled off the side of the road and I snapped these images.










All the images that appear on the Iron Oak Farm Blog were taken by Jennifer or Zach Sartell unless otherwise noted, and are for sale. Please contact us at jenniferannmurphy@yahoo.com for more details.

The 4 H Fair Continued, The Petting Farm and Other Livestock

All around the Fairground there are many animal displays. Petting farms, Pig Races, Pony rides, etc.

These baby animals are from the Barnyard Express. They focus on teaching children about raising farm animals.

These pigs were in the Livestock Barn. The Livestock Barn is divided into three sections Sheep, Cows and Pigs. In the center is the Show Arena and Auction. We were lucky to see the Pig Show. Each child (4 H only allows competitors between the ages of 5 and 19) brings their pig into the arena, then the pigs all run around willy-nilly and the children tap the pigs on the shoulder with a stick trying to get them to go a certain direction. The judge stands in the middle. I assume the children are trying to show all sides of the pig to the judge. Then one by one, the judge selects pigs to go into individual stalls. From these stalls he selects the winner and 2nd and 3rd place. The whole event is, of course, based on the pig, but also on showmanship and improvement. The judge explains why he chose or didn't choose each animal, which is helpful to the audience.

These animals were in the Petting Zoo area. Here is little Nora feeding (I think) a Llama. You pay a dollar and they give you a cup of sliced carrots to feed the animals.

This is the Scottish Highland Cow. The bangs are so cute!

These are gentle faced Brahmas with the signature hump on their back.











For information on the 4 H Fair click on the link below.
http://www.oakfair.org/

The 4 H Fair Continued, The Miracle of Birth Barn

One of the most amazing displays they have at the 4 H Fair is the Miracle of Birth Barn. All of the mothers in this barn are either due to have their offspring during the week of the fair, or have given birth just before. If you're lucky, you can witness a live birth.

They also have chicks and ducks hatching in incubators, suckling pigs and new born baby lambs and goats.

We just missed this goat giving birth to her second kid. She was cleaning it as we arrived.

These little pigs were so new that their umbilical cords were still attached. They had a film playing of the birth, I think they came right before the fair started.

The poor mothers are like feeding machines. Everyone fighting for a bite!

When we went on Tuesday all of the cows were still expecting, in fact my friend Liz pointed out that you could see the baby kicking in the womb. Every once in a while you would see a bump move around on the cows side. When we went back on Saturday this little one was there.

This is the funniest contraption I've ever seen. The ducklings swim around and up the ramp, then they eat a mouthful of food, slide down the slide eat their food with their beaks in the water, then it all starts over. It reminds me of those magnetic penguin toys that are seen in the porcelain Christmas villages.

The visitors to the 4 H Fair are extremely blessed to be able to witness these miracles. I'm thankful to the owners of these animals as they are taking a great risk in bringing these mothers to the fair so close to their due date and letting the public see this rare occurrence. The hustle and bustle of the fair places added stress on these new mothers and babies. I overheard one man explaining that it's hard on his pigs when he brings them to the fair to birth, and he actually looses more offspring at a fair birth.

The 4 H Fair Contiued, The Goat Barn

One of my favorite barns at the 4 H Fair is the goat barn. This year, however, I was disappointed that there were no Angoras, but I guess we already know what those look like. This year there were many Boer Goats, they have such soft eyes and gentle faces. Boer Goats are meat goats, they are large with a stocky frame. I've read that goat meat is in high demand these days, many cultures eat goat meat as a tradition to yearly celebrations and it's hard to acquire, also with the Foodie movement becoming so popular, un-traditional meats are coming of interest. I've never had it but I've heard it tastes like a less "wild" venison.

These are Nigerian Dwarf/ Pygmy cross. Yes the black one is actually sleeping on the tan and white. Zach wants a small goat in the worst way. It took every ounce of willpower not to get him one for his Birthday at the end of July. I got him a smoker instead. Maybe in a couple years? You can milk the smaller goats and they will provide enough milk for a family, however, you don't get milk without Kids. I'd really like to breed our Angoras before we start all that. You can't milk Angoras because it takes so much energy from the goat to produce all that wool, that there would be nothing left for the Kids.

Next to Angora's, these are my favorite goat, the Nubian. It's the ears! They are a great dairy goat but some say a little more temperamental, but they also say that about Angoras and our girls are sweet as pie. When they're babies they're all legs and ears, like a fawn with knobby elbows and knees. Uh, pulls at my heartstrings!

 These are Alpines which are a great dairy goat. They have a smaller frame than Nubian's and aren't as temperamental. They produce 1-2 gallons of milk per day. To think of all the delicious cheese I could make! Goat milk is also something to look into if you have dairy issues with cows milk. Goats milk is more gentle on the digestive system.

Wild Wednesday, Saving Daisy

This Wild Wednesday is a somewhat semi-domesticated "Wild" Wednesday. About a year or so ago, my dear friend Liz, who is an active member of the self proclaimed "Crazy Women's Chicken Club" decided to veer away from the poultry class, of whom the "club" is named and brought home 3 beautiful Mallard babies with the plan of brooding them, then releasing them into the wild with the hope that every spring they would return from their migration, to the home where they were raised, which in Liz's case, would be her large pond in the backyard.

This year, the ducks returned, grown and healthy, and one ended up being a cross between perhaps a Rouen? We're not sure, but none the less, the female decided to make a nest in the side yard and brood a clutch of eggs. Twenty one days passed and the little ones popped out right on time under a bush on her side yard. Mamma and the babies quickly headed for the creek that flows behind the pond, and off they went to a new home unknown. All but one. Daisy.

When Liz found Daisy, her mother had forced her from the nest, Liz tried to return her, but each time the mother would have nothing to do with her. When the mother took the babies down the creek Daisy was left behind, unable to walk or to stand. Without a mother to take care of her, Daisy would surely parish. We quickly found why the mother had turned her away, she was bow legged, and in nature, though it sounds cruel, a duck with a "handicap" would slow down the rest of the flock and put the whole group in danger.
Liz called the local "Wild Animal Authorities" which gave the wonderfully helpful suggestion of "leaving it for dead," thank you very much. She explained that the ducks weren't technically wild, and that leaving it to die was out of the question. The helpful animal authorities said it was in her hands.

And in capable hands she is. Daisy is doing great! She is eating and drinking, walking and swimming, and growing into a capable duck. All it took was a little time and compassion. Liz has her under a brooder light and Daisy goes for therapeutic warm swims every day.

I had a bow legged farm duck and we would let her swim in warm water, then stretch her legs to help correctly form her muscles. She responded wonderfully.
Daisy also has a healthy assortment of food and plenty of family to dote on her. Liz is currently in the process of locating some additional domesticated Mallard Ducklings for Daisy to grow up with.

The 4 H Fair Continued, The Poultry Barn

Today we will be visiting the Poultry Barn. 4-H displays hundreds of different types of chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and game fowl. Here is an assortment of some of the interesting breeds that were there.

 This chicken doesn't have mainge, it's not molting, it didn't get half plucked, it's a Naked Neck chicken. I've read somewhere that they were bred for warmer climates and dissipate heat from their bare skin, similar to a turkey. They look hilarious as a chick!

This is a Silkie, they come in many color varieties including Blue! This (I believe) is a Golden. The interesting thing about Silkies is that they never develop full primary feathers, their feathers are split like a heavy down. They aren't good flyer's but make excellent mothers. We have a Silkie and she is the broodiest chicken I've ever seen, she will sit on any thing. They also have black skin, beaks and bones. They were developed in Japan.

This (I think) is a Partridge Cochin. The Partridge is a color and consists of a beautiful layering of rich rusts, chocolates and mahogany feathers. She was plumped and comfortable, sleeping in a warn ray of sunshine.

This spectacular bird is a Sumatra Chicken. The tail is amazing and gives this breed a regal appearance. The Sumatra is a very rare breed and its personality is more closely related to a wild game bird than a domestic chicken.

 This is a Jacobean Pigeon. It is distinguished by the hood of feathers that extend from the neck.

No idea? Some sort of Pigeon with a huge chest? Suggestions welcome.

This is an African Goose. So loud! I think geese sound like what I'd imagine a dinosaurs to sound like, or something prehistoric... i-dunno, maybe that's just me.

I'm not sure if this is a Holland White or a Giant White, but this turkey was beautiful, the coloring on it;s head was deep and vibrant. While we were in the Poultry Barn, there was a little girl with a musical recorder, I'm assuming she won it at one of the carnival games, anyway, she would squeak it and all the turkeys, in sink, would gobble. They sounded like they were all laughing, then everyone near the turkeys was laughing.

The Oakland County 4 H Fair

The hot summer sun blazes down and quickly turns green June grass a familiar July brown, with fireworks displays still in our minds, fresh from the 4th of July. The faint smell of manure, Carney food, and sweet cotton candy run up the nostrils and play a game of tag between reminiscence and the soul, it's Fair Time in Davisburg, Mi! Upon arriving, the Ferris wheel reaches high above the trees like a giant ancient dinosaur with the Spin-Go-Round closely next to it, creating a collapsible skyline and reaches up and pulls at every persons heartstrings who was ever a sticky faced kid, who ever ran around getting dust under their flip-flopped feet, whose ever breathed the sweet coconut smell of sun screen lathered across their back and was so excited to go, that they couldn't wait for the whiteness to be rubbed in. You can hear the anxious reving of engines from The Figure Eight Race or the Demolition Derby, or the ker-putter, ker-putter of the tractors in the Tractor Pull. This is the fair!

I've been going to the 4-H Fair for about 20 years now, and never missed a fair, that I can remember, (and believe you-me I'd probably remember). These hot summer days hold many memories and cherished tradition. This week I'd like to share with you glimpses of the fair, concentrating mostly on the "farming aspects." I'd like to take each day and show images from the different barns and displays.

Today we will be visiting the Rabbit Barn. There are hundreds of rabbits show each year here are a few that caught my eye.

When we arrived on Tuesday, opening day, we were lucky enough to view some of the rabbit judging. I was thankful to see the Angora Group. A beautiful, fluffy White angora took the Blue Ribbon over another White, and a large Grey.

This was a German Lop, I'd never seen a rabbit like this. This is a very large rabbit and it's mannerisms were almost Hare-like. It's ears were so long that it walked on them as it moved across the table. It was slinky and animated and it's profile was somewhat human. It's fur was shiny and velvety and moved across the animals body like a silky cloud.

This is a Satin? I think?

I believe this is a young Japanese or Magpie Harlequin??, It's name was Sushi! Any rabbit experts out there, feel free to give suggestions.

 What can I say? My favorite, like Darby.














Don't live here? Find some Orbitz coupons and enjoy the down-home fun.

Beats Beets and Eats Reminder:
Iron Oaks Farm has been invited to sponser an upcoming event. The Ortonville DDA presents Beats, Beets, & Eats. "The Unconventional Farmers Market" The evnts range every Friday night 6pm - 9pm starting June 18th - September 3rd at Crossman Park, Downtown Ortonville, Mi

www.downtownortonville.org
The nights include free kids acitivities, arts and craft, live music, 50/50 raffles, local produce, and dinner from local vendors.
Each night has a different theme and we are sponsering "Sustainable Living Night" July 23rd. Come check it out!!
June 18 Art Contest/ MacPhee's
June 25 Kids Night/ Papa Bella's
July 2 Community Outreach/ OUMC
July 9 Desert Angel Packing/ OUMC
July 16 Bike Night/ DDA
July 23 Sustainable Living/ OUMC (Iron Oak Forge)
July 30 Classic Car/ Kids Night/ OUMC
August 6 Quilt Show
August 13 Pet Night
August 20 Kids Night/ Papa Bella's
August 27 Garden Exchange/ OUMC
Sept 3 Photo Contest/ OUMC

Mary Jane's Farm Local Chapter

Hi All,
I got the Mary Jane's Farm packet, I feel like Ralphie with his Little Orphan Annie Secret Decoder, "Drink your Ovaltine" We got bumper stickers, and Membership Certificates. I still need to read through all of the idea suggestions, and I will post them.  If anyone has any ideas please feel free to share. I'm not sure where everyone is coming from and I'd like to make sure everybody gets something from the group. Some thing's I've come up with... cheesemaking, canning, candle making, sharing recipes, knitting ideas, sewing projects (aprons), basket weaving. We could also do some spinning, dyeing, carding, chicken keeping etc. Just let me know. Also when does everyone want to start, how often etc. I also want to open this group up to the husband and boyfriends, even though it's a "farmgirl" group my brother is interested in joining, and Zach will be involved. All are welcome. Make sure you sign up through the actual website because Mary Jane is sending free stuff, magazine issues etc. to the people who register. The sign up is http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/Chapters/Search.asp
-Jennifer

A Terrific Storm

Th Fiery Friday post will not appear this week because we experienced a terrific storm last night and lost power for several hours, so unfortunately Zach was unable to write it. See you all Monday. Have a great weekend!

Cochins

Cochins are one of the most friendly and varietal breeds of chickens. We've always seemed to come upon Cochins by accident. Which is great because now I'm in love with the breed and would like to get more. Our first Cochin was a black bantam. I reserved two black Silkies from our local feed and supply store, when we went to pick up the chicks it was a cold day in April, the employee grabbed two black chicks, placed them in a box, and off we went, quickly because we didn't want the chicks to get cold. When I got the chicks home and under the brooder lamp I noticed that one had a white chest and one didn't , one had a black beak and one didn't. I thought it was strange that these were both supposed to be silkies because everything I had ever learned about silkies was that their beaks, skin, even their bones were black, so I knew this little black chick wasn't a silkie, but what could she be?

As she grew, we identified her as a Black Cochin Bantam and she has since become our friendliest chicken. We held her a lot as a chick trying to find out what she was and I think she may have imprinted on us. She follows us everywhere and loves to be held, even by children. She will come running to us, cock her head and cooh until we bend down to her. Her favorite place is in Zach's large hand. She nestles down in his palm, puffs herself out, and if he lets her, she'll fall asleep.

As much as we love our little Black Cochin, I was in for a surprise when we met Kathy (see post) who has farm raised Cochins, as opposed to hatchery Cochins. When we went to pick up the Blue Laced Red Wyandottes Kathy had a variety of chickens clucking around her yard. I noticed that she too has a little Black Cochin, that looked identical to ours. Then she showed us her White Cochins. They are the most beautiful chickens I've ever seen. They are from the Dick Horstman line. They looked like a hoop skirt with a bustle for a tail. The feathers were long and mounded and the whole bird moved as if it was floating on a white cloud. The back feathers met the hock feathers which met the leg feather and out they went, plump and round and lovely. Stupidly, I asked if it was only the white variety that had such stunning plumage, I explained that we had a little black cochin like hers and likewise, it didn't compare to these white beauties. She explained that her black cochin was a hatchery chicken, and that her whites were farm raised. The difference was outstanding! None the less we came for Blue Lacers, and added a few white Cochins. I hope I can raise them to look as beautiful as Kathy's. We have a pair of Bantams and they have a certain regality about them, like "old money", and one is never without the other. I can picture her with a parasol and him with a top hat and cane strolling down a Victorian lane.

While we were at Kathy's we also picked up a couple of Frizzled Cochins. Frizzles are chickens whose feathers grow backwards. They look like they've been caught in a side wind. Somewhere I've read that they were bread to look like a chrysanthemum. I have wanted a Frizzled Cochin since I was 15. The frizzles we have are mutts, part Mile' Fleur part Cochin, but soo stinking cute! The interesting thing about the Frizzle is the way the Frizzled gene is carried through the breed. If you mate two Frizzles you will get smooth chicks, if you mate a smooth with a Frizzle 3 out of 4 chicks will be frizzled.

Our last Cochin is a Buff Cochin. We are fairly sure that it's a cockerel, and we are fairly sure that it is, in fact, a Cochin. We were at the same hatchery to get Rhode Island Reds and amongst all the little reddish brown chicks were two gigantic chicks with very fluffy down and feathers on their legs. I asked if the shop keeper knew what they were and they didn't, they said it was some sort of sorting mistake and that they had come with the Reds. I was with my good friend Liz (who is also a chicken collector) and we scooped them up each taking one. I think she has a pullet and we got the cockerel, so hopefully next spring we can make more "Mystery Chickens". 

Even now that we think they are Cochins, we still call them the mystery chickens. The exciting part is that we went to the 4 H fair yesterday and saw what a Buff Cochin will look like when it's grown. They are HUGE!!! And spectacular, and took the Blue Ribbon!

I'm hoping that's what our mystery chicken is, I've heard of Giant Cochins but the tag on the cage just said "Cochin" so fingers crossed, we'll see what they turn into...