Amid a decade-long labor shortage, dairy farmers recognize the importance of training their employees, both informally and formally. And they are leaning on their veterinarians, county extension agents, nutritionists and other consultants to support and carry out these trainings.

“Sis, the horses are saddled. Get your boots on and meet me outside.” They are going to check the cows.

We are in the market for a new horse – a new horse for a just-turned-8-year-old girl. An outsider, one somewhat unfamiliar with our world, might believe that this horse is her first horse, her beginner horse, you might say. If one believes that, one would be wrong.

I went for a walk today. When I dropped my kids off for the bus, it was 32ºF. By noon, when I emerged from the cocoon of my office, it was 58ºF, and the sun was shining. There was enough of a breeze to remind me that a jacket was the correct choice. 

Every year, my husband is as anxious as a new father – monitoring his baby girls, fussing over them and ready to assist if they show signs of distress.

I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland, and I planned a trip this year. As kids do, mine immediately started telling us what trinkets we should bring home to them. High on the list was a Highland cow – preferably live, but they’d settle for a stuffie if transportation was an issue.