At left is a picture of our faithful milk cow "Dora" and her new heifer calf "Laura", the farm's last calf of 2008.

Below that is a photo of "Cora", the first heifer of 2008. Cora's mom is also Dora, so Dora has the rare distinction of having both the first and last heifer calves of 2008!

Hancock Shaker Village 2008

Dianne and I spent the last weekend in September exhibiting Randall calves at Hancock Shaker Village's annual Country Fair. This year was the 13th. consecutive year that we have gone. We took Randall heifer "Mabeline", and Randall steer "Ziggy".

The weather report predicted a washout, but we made it through the weekend with only some isolated afternoon showers. New this year was an exhibit of antique machinery and old International tractors.


Returning events included a quilt show, timber framing demonstration, and many other exhibits of old time crafts and skills, as well as games for the children. Phil.

First Calf Of 2008

Our lovable and dependable cow "Aprodite" presented us with the first calf of the year on Tuesday. The healthy bull calf is being called "Atlas". Aphrodite is an "Artemis" daughter.

The Country Fair and Crafts Weekend at Hancock Shaker Village

On Saturday, September 29th., and Sunday, September 30th., Dianne and I exhibited calves at The Country Fair and Crafts Weekend at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. On Sat., we took Randall heifers "Madison" and "Coleen". On Sunday, we left Madison at home and brought "Sally Ann" to join Coleen. This year was our 12th. exhibiting at the Village, we first started when the weekend was billed as an event for rare livestock breeds. The weather was great and the event was well attended. Phil

The Family Farm Festival

After going to the Silo Gallery opening the day before, on Sunday it was off to the Family Farm Festival in High Falls, New York. Cynthia Creech and Phil, once again accompanied by Randall heifers Sally Ann and Coleen, represented the Randall breed and the Registry at the annual event. It was the 4th year for the Festival, and it is growing quickly, with a large number of vendors and exhibitors, and a large crowd of attendees.

The weather was threatening, but no rain materialized to dampen the event. We talked to a lot of people about the Randalls, sustainable and local farming, and food issues in general. Cynthia was interviewed with the "girls" for a local (Hudson Valley) cable television news show.

The Silo Gallery

We were invited to bring Randall calves to The Silo Gallery at Hunt Hill Farm in New Milford, CT, on Sepetember 8th. The occasion was the opening of the Smithsonian's Barn Again! exhibit, now permanently residing at the Gallery. The Silo Gallery won the exhibit in competition with many other Galleries.
Dianne and Phil, along with Cynthia Creech, took yearling calves Coleen and Sally Ann, and they were a hit with all in attendance.