I had the good fortune to again attend the Organic Farming Conference on Feb 27 in LaCrosse,WI. After a delightful early morning drive on a clear and vibrant morning, I arrived at the LaCrosse  Center to join 3000 other like-minded souls. The diversity of the crowd is apparent but the belief in good food, healthy people and animals and preserving and sustaining our environment was shared by all. I am thrilled to share in the optimism and excitement of this crowd!

     The Conference, in its 41st year , includes a wide variety of workshops on topics ranging from soils to gardening to livestock to marketing to health to crops. These are presented by folks that share both their knowledge and their passion. I attended  a seminar on Organic Pork Production put on by James Franzen,who is the Pool Coordinator for Organic Prairie Pork in addition to being a top-notch hog farmer himself. I was impressed by his wealth of knowledge of the entire pork industry. Being that me and my boys think bacon is a food group, Natures Most Perfect Food, this information caused me to ponder the feasibility of adding a few pastured hogs to the Welcome Home Farm menagiere.

      Dan Leiterman of Crystal Creek acclaim presented a very informative session on livestock parasites. I was fascinated to learn about the prevalence of internal parasites in very young calves and the effect they have on the immune system. Organically managing parasite levels involves a multifaceted approach and Dan gave good suggestions on how to implement those plans.

      The Conference hosts many vendors of products and services. It is fun to visit with old friends as well as talk to new people. Everyone has knowledge to share. Spent some time at the Organic Valley booth visiting with Dr. Paul Dettloff and the rest of the personable staff. What a great organization! It was good to see Dr. Richard Holliday again at the Helfter Feeds booth. A stop at the Taurus Services booth revealed that New Zealand bovine grazing genetics with the A2 factor is available in Western WI through Charlie Krueger of Fountain City, WI. As usual the Midwestern Bio-Ag booth was bustling, a reflection of Gary Zimmer’s energetic personality.  Our MBA mentor, Bob Schmidtknecht ,was there to visit with also.

      A special thanks to MOSES for putting together a great learning  and sharing opportunity such as this.

                                                                                                                                      In learning and health                              Doc Tom

      Bud Pierson was again kind enough to open up his fur shed for the WTA District 5 Winter meeting. Since proper notice was not given in the proper form- the official business meeting and election of officers had to be postponed. That meeting for the general membership is scheduled for Friday evening, March 12,2010 at 7:30 pm at the meeting room in the East End Bar on Main Street in Independence, WI. Please come and help elect a new interim Director and find out what is new in our District.

      The winter meeting was well attended. Chuck and Company put on another memorable wild game feed-these masterful chefs put on a culinary masterpiece every year. Turtle , fish and beaver were the featured meats with home-made french fries and onion rings adding to the line-up of side dishes. Thank you to the cooks and to all who brought delicious dishes to pass.

      We were fortunate to have Chris Bezio drive across the state to up-date us on the National Trappers Assn National Convention which is being hosted by the WTA this year. This huge gathering of trappers and their families,dealers and vendors will be held in Marshfield, WI on August 5-8, 2010. Chris is the NTA liason for WTA so he is in charge of getting this event organized. District 5 signed on to handle the auction. Volunteers for this or any part of the convention would be appreciateted.  The Trap Shack Company has inside booth space reserved for this event, and we look forward to meeting new people from all over the country.

      We just discovered a new business in Arcadia, WI and I am so excited! Shirley’s Sewing Room has opened at 320 West Main Street and I was able to get new zippers installed on my favorite Cabela”s heavy pull-over and vest. Shirley is able to do repairs and alterations on all types of clothes, including the heavy-duty hunting and farm clothes. She also is available to do custom sewing. Her phone # is 608-323-9332 and her office hours tend toward the evenings and week-ends. We wish her well in her business and are delighted to have someone so close to be able to resurrect those favorite clothes.

       Enjoy the lenghthening days and moonlit nites.                                                                                                                     Tom

       All trappers have fond memories of that first catch-the excitement of finding that  animal in their very own set. For Kaleb Ellis, son of Jimmy and Amy Ellis, that came in the form of a beautiful white ermine in rat trap placed in a cubby box. As I am traveling the scenic hill country of western Wisconsin tending bovines, it delights me to see Kaleb following  after his Dad on the trapline. On one particular sunny day Kaleb was sporting a new pair of very cool shades while he was busily checking out a frozen swamp while Jimmy and I chatted along side the road. Trapping is rejuvenating, but never more so than when it is shared with a youngster!

      I enjoy swapping stories with Jimmy. One of the techniques we discussed this winter was bottom edge trapping for muskrat and mink using bodygrips ranging in size from 110 to 220. These traps are set in streams alongside hard defined structure, such as a cut bank, a large rock or a log or stump. The animals of the water swim on the bottom to conserve energy and will hold tight to the structure. This is easy cold water trapping as a minimum of equipment is needed and sets are made in the swiftest and deepest water where ice is less apt to form. Also, traps are never frozen in even if there is surface ice. Jimmy had some good ideas for this endeavor. He uses the carrying case from a collapsible lawn chair to carry stakes. Also, traps can be floated up the waterway in a high-sided plastic sled that is outfitted with a grapple on the rope to anchor it to the bank while working.

        Thanks to Jimmy and all the people who share their stories and ideas.

                                                                                                                                            Enjoy the outdoors                            Tom

February 2010-Tom, Hawken and I are delighted that nephew Mike Roskos and son Charlie came to spend the day with us. They clambored out of their La Crosse residence early and went to hunt crows  on other property. 8 AM they pattered down our wooden hallway floor as we savored oatmeal, eggs, coffee and diet Dew. Hawken and Charlie checked out the farm toys and pet the house cat Pearl. A smooth textured blend of family, food and conversation rose like soft puffs of cold morning chimney smoke. The conversation flew to bird watching and the bold colored birds that frequent our feeders here and those in La Crosse. Cardinals, House Finches, Nuthatches, Sparrows all congregating for cracked sunflowers and assorted birdmix @ the feeders.

Charlie, Tom and Mike went to check traps on our propertyon the other side of Hwy 95. They returned and Charlie had shot crow and found a muskrat in a trap. Hawken and the guys shared tastey treats in the original Shack. The beautiful pot bellied stove holds  wood to warm the building and rejoices with an orange glow when stoked. I stepped inside the Shack and it was chilly. Charlie was asking if his hotdog was cooked enough. I stifled laughter and pondered how much wood we have had for years stacked outside of the Shack. Why is Tom trying to toast marshmallows with 1 tiny log barely smoldering? I nudged Tom and mentioned could use another log or two in the stove. Then he said that it had really burnt down a lot since he started it this early AM.  He threw another log on and they were able to melt the marshmallows,make toast and not wash their hands. Mike said, “Can even eat in The Shack-it’s great!!”

The afternoon was spent walking the frozen backwaters for the guys. Charlie shot 2  fox squirrels and was smitten with that endeavor. A lovely way to spend a Winter Day. Sweet serenity sifted through souls like Grandma Verna let flour sift through her hands.

Mike prepared the treasured squirrel in a casserole, and his family devoured the dish prepared with extra love and secret ingrediants. His blonde curly haired daughter Ellie was along trapping with Mike and Charlie in La Crosse. They have layed claim to harvesting their first muskrat together as a family. What a gift to pass an endearing love  of nature along to eager children.

  Dave Leske has been generously offering places for Mike’s Family to trap. Mike did mention that he dressed out the crow @ Charlie’s request and hasn’t yet prepared the treat.

Feel the Family Spirit in Peace and Love,

Sue Roskos

February 2010-I’m on all fours trying to crawl in the bottom of the decrepid, rusty green feeder wagon. Howling giggling and cattle munching fills the winter air. Tom’s amused and hands me his coveted knife. He reaches through the cattle panel and somehow my fingertips clasp the tool. Tingles are pulsing in my toes as I feebly cut the long round bale strings that loosely hang and dangle off the old bale. I hack and cut with what I realize in this instant to be a very dull, harmless knife. One that rides with pride in Tom’s pants pocket. The knife I’ve seen Tom use is worthless to me. I barely get the string cut and by now have decided that I’ll just throw hay that was already loosened strewn on the far side of the wagon, within reach of the cattle.

 That really works so swell that I have attracted a crowd of cattle and a few renegade calves.  The cattle’s belly’s are filling with hay and I am now contemplating how to escape the confines of this wagon play pen.  I’m overcome with humor in this all. I’m re-living my childhood right here in a rusty hay wagon. The very same brand my dad has parked abandoned in a pasture. Now I use it because Tom’s had it since he started farming. The same rust is right here and I’m 8 years old again walking daintily to avoid falling through the wagon. I pull myself  up with the wagon dividers for they are a sturdy place to hold onto. The cattle are now oblivious to me as I’m manuevering through the bars to shimmy closely against the wagon to avoid another jolt. 

I stand and clumsily walk towards the drive though gates. I slide the borrowed knife into my  brown Carrhart coat pocket. The beauty of the fading daylight sprinkles serenity and sweetness on the shadowed snow. I’m softened like the snow and open to the joy and humor that surrounds us all when we crack the crusty mind chatter and are open and accepting to this grand life we’ve co-created. I’m thankful for the shock that knocked me to my knees in the rusty haywagon. I’m thankful for  the un-furling of the moment and accepting of all that is.   

What shocking experience have you had?

Flow like electricity??!!

Sue Roskos

February ‘10-My husband Tom and our son Hawken were feeding the Billie Goat. On our lower farm, the milkhouse serves as a hotel over the chilly winter months. A long haired Sammy cat and 1 pristine  white 17 year old goat reside together within the walls of a vacated milkhouse.

I offered to Tom that I’d be happy to feed hay and finish chores so he could get Hawken back to the warm house.  Tom agreed that with the impending darkness that would be  fine.  It’s only 5 PM and the slow yawn of evening has exhaled dutifully a full day of winter. My gaze is downward and I’m filled with deep gratitude. I’ve splurged and purchased a brand new pair of LaCrosse tall camoflouge 1500 gram boots.  I’m amazed @ how lightweight the new footwear is and the grip on the snow etches size 10 bootmarks when I stare backwards.

Skinny Kitty has followed me and has left the confines of the aged barn. Cat is hopeful that he can trail after me on an adventure to Big Bend. Why would a short haired cat happily travel to the frozen backwaters? Then I’m laughing @ my question and am amazed @ the cat’s stamina and mine.

First I want to finish chores and grab a 3 tine pitch fork to loosen the wound tight round bale that’s draped in the cattle’s wagon like a wig that’s falling off an un-suspecting head.  I notice there’s a fork already propped against the panel gate. I backtrack and return the other fork to it’s home.

I’m feeling so lightfooted and eagerly aniticipate the trip to Big Bend. I next eye up the rusty feeder wagon which is on the other side of the fence. The cattle panels are so nicely affixed to the railroad tie posts. I hoist my light boots up and crawl to the top of the fence. All that seperates me from the other side of the fence is a single strand of smooth hot wire. I smirk and mentally wave off the notion that we’d actually have a hotwire that’s hot. Blinking and clicking fencer certainly can’t be accurate in the dead of winter when cattle lazily let fences alone because there’s no lush grass to reach for.

I’m suddenly teetering @ the top of the world. I’m on a mountain of doubt and I watch myself tumble 6 feet down into a bale of moldy hay. I feel the shock exiting my left hand and my fingertips are pulsing. Now I’m just a puddle of laughter. Just hebephrenic laughter escapes my lips as I am in the bottom  of a rusty wagon with inquisitive cattle breathing hay breaths on me with un-certainty. I’m just laughing and the farm echoes laughter with me. I can’t move. I’m reeling from the electrical current that has literally dropped me and rendered me laughing. I attempt to get up and my toes are numb. The toes that were numb from yesterday’s too early morning walk are numb from a fencer charged with energy.

I’ve howled my way to being a spectacle. Patches the 20 year old pet cow is mooing in my ear. My word-sign me up for a TV Reality Show right now-We are a cross between The Red Green Show and James Herriot the Vet from England.

Tom has shuffled his way over and is grinning. I try to say that Ican’t get up but I can laugh. He naively asks how I got in the wagon. My word can’t he see?? I’m shocked! Then I sober up-”Where’s Hawken??” “He’s with Billie.” I relax and ask for a knife to cut open the strings.

To be continued..

Sue Roskos

Feb. ‘10-The aroma of Sweettarts, Malted Milk Balls and Starbursts fill the vet drug room. Hawken’s 3.5 year old nose is sniffing the contents of the treasured candy jug. The clear plastic, cleaned out peanut butter container, has a red screw top lid. The lid says  ”Help Yourself”-in black magic marker writing. We enjoy giving out candy on the vet route and it is a pleasure to also do so in the vet drug room.  Hawken eagerly asks to re-stock the vet van and finds treasures in the van to consume.

I purchased Valentine’s @ Walmart and now it’s time to stuff the cards with candy. There’s a store -made slit in the Valentine and Sweettarts are to be stuffed in the two slits. Little hands peel the wrapper off one package of candy. I am busily stuffing candy in the cards. I look and he’s removed all the candy I put in. So we stuff them again and it’s wonderful to share candy with friends.

Tom and Hawken re-stocked the vet van the next morning. I opened up the drug room door and there was a nice pile of empty Valentine’s again. But-wait-Aww-There’s a white envelope for me!  An early Valentine for me-it says   ”?!  Sue”    Hmm. Looks like a woman’s writing though, and not like Tom’s.  I rip the white envelope open and there’s a big piece of something in it. Wow-see how the universe gives back?   I stop and re-analyze the writing on the envelope. “Esther Sue”- Who would think it’s Easter?? Easter is early this year-not that early. It’s a small plastic milk sample bottle loaded with goat poop.  Now I’m laughing and realize the good Dr. must’ve suggested a client collect a manure specimen to be sent in to the WI Veterinary Diagnostic Lab on a goat named-Esther Sue!  

I finished the lab work and was still chuckling to myself. I then listened to the vet calls on the answering machine. A client explaining that his wife mis-understood Tom’s instructions and to just discard the manure sample from the goat.  I just know that goat is doing much better!

What great Valentine gifts have you received?

Laughter and Love,

Sue Roskos

Check out our new Youtube videos from our Florida adventure!!

Florida Sunset: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlTPsf6XOQ0 

Florida Sanibel Island: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkS8EVHSv1Y

Manatees: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hIVblo4GXA

February  ’10-I stepped out on the gritty parking lot and with lightening reflexes groped @ my left jeans pocket. Having a rental car had left me twitchy and reaching for the assurance of our one car key. We managed to only set off the blaring horn and honking lights once in 4 days. It was us playfully reminding the other person not to slam the car door before we frisked ourselves for the coveted rental car key. How do you manage to not lock the key in a rental car??

Then it’s car camp in full force and I’m shuffling through a bursting purse. Yeah well, strewn with a littering of an old boarding pass for Delta, gum wrappers and receipts for Publix Grocery Stores, Wendy’s baked taters and the $6 toll receipt to pass across to Sanibel Is. from Fort Meyer’s, Florida.

The beaches in this region have park and pay by the hour and even will accept credit cards for the $2 fee an hour to park. We scrounge enough change together to hit the beach. The parking receipt machine spits out a flimsy white piece of paper to put on our car dashboard. A gust of wind comes and I clasp the receipt tightly and slip it inside the car so the meter monitor people can easily see I’m a law abiding beach bum.

Slopped up with sunscreen we tote a shelling bag and stand in awe of the Lighthouse on the Sanibel beach. My eyes are immediately drawn back to the miles of beach and no highrises close to the ocean. It’s 9 AM and people of all ages are slowly eyeing the sands with the hope of a cherished seashell washed ashore in their name. I’m stooped and see how this posture has been described in the travel brochures. I’m doing the Sanibel stoop and drawing circles and hearts in the fine sand. Tom is strolling with binoculars pasted to his face. He’s kindly offering to share a look see through his expensive spotting glasses. As usual I shake my head and mumble a “No Thanks.” 

Miles of seagulls all sizes and the Sue Bird-”Sanderling” as Tom calls them. They are fast movers and walk with determination. Osprey seem to follow us and have nests in tree tops and atop man made platforms. Osprey chicks can be seen when a parent moves it’s wings out of our visual path. Mourning doves are whereever we seem to be and it’s the peaceful reminder of WI. Red- shouldered Hawks delight us in our travels and we hear they are rare too.  On Sanibel Is. we were very fortunate to see the Anhinga that is dark and sits with out- spread wings to dry them after a swim. We delighted in White and Brown Pelicans greeting us and landing like torpedoes in the backwaters of the Island.  It felt like home to see Herons and Egrets. We saw the Tri-colored Heron  and the White Ibis  that wade  in the shallow waters of Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge.

What a special place to break away from the crowds and indulge in the crash of the surf.   What birds have you been seeing??

Thanks for reading!

Sue Roskos

The days are getting longer here in Western Wisconsin-ten and one-half hours of daylight now. The coyotes are very vocal as they enter breeding season. Our trapping season for them lasts until the middle of the month-I still have a chance!
What a wonderful turn the muskrat price took this winter. We have sold some of our fall rats for a top of $8.00 with the average of the two lots being $6.50. Otter Creek Fur was doing a brisk business at Pietrek’s Station in Independence,WI on Jan 23, 2010. Lots of coon and muskrats coming in . Next(and last) date there is Feb 13, 2010.

     Hawken, Sue and I paid a visit to Henry Hoff at Woodpecker Ranch in Blair, WI last weekend. Henry is my 90+ year-old fur buyer that I have worked with for 36 years.It was great to spend some time talking trapping,  coon-hunting, and fur with Hank and his daughter Sonja. It was a time to share the appreciation and beauty of  the furs.  Henry was kind enough to sell us his Nite-Lite business 2 years ago-that is how we came to be in the coon-hunting supply business also.  This matches well with our vet business as we also can provide vaccine and flea and tick products for the hounds as well as for any other dogs. Watch for our dates this year for our Open Houses with vaccination clinics.

      Don’t forget the District 5 Winter Meeting this Saturday, Feb.6, 2010.   One o’clock at Bud Pierson’s Fur Shed in Trempealeau, WI.-bring a dish to pass and a story to share.

      There’s still time to catch a few muskrats !

                                                                                                                                                          Tom

February ‘10-Rarely do I hesitate to meet the new day.I’m just eager to see what’s around the next river bend. This morning is deep, dark air that angles right into my legs. Pausing momentarily I try to recall what’s underneath my snow pants. I thought I had long underwear on and jeans. I start to think I forgot to put pants on as I shiver and remind myself to switch to the thicker long underwear. I shuffle and trip over an icey snow chunk that tumbled to a new home on the plowed path. This year Tom has earned points by coming up with a new idea to facilitate me getting out for a walk in deep snow. He took the John Deere Tractor and blazed a path for me and the bossies to get down to Big Bend easily.

Patches the 20 year old Simmental  pet cow, is nursing her calf  in the moonlight. Lightening the calf is black with one white hoof.  Tom’s feeding the cattle a fresh round bale from the hay shed.  The cattle push and shove as they anticipate breakfast.  I hoop it up loud and there’s no response. I hear just the tractor now far away and the occasional call of a bossie.  No deer tracks-they move to higher ground over winter.  Lots of rabbit, coyote and fox sign though. We watched with fascination as a coyote danced in our hayfield below the Trap Shack.  Eagles dot the trees later in the day.  Just magic statues majestically watching and hoping for a catch. Eagles are a  bird that’s so very common in Buffalo County and it still captures my attention and appreciation.

Do you still run your lines with the chilly weather?

Sue Roskos