Fall news from the farm

It's always a joy when a calf is born, especially a heifer (female) who has the sense to stand and nurse on her own without human assistance. Last week Hope gave birth to a 40-pound red heifer who did just that. Since Halloween is coming up, our Airbnb guests named her Bette Midler, who started in the Disney movie "Hocus Pocus."

Most newborns are afraid of humans, but on the day of her birth, Bette walked over to me and even sniffed my hand. Later, after I got Mom and calf in the holding pen, Bette lay still while I brushed her fuzzy red hair. At two days old, she is just as friendly as her sister, Princess Fiona, who was born exactly one year ago and now lives in West Virginia. Millie, another red heifer born two months ago, is growing like a weed. Unlike Bette and Fiona, she stays close to her mother and runs off when I approach. Right now, she only tolerates humans. I'll win Millie over at weaning, but Bette is a natural people-pleaser.

With four more calves due this fall, I wonder what other little personalities will join the herd.

Some of our cattle are back at the St. Paul's School pasture on Silk Farm Road, next to NH Audubon. This year we are sharing the field with Fresh Start Farms New Hampshire, an organization that helps refugees and immigrants. They have greenhouses and garden plots for members at the front of the pasture, and we get the back for cattle. In the past, we purchased water from a pool company, but this year we share the well that Fresh Start dug. There is no shade in this former hay field, so it's too hot for summer grazing, but it's perfect for fall.

My pulling team of oxen, Topper and Finn, are there with Galen, Cooper and Belle. They will have grass, made sweet by the freezing temperatures at night and daytime warming. The fold (herd) will be there until Thanksgiving or until their drinking water freezes solid.

If you walk on the paths around the pasture, give a wave to my Scottish Highlanders. They may even come over to the fence to say hello.

Don't forget to gather your pumpkins and bring them to the farm, where you can smash them to feed my cattle. Stop by between Monday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We provide the mallet for you to split pumpkins and squash into bite-size chunks for the herd.

If you stop by, check out Millie and Bette as they romp together in the field. Nothing is more adorable.

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Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm in Loudon, NH, where she raises and sells beef, pork, lamb, eggs and other local products. She can be reached at carolesoule60@gmail.com.