Notes from the Farm…Well, I got called out last weekend by a long lost relative whose roots go back to Vergas. My grandma and his grandma were sisters, and I haven’t seen him in 30-plus years I’m sure.  

He asked me about the cows left to calve, which I now know the exact number to be 8. Those 8 cows are out on some pasture with our 12 replacements and the main herd of cows and calves is in another pasture.  

We will start to separate pairs soon and take some to three other pastures. We still have plenty of feed, but the fresh pasture grasses and clovers are much better tasting than the hay they have been eating for the last 7-8 months. The bulls are quarantined in their special pen as it is still a month away from breeding season.  

The two New Holland self-propelled haybines are out of storage and in front of the shop getting some yearly maintenance. Oil changes for both and air filters for the 1499. One chain was replaced on the 1499, and I tried to fix a small fuel leak, but to no avail. Fluids will be checked and topped off as well as a good greasing of both machines. The 1495 and 1499 Haybine models are very similar machines, as they look the same, but the sickles (cutting parts) are different.  

Both are a 12-foot cut with the 1495 having one 12-foot sickle and the 1499 having two 6-foot sickles. They accomplish the same thing with different mechanical systems to get it done. One is a gasoline engine, one is a diesel, and both have that fancy air conditioning that is really nice on a hot August day.

We are debating about when to start cutting hay, which will hopefully be started by the time you read this. Drying alfalfa in early June isn’t the same as drying in mid-July. Wrapping the wet hay is an option too, but we aren’t really set up for that type of operation. Wrapping the wet hay in plastic will basically preserve the hay turning it into fermented haylage. Let’s see what the week brings because you have to make hay when the sun shines!

Friday, May 24

2:14 p.m. Traffic stop with warning for stop sign violation.

4:36 p.m. Traffic stop with warning for improper U-turn.

9:57 p.m. Report of a male party taking belongings from a female at the Third Crossing Bar.  Male will be trespassed from the property.

Sunday, May 26

9:19 p.m. Officer found two juveniles that started a fire under some playground equipment on Main Ave E. No apparent damage to the equipment. Officer called mom and she came to get the boys.

Monday, May 27

12:14 a.m. Traffic stop with warning for no tail lights. Lights worked properly once turned on.

10:28 a.m. Assist with a possible court order violation that happened in DL.

11:29 a.m. Report from Saturday morning that solar lights were damaged at the Lakeside Cemetery. Anyone having information to who may have done the damage please contact the PD.

1:55 p.m. Disturbance on E. Main between a male and female.  

9:56 p.m. Welfare check requested on two juvenile kids that are staying with relatives. 

11:03 p.m. Assist with a medical.

Tuesday, May 28

2:06 p.m. Assist with a medical.

2:44 p.m. Report from some elementary age kids that other kid(s) stole one of their bicycles and a ball from their yard. By the time officers tracked down the reporting parties, they had gotten their bicycle back from the thieves. Unknown if street justice was administered and officers did not find the culprits.

2:45 p.m. Reported domestic between husband and wife over one being very intoxicated and the other refusing the others sexual advances. One also wanted more booze, which was not being provided by the other. Officer calmed the situation and they agreed to stay apart for a while.

10:09 p.m. Officer found a juvenile male lurking in the shadows who said he was waiting to scare a friend. Officer did not find anyone else in the area and sent the boy home with a curfew warning.   

Wednesday, May 29

12:20 a.m. Two juvenile females walking around town. Officer made sure they made it home and tried contacting parents but no answer.

7:30 a.m. Traffic stop with warning for speed.

10:31 a.m. Male party was upset because the mail carrier yelled at him for blocking the mailboxes with vehicles.

12:44 p.m. Disturbance reported between several intoxicated people at an apartment building.  Two females were given a ride to another residence.

3:56 p.m. Assist with a residential burglary alarm in the county near Eagle Lake.

11:25 p.m. Four city ordinance warnings given this week with two letters sent.

Thursday, May 30

9:28 p.m. Traffic stop with warning for speed.

1:58 p.m. Background check for landlord.

6:07 p.m. Assist with a civil complaint that started in the county and ended up in Frazee. Officer was able to help the parties come to an agreement on a property exchange.

7 :49 p.m. Vehicle unlock at the Lion’s Park.