(I Prefer Cattle continued)

One might think that having an obscure interest such as mine would be difficult.  I do find myself having this conversation a lot.

“Hey guys.  What are you doing today?”
“Oh, I think we’re going to watch the game and then go out for a ski.  What are you doing?”
“Well, I’m going to take my oxen for a walk and then I’m going to sand and polish their horns.  They’re getting pretty dingy again.”
“Cool…well… have fun… with your oxen?”
“I’ll catch up with you guys after you get back from the mountain.”
“Yah, sure… that’s cool.  Maybe we’ll hang out.”

The truth is that it can be difficult.  What good is it to have something that you’re passionate about if you have no one to share it with?  Fortunately, I do live in a community where others do share my passion for oxen.  Sterling College student Nina LaPorta of Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut, has taken the work college position of Draft Animal Attendant.  This job entails caring for the College’s draft horses and working the cattle.  When asked if she would rather focus on working with the horses or the cattle Nina said decidedly “I prefer cattle.” 

Nina met our current team of working steers this summer while she was taking part in the Sterling Sustainable Agriculture Semester (SAS).  The SAS is an 8-11 credit integrated program of work and study exploring ecological management of plants, animals, and land that takes place at Sterling over the summer months.  Luckily, Nina matriculated to Sterling after the summer and was able to further indulge in her interest in oxen. 

“My goal is to be able yoke and work the team by myself by the end of the semester,” she says with a tone of certainty and excitement.  I’m excited as well.  I’m looking forward to teaching Nina how to drive and train working cattle.  I’m also looking forward to the 2008 Sustainable Agriculture Semester, where I will have the opportunity to meet more great students who prefer working cattle.