What does a blue cow mean to you?

Being closely related to a wide array of agricultural products, particularly those that play a vital role in enhancing crop growth, reducing weed populations, and maintaining healthy farming practices, we place significant emphasis on understanding and acknowledging our contributions to the Canadian agricultural system. Although we rely on such various types of fertilizers and natural weed sprays like Fiesta, we know that there is a bigger picture to consider. This system is not only crucial for sustaining our economy but also for ensuring food security and promoting environmental sustainability across the nation. One aspect that we have come to realize is that many individuals may not be fully aware of the importance of a little blue cow symbol, which carries a considerable amount of responsibility and meaning within this context. This symbol represents a commitment to quality and local production that is integral to Canadian agriculture.

Have you ever noticed this symbol? It’s more than just a simple graphic; it embodies the dedication of Canadian dairy farmers to produce high-quality milk and dairy products. This little blue cow serves as a reminder to consumers that they are supporting local farmers and the Canadian economy when they choose products bearing this emblem.

Image from: https://dairyfarmersofcanada.ca/en/canadian-goodness/blue-cow-spotter/look-blue-cow-logo

As per the Dairy Farmers of Canada, this symbol signifies that the product is made from 100% Canadian milk and milk products, which means that every time you purchase an item adorned with this emblem, you are not only enjoying the rich flavours and nutritional benefits of dairy but also contributing to a sustainable agricultural practice that supports local communities. The commitment to using Canadian milk ensures that strict safety and quality standards are upheld, which benefits consumers and reinforces the integrity of the Canadian dairy industry. By choosing products marked with this symbol, consumers can feel confident that they are making a positive impact on the agricultural landscape of Canada, supporting local economies, and promoting responsible farming practices.

We pay attention when we see dairy trucks driving through our area while we are out working; this sight serves as a poignant reminder of our community's deep-rooted connection to agriculture. Despite the encroachment of residential developments that have gradually transformed our landscape, the presence of these trucks underscores the fact that we are still a robust farming community, rich in tradition and agricultural heritage. The rhythmic hum of these vehicles as they traverse our roads is not just a passing occurrence; it symbolizes the ongoing relationship between our local farms and the consumers who benefit from their hard work.

Awareness of where our milk and milk products come from is crucial, as it fosters a sense of responsibility and connection to the sources of our sustenance. When we support local dairy farmers, we are not merely purchasing a product; we are actively participating in the preservation of our agricultural economy, which is an essential pillar of our community's identity and livelihood. This understanding encourages us to make informed choices about the food we consume, recognizing the labour, dedication, and resources that go into producing each gallon of milk.

Moreover, acknowledging the role of dairy trucks in our daily lives prompts us to reflect on the broader implications of our agricultural practices. It highlights the importance of sustainable farming methods and the need to support local businesses that prioritize ethical practices and environmental stewardship. By choosing to buy locally sourced dairy products, we contribute to a cycle that benefits not only our health and well-being but also strengthens the local economy and sustains the livelihoods of our farmers.

In essence, the sight of dairy trucks navigating through our neighbourhoods is more than just a reminder of our agricultural roots; it is an invitation to engage with and support the farming community that plays a vital role in shaping our lives and the economy we depend on. By remaining conscious of where our food originates, we foster a deeper appreciation for the hard work involved in dairy farming and reinforce our commitment to sustaining this invaluable industry for future generations.

We take consideration of green growth beyond just a residential lawn, we look at it from the broad view - what we do to lawns can ripple into our food systems too. As such, we cannot complain about the fact that in Ontario we are not allowed to use harsh chemicals on lawns, instead we are limited to naturally derived compounds (see Fiesta). These little steps help ensure that the green world we see today leaves a green world for tomorrow too - and that Canadian milk remains the best.

Those who know us, also know our dogs.

The Kirks are a dog-loving family, and have had dogs since their children were small. Although they started with Pugs, their first larger dog Bosco led them to the Great Pyrenees through his own mixed heritage (DNA tested showed a mix of White Shepherd, Great Pyrenees and another livestock guardian breed).  In 2019 they reached out to breeders Cidwm Great Pyrenees, and in August of 2020 they took home their first purebred Pyrenees, Venger. Then a little under a year later, they added their second Pyrenees, a half-sibling to Venger, who they called Wolf.

Since then they have spent a lot of time with the Great Pyrenees, and are happy to tell anyone who asks all about this ancient breed. 

Almost daily, Wolf is to be found in the office, acting as supervisor. He checks the incoming people traffic and provides opinions on weather and activity levels. Occasionally Venger comes in too, to claim her admiration from her followers (as she has successfully trained our staff to fawn over her). The Kirks love their dogs and the traits they exhibit. As such, they felt it sensible to share a bit of the technical history of the breed with everyone.

Brief History of the Great Pyrenees

Katherine Goliboski, shared from Cidwm Great Pyrenees
 

The Great Pyrenees, a majestic breed known for their loyalty and protective nature, has a rich history that traces back to the Pyrenees Mountains, where they served as livestock guardian dogs for centuries.

As a part of the Molosser group, they are believed to descend from ancient dogs of used by Roman legions for protection and herding. The term Molosser (as described by the American Molosser Association) "...derives from Molossia, a subregion of ancient Epirus, in North-West Ancient Greece".

The Great Pyrenees, known for its striking primarily white coat (although colour is common in original examples, and the current standards allow up to 1/3 of the body to be in colour) and gentle demeanour, has a rich history that traces back over 2,000 years to the mountainous regions of France and Spain, particularly the Pyrenees Mountains. Originally bred to guard sheep and livestock from predators, these dogs exemplified resilience and dedication, often working alongside shepherds in harsh conditions. Their strong protective instincts and loyalty made them indispensable in rural communities, leading to their recognition as a national treasure in France. Over the centuries, the Great Pyrenees has transitioned from a working dog to a beloved companion, finding a place in many households while still retaining its natural guarding abilities. As they have grown in popularity in various parts of the world, the breed has maintained a reputation not just for their physical strength and endurance, but also for their gentle nature and affectionate temperament, making them cherished family pets today.

Their popularity surged in 17th-century France, particularly during the reign of Louis XIV, who favoured the breed for its impressive stature and gentle demeanour; so calm in fact that they came to be termed "mat dogs" as acknowledgment of their tendency to lie about until called upon. The Great Pyrenees became emblematic of nobility and were often seen accompanying the Sun King in his opulent court, serving both as companions and guardians. Their affinity for children and families further solidified their status, as they were not only protectors of sheep but also cherished family pets in the royal households. The breed's enduring legacy continues as a symbol of loyalty and grace, deeply rooted in both history and culture.

A Great Pyrenees, when guarding a flock in the Pyrenean Mountains, performs several vital tasks to ensure the safety of the animals. These include patrolling the grazing area, using their keen senses to detect potential threats such as wolves or other predators, and establishing a protective perimeter around the flock. They are known for their strong bond with the sheep and will often bark or display assertive behaviour to deter intruders. Additionally, they require socialization and training to work effectively with the shepherd and adapt to the various terrains and conditions of the mountains. Their instinctive guarding behaviour, combined with their loyalty and independence, makes them excellent guardians in this challenging environment.

The Great Pyrenees continue to represent a rich legacy of household pets and working dogs, reminding us of the vital relationship between humanity and animals in safeguarding our cultural and agricultural heritage.

Dear Valued Customers and Property Managers,

As we continue to grow and expand our services, Jody's Lawn Care is pleased to announce that we are increasing our presence in the Cambridge and Kitchener area. 

Our son Noah will be at the helm, as he has recently moved back to the Cambridge area and therefore will be able to provide timely responses and service! As Noah takes the lead in this exciting new venture, we are eager to see how his unique insights and expertise will enhance our existing framework and drive growth. With a modest but valued customer base in Cambridge, we envision expanding our service offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clientele, while also extending our reach to neighboring areas. This strategic growth not only reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction but also sets the stage for sustainable success in the long term. We are confident that under Noah’s guidance, we will foster deeper relationships with our customers and create a more extensive network of services that can adapt to future demands.

We are committed to delivering exceptional lawn care services to our existing customers and are excited to reach out to new customers in the region. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service, ensuring that your properties receive the best possible care. We would be delighted to discuss potential opportunities for expanding our services to your properties, whether it's adding additional maintenance plans or exploring new services. Additionally, if you know any colleagues or friends who could benefit from our services, please feel free to share our information with them. Your referrals mean a great deal to us!

Please feel free to contact us to learn more about our packages and how we can meet your lawn care needs.

Sincerely,
The Jody's Lawn Care Team

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work, social obligations, and daily responsibilities. While being busy and productive can be fulfilling, neglecting our own needs and well-being can lead to burnout, stress, and a sense of exhaustion. Prioritizing self-care and achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for our mental and physical health, relationships, and overall happiness. By taking time for ourselves, we can recharge, refocus, and return to our daily tasks with renewed energy and motivation. Whether it's reading a book, taking a walk, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, making time for self-care allows us to cultivate a sense of calm, clarity, and purpose. By striking a balance between our professional and personal lives, we can live more authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.

I have begun to attempt to reintegrate this into my own life in just small steps to start. I have started ensuring I read before bedtime, as opposed to "doom scrolling", social media idling, or viewing potential shopping opportunities online (looking at you KikiCrystal).

So far I have completed a book that I honestly started LAST YEAR. It was called The Unspoken Name by A. K. Larkwood. Upon reflection, I can see why I put this book down. I did not find the character endearing, she was very one-dimensional and the "love interest" was half-hearted and predictable. There was a lack of description for setting, making it based heavily on situations and conversation to build the mental image of their surroundings. It was a fairly boring read, filled with blots of action/violence and a very quick ending (once you got to it). I appreciated that the ending was kind of left open, as the characters deserved to have some freedom/freewill at the end. This is a book I will be interring to the local community roadside library.

Next on the docket is Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. Now, this is an author that I have been actively avoiding - due to her recent "BookTok", Instagram etc. fame for her other series (A Crown of Thorns and Roses). I am not one to fall into the "fads". Ironically, I have had the complete ACOTAR series, and have for YEARS -- it was in a box of books given to me by a friend when she was cleaning out her over populated shelves; as such, I do not quite understand why a series that is almost 15 years old is suddenly in the spotlight. But hey, congrats to the author on getting some good PR.

I started this trek with Sarah J. Maas only because in that box of many books was the LAST book in the other series by this author as well. This is the series NOT plastered all over the internet. As such, I thought, why not? But! As I only have the last book, I figured I should start with the first. Although I could probably borrow this from the library, I decided if I could find a secondhand copy for cheaper than new (since the new price is about twice what I expected for a paperback going on 15 years old), why not? Worst case when I pass on the book I did have, at least whoever I passed it to would also have the chance to form a reasonable opinion.

Thanks to Facebook marketplace, I found an original print paperback copy for $15 from a young lady in Caledonia - and bonus, when I went to pick it up she decided I could have it for nothing, as she had planned on giving it away anyway! Woot!

So now, Throne of Glass sits on my bedside table. I read chapter 1 last night and... we shall see. the main character comes off as overly confident and egotistical. Not sure that will work for me, but to be fair she starts off in a salt mine, so she had already been knocked down a peg in the grand scheme.

We shall see how this progresses.

Hope you too are able to slow it down a bit and remember that it is OKAY to put yourself first sometimes.

This past weekend was spent filled with determination, sweat, and concerns about hydration levels.

I was driven to accomplish a goal I have had all season: seed my horse paddock and back yard.

Now, this may seem a straight forward task, and it is, once the prep work is completed. My father and I spent a weekend back in May raising up the grade in part of the pasture, to stop water pooling there - we did seed that at the time, however, beyond that we left it to neglect. As such, it became a area of tall, green weeds that my horse decided not worthy of eating and instead used that area as an outhouse (her own privacy screen created by the weeds, no doubt).

My back yard is a more complex creature. Our property was once a nursery, and, looking at images of it from back then, it was well maintained and beautiful. Unfortunately, the two property owners in the interim since our purchase allowed things to go a bit wild. We have spent the last two years expanding the backyard, installing fence, and pulling weeds; on top of getting the rest of the farm property up to snuff!

When removing the old chain link my husband discovered that underneath the Stinging Nettle, Mulberry trees, and Goldenrod, Poison Ivy was happily trailing along the base of the fence line. That was a learning curve - he looked like he had been involved in a chemical spill, large red splotches and welts over his arms and upper body. We do not recommend!

So, this past weekend was spent with help from a best friend and father (as fathers are helpful creatures) re-grading dirt, cleaning up weeds and Mulberry trees (anyone need Mulberry trees?) - this took about nine hours total, with a few decent breaks due to the heat.

We were exhausted. My Garmin watch said I had taken over 22,000 steps over the course of the day (2x my daily goal!).

That was day one.

Sunday was just me on my lonesome with an over seeder I had rented from our business neighbours The Equipment Centre, a bag of Sports field Blend Seed from The General Seed Company (not the cheapest blend available, but supposed to be the toughest, and with my population of dogs and a horse, we need something robust!) and a bag of 6-24-24 fertilizer from Underhills. I started at 9am in the horse paddock, walking the machine in both horizontal and vertical lines, then followed up with a round of fertilizer from the push spreader.

My horse watched impassively from her other paddock beside this one.

I then moved on to the back yard, which being a less smooth grade right across was tricky with the machine at time. These over seeders are not made for uneven or soft (sandy) terrain like what we have, so there were some heavy push moments. But, I did manage to get most of it done with the machine, then followed up with the small push spreader. Fertilizer was then applied everywhere!

Next came the less intense but just as important watering mode. Although we have a large property, and although I am sure the pivot sprinklers used in fields would be useful... we are not that advanced yet. So old faithful oscillating sprinkler it was! Every 20 minutes I moved it to a new area, and when it was in the horse paddock I had a bit of a trial chasing the ducks and chickens out of the way ("helping").

It was incredible how green the existing grass went with a little water after our fairly serious drought lately.

After the watering had been completed (not soaking, but the ground was damp, a good start for seed germination) I went inside to crash on the couch.

It was now 4:00pm.

I was very satisfied with what I was able to accomplish, and was further pleased when earlier than fore casted (my weather app had said 3am) at around 11pm it began to rain.

Now as long as the weather forecasts for this week hold true and we get rain every day, I should not need to worry about babysitting the soil - it should stay just damp enough on its own.

I do not think I could manage this type of endeavour every weekend, but such is the life when you want to improve your property - it just never ends!

*AI image to give an idea of the state of my yard prior (not my ideal for what Pyrenees should look like, but the dirt is correct)

As summer careens towards its conclusion, the countdown to fall ignites excitement for many! It is signaling the arrival of cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and cozy gatherings. The official first day of Fall is September 22 - and we are less than one month away! The days are already starting to shorten, and we anticipate the seasonal transition marked by the rich palette of autumn leaves, pumpkin spice lattes (yes, Instagram is already blowing up with the Pumpkin Spice posts *eye roll*), and harvest festivities (Waterford Pumpkin festival, we're looking at you!). October brings Halloween thrills and a chance to embrace outdoor adventures like apple-picking and hiking amidst the picturesque landscapes. This countdown invites us to celebrate the beauty of nature’s transformations and the warmth of community as we prepare for a season rich in traditions, flavors, and reflective moments.

Preparing your lawn for Fall is essential for ensuring its health and vigor in the upcoming seasons. Begin by mowing your grass to a slightly shorter height, which helps preventing disease and encourages new growth. Rake up leaves and debris to allow sunlight and air to reach the soil, while also reducing pests and diseases. Aerate the soil to promote better water absorption, especially if your lawn is compacted. Following aeration, overseed with a cool-season grass blend to fill in any thin spots and improve the lawn’s density. Finally, apply a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients that support root development and prepare your lawn for Winter dormancy. Water thoroughly to ensure that the grass establishes strong roots before the onset of colder temperatures.

In general, your yard also needs to be put to bed before Winter. It is essential to ensure a healthy landscape during the colder months and a vibrant spring awakening. Trim back perennials and dead annuals to tidy your garden, and remove any diseased plant material. Consider mulching around trees and shrubs to protect their roots from frost. Ideally, take potted outdoor plants inside for Winter if possible. Put away excess pots, especially if they are clay or stone, so they don't crack; if you do not have room for them inside, lay them on their side to ensure they do not fill with water/snow and crack as the water expands. Lastly, clean and store garden tools to keep them in good condition for the next planting season. With these steps, your yard will be well-prepared for the fall and ready to thrive when spring arrives.

Image by freepik

We understand that the weather in Canada has always been a tad unpredictable, but we are

beginning to feel shorted on our actual seasons! They all seem to be merging into one!

Summer was a mish mash of Spring showers and hot humid deadly hot Summer days (possibly in a 60:40 split). We thought we were just starting to get some decent reasonably warm, sunny days, when WOOSH! Now we are ito Fall. Solidly, Fall. At 10 degrees Celcius this morning, we are back to donning our sweaters and contemplating warm drinks when the breeze is strong.

We didn't get as many ideal days as we perhaps would have liked, especailly when it seemed a plot against us that the majority of weekends were doused in rain.

However, the positives are thus:

- we can now complete our grub suppression applications

- hauling giant hoses in cool weather is ALWAYS better than hot weather (for our final round of weed spraying)

- the weed burden will reduce with the cooler temperatures (less ideal growing environment)

- less mosquitoes and lake bugs

- this is much better weather for our dogs!

I have just been told that next week is back to hot Summer heat - so now that we have potentiaslly adjusted to the *new* weather the old weather is going to throw itself back into our faces >_<

.... thanks Canada.

Although the weather here in Southwestern Ontario has been... unpredictable, to say the least, there is one component of the Summer months that has remained reliable: unwanted bugs.

Personally, the most annoying pest on my own property is Mosquitoes. They have been rampant this year, more so than the first couple years we have resided on our Brant County property. Something in the weather patterns and perhaps the plant growth has led to a insurgence of these bitey buggars, and it is driving us nuts! Or maybe its the uncommonly often and unpredictable rain fall we have been having - keeping our puddles and ponds high!

However, a discussion with my friend Priscilla (RBC mortgage broker extraordinaire) led to the 'plain as the nose on your face' information that we can plant specific plants in our gardens to deter pests! Now, thinking about it, things such as Citronella plants are obvious, but there were a few that she shared that I did not even think about! Pests such as mosquitoes (of course), flies, spiders, and even some herbivore mammals (looking at you rabbits) can be off put.

Here is a list of four plants that can help make your garden (and yard) a less appealing stop:

1. Lavender (thanks Freepik for the image)

Due to the essential oils found in the leaves of this fragrent bloom (not only useful in calming the body or getting a good night's sleep) these plants are great at discouraging unwanted pests (although Bees do love them and can make lavender flavoured honey). It is a perennial plant, so a one time ourchase with recurring use. It is drought resistant and hardy. it does require full sun (ideally), and blooms in Summer to Fall.

2. Rosemary (picture c/o FreePiks)

This tasty herb (great with poultry recipes) is note worthy for its ability to repel moths, flies and mosquitoes. It has a woody, strong scent; this is what the bugs do not like. It is an annual, so it will only last the season unless you bring it into the house over the Winter/cool Spring. It does best in hotter temperatures and moderate watering.

3. Lemon Grass (or Citronella grass)

This strong scented grass is valued for its citronella oil (famous for its anti-mosquitoe properties), and can reach glorious heights of up to four feet! Although it is a perennial, it is not frost tolerant, and can also be invasice; as such, it is recommended to treat it as a large container plant and bring it into the house for the Winter. Otherwise it is a low-maintenance plant.

4. Catnip

This readily available plant is possible already in your garden for your furry feline's enjoyment. It is a very prolific grower, and often tries to take over unoccuoied gardens if we are not careful. However, when managed, it is a fantastic mosquitoe deterrant. Once again, it comes down to the oils in the leaves. There were even scientific studies showing it more effective as a bug repellanet than mand-made chemicals! As a segway, we can also use this to point out that many members of the mint family in general are suitable anti-mosquitoe plants!

5. Marigolds

Not sure if you are like me and were taught to plant Marigolds in vegetable gardens to ward off invading nibbling pests, but here again I come across this information. They have a strong scent that dissuades pests (from caterpillars to mosquitoes) and make a beautiful garden or vegetable plot border. The downside is these plants are annuals, so again, unless you wish to keep them insdie durin cooler months, they are annual purchase. But so pretty!

Thanks Freepik for the image.

Resources:

https://savvygardening.com/is-lemongrass-a-perennial/

https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/mosquito-repellent.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/06/04/bug-mosquito-repellent-plants/85400368/

With the oncoming warm season, and the massive uptick in outdoor activities here by our staff (including myself), our customers may notice that there is a surge in having to leave messages on our answering machine or email.

This is not a bad thing! We will strive to return your communications the next business day, however, to make this process more efficient, I thought perhaps I would suggest a few tips.

#1 Be sure to relay your address

     Whether you are a potential new customer or a seasoned loyalist, it is always helpful to provide your address so that we know where we are envisioning. It also makes searching in our database a smidge easier.

#2 Please pronounce your phone number slowly

     We all know how we become programmed to rattle off our phone number, however, please be sure you speak it slow enough that we can hear it down the long tunnels of the telephone wires. The pattern of three numbers, pause, three numbers, pause, three numbers has actually been studied and found to be a mnemonic memory tool.  We as humans are better able to process values in that pattern; this means we are more likely to interpret what we are hearing and be able to record it correctly.

#3 Do not be afraid to repeat your phone number

    Although technology is great, even when we press the button that is made to relay to us the date/time and number that left the message, sometimes (if your listing is fancy) it will only reiterate a name. Therefore, we appreciate if you repeat the phone number, just in case we did not get it the first time.

#4 A brief description is fine

     Since we are going to be calling you back regardless, even if our response may not be in the affirmative, a one or two sentence description of your topic will suit us fine, just enough to put us in the right direction. Unfortunately, our messaging system does have a time out length, so we want to be sure that the contact details are a priority.

We understand that you are calling us with a topic that is on the top of your to-do list, and we endeavour to assist you as quickly as possible; as such, we appreiate when you understand that we are not always able to comply immediately, especially when setting up new services. We must be sure that everything is correctly quoted, scheduled and prepared for - as the saying goes, "measure twice, cut once"! With the quick start to the season our estimator (a.k.a our Manager Jeremy) is often pulled in many directions on a given day. Jeremy is best able to predict the needs and most efficient ways to addressing your lawn and garden plans. This lawn care experience also makes him key to directing our teams. Your patience for quotes and service scheduling is greatly valued by us.

We are honoured to be your choice for your lawn and garden care needs, and we look forward to working with you this season!

The turn of events in the weather atmosphere has had us spining!

With a crash and a thump we fell from warm to cold to freezing to... holy cow it's SPRING!

We thought we were ahead of the game sending out the estimates to existing customers in March, but then we had to spice it up and jump right into services by the first week of April! We had thought last year, when we started April 15, that it had been an early start.. but no, no, this year had to put that to shame!

So here we are! Flying! We have already completed the first round of corn gluten application (for crab grass prevention) and are working our way through the first round of Spring granular fertilizer applications.

Our cutting crews started their lists this week, only to be interrupted by monsoon rains yesterday, which then paused only to restart in the evenings leaving marshy ground for the morning.
 

As a Spring move, Celia also purchased some plants for the office a couple weeks ago.

... Too late has she learned that if she does not want me to kill them, they should be cacti.

However, I will do my best! Today I have managed to identify them - thanks to some input from a staff member at Park Road Veterinary Clinic. They have one of the types of plants in their exam room, which we saw while our dogs were donating blood to the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. Of course, it is a plant named after my least favourite species: Snake plant - Sansevieria. I am now going to google the heck out of how this thing is supposed to be cared for, starting with this article.

The other plant appears to be a Calanthea. This one is taking a bit of a hit already under my attentions, so I am hoping I can revive it! Starting with this article, but I think I will need more information for this one. The leaves are already yellowing and I keep seeing a lot of contrary diagnosis so... we will start from step 1.

I like plants, don't get me wrong, but I have never dealt with ones like this. At home I pride my self on orchids (constructive neglect) and succulents/cacti. As such, I make no promises. But. If I manage to kill these plants (that cost the company money) I will replace them with a Spider plant and perhaps some cacti... nothing like having a plan B.