Testimonials
and Customer Photos  We recently hosted a guest from Malawi, Africa. As shown by these photos, Miriam was not afraid of the animals and wanted to experience everything!
Worlds Apart With Much in Common Mzuzu, Mzimba
in Nothern Malawi Africa is a long
way from Miami, Oklahoma USA, but Miriam Gausi came
ready to experience life in America. For her, it
was a study in disparity and
a realization of common goals. For her hosts,
it was an appreciation of a life style we often take for
granted and a time to reach out beyond our society.
While
in Miami, Miriam experienced public education with a tour
of Rockdale Elementary and Miami High School. Back in Africa, Miriam
is a trainer of teachers for the Synod level of the Presbyterian
Church. The need for teachers is great in her country. She
spoke of circumstances where one teacher would have
100 students that met under a tree. Her chalkboard
was the dirt. In contrast, Miriam was in awe at
seeing our Kindergarten students sitting in chairs, each
at their own computer in the lab, and in a classroom restricted
to 20 students.
The Miami Flood of 2007 was a way for Miriam
to discover how our society handles a flood. The
threat of flooding is ever present in Malawi as Lake
Malawi covers one-third of the country.
For
an American agriculture experience, Miriam spent the morning
on the Ankenman beef cattle ranch. She helped with the morning
chores, checked the calving cows, and watched the local veterinarian
semen test the herd bulls. Malawi's economy is
heavily dependent on agriculture and nearly 90% of
the population engages in subsistence farming.
"We have a
picture of Americans that is fat and lazy, but you work hard." explained
Miriam. "You are so blessed."
 First time behind the wheel!  First time on a horse!  We were semen testing bulls that morning, so she got to view us in action.  |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
From a satified customer in Michigan. Frannie has been my favorite since the animals arrived here, and she seems to like me pretty well, too. So... the day after I separated her and Flint- when she came in from the pasture bawling for him, I decided I'd see if she'd let me milk her. Maybe you won't believe this, but she NEVER tried to kick me. I've been milking her once a day for over 2 months in a open paddock- no stanchion, no halter, no restraint of any kind. I do give her a scoop of grain to reward her for her behavior, but she finishes the grain long before I finish milking her. As long as I scritch her shoulder and brisket when she's done eating, she stands quietly while I finish milking. She gives me 3 quarts of milk every day- perfect amount for me!- and I can't imagine buying grocery store milk ever again. Her cream is fantastic on fruit and in recipes (soups, sauces, etc.), and her butter is terrific. The best part of the whole thing is that Frannie is such a sweetie, and I have to chuckle every time I see or hear about how wiggy Tarentaise are. |
|
I'm not in a position (financially speaking) to refuse a sale when one is possible, but I have to admit that I use my Tarentaise to judge the suitability of prospective buyers for my Dexters. If my Ts don't like the people (as shown by their reaction to them), I don't sell animals to them. |
|
