We're on our way!
18 June 2016
Hello friends!
First and foremost, Merrall and Alex would like to express their immense gratitude to everyone who has donated so far to this cause. The cows in their herd are akin to family for the MacNeills, and knowing they are safe and well fed lifts an enormous burden from them. The time you've gifted to them has given them the space to consider where to next.
To that end, Merrall is now full steam ahead in setting up a small pasteurizer on the farm, which will hopefully mean milk sales are back up in running in a couple of months time. Merrall is not too fond of pasteurized milk, but for now this is the best step to get back to a self sustaining farm. We'll keep you updated about this exciting new venture for Holy Cow. Merrall is also busy bringing his whole herd back together, he is required to bring back animals he has grazing elsewhere to his property (more mouths to feed). All the animals will have another round of TB skin testing soon, with more in February next year. If everyone is clear in February, the herd will be again considered TB free and the 5 year stand down period of no raw milk will commence.
Meanwhile, a wonderful group of locals are busy organising Holy Cow! It's a banquet - a fundraising dinner for Holy Cow. This will be held at the Port Chalmers Town Hall on the 9th of July. The Facebook event is here if you want to keep in the loop about tickets etc. (link: https://www.facebook.com/events/249793525391612/)
If you have produce to donate towards the dinner, or prizes for raffles/auctions on the night, please flick us an email at friendsofholycow@gmail.com - we'd sure be glad to hear from you.
Famous architect, Daniel Burnham once said, "Make no small plans" - the love, support and connections that this situation has drawn out has been inspirational. Merrall is still looking farther ahead at other methods of milk purification and much more besides - but that is a story for another day.
For now we say, watch this space, share the word and see you soon friends of Holy Cow!
Keep in touch - email friendsofholycow@gmail.com - messages are passed on to Merrall and Alex on a regular basis.