Soule: Was an Old Teamster Pulling My Leg?

In a previous column, I wrote that farmers call steers "bulls." I got an email from Art Pease, a fellow farmer, who called me out on it. He said, "No, no, no! Farmers do not call steers bulls! Steers are steers, and bulls are bulls, as you must know. Perhaps the newspaper wrote the photo caption in today's column?" Art also said, "My father and older brothers always called them steers or oxen. I certainly wouldn't want to try to use a yoke of bulls!" and sent me photos of his family and their oxen. Art wasn't the only one who felt this was a mistake.

No, Art, that was not a mistake by the newspaper. It was me, all me.

Why Did I Do It?

When I started competing at fairs with my ox team, I was confused when other teamsters called their oxen "bulls." When asked, an old-time teamster told me that "bull" was slang for steers. I assumed that was universal, so I added that to my growing store of cattle knowledge. Was this inside-teamster-slang or a little joke among a particular group of teamsters, or was just an old-timer pulling my leg? Maybe some teamsters who read this will help and send their opinions.

Rain's Debut

Meanwhile, I'd like to report on the April 3rd "Farmyard Tours" to benefit the Learning Barn project. More than 67 people made appointments to cuddle a cow, set their children on the back of mighty Curious Bleu, or hug a heifer (a young female cow). Even though everyone wore masks, the pandemic was not front and center for a few brief moments. Not because of social distancing or constant sanitizing, but because gale-force winds carried the virus (and a pop-up tent) far away. Topper, my 9-year-old ox, was slated to be the "picture steer," so I tethered him to a 1,000-pound hay bale. But the flapping decorations spooked him, and he ran off, dragging the bale across the yard. He was too skittish to trust near visitors, so we replaced him with Rain, a 2-year-old heifer. Rain was a perfect candidate; she didn't mind the wind and stood patiently for pictures, some brushing, and the occasional carrot during the event.

This was Rain's debut, and she was joined by a cow named Belle, another first-timer.

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Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, in Loudon, N.H., where she raises and sells beef, pork, lamb, eggs and other local products.