The Daily Bleat - October Issue

Highland Cows - What’s the Hype?

The internet is infamous for popularizing the most outlandish of topics. Most have to do with water bottles or dances but this one is quite different from the rest. Highland cows have recently gone viral on many platforms, getting picked up as the latest trend. From giant plushies, petting zoo vlogs and Build-a-bear its clear Highland Cows are making their mark. These animals have become increasingly popular on the internet and are on many people’s mind. But…what is it?

Erin Bridges had visited a farm housing Highland Cows. Hickory Hearth Highlands is home to a dozen animals, including their most popular the Highland Cows. They recently celebrated the birth of a baby cow, Doug. Erin described how the baby was skittish as we was new to the whole meet and greet event. She said “getting to go up and just pet them or brush them was really fun”. The adult cows were accustomed to people and loved the attention.

Highland Cows aren’t unlike other internet trends. Animals can easily become widely viewed, like cats, hamsters and chinchillas have had their fame. But Highland Cows seem to have taken it by storm. “I think people are trying to get in touch with nature and get out of the city, do things with their friends and family that isn’t in the city” Erin explained. With all the screens in front of us everyday, its always interesting when we see something very nature-related. Highland Cows live on farms in the countryside, a great place to get fresh air outside the busy city. This internet trend could be eluding to how humans want to be more together with animals.

This internet sensation has been beneficial to small farms like Hickory Hearth Highlands. They are located in Washington County PA at 460 Ridge Rd, McDonald, PA 15057. Run by Reagan Carter the family farm houses donkeys and pigs in addition to their Highland Cows. Visitors can book a time to go pet and spend time with the adorable animals. “I would definitely go again, 10/10 would recommend” Erin said about the farm. She had gone with a small group of friends in August. The owner keeps the groups to be around 8 people total, as not to overwhelm the animals. There is normally a 1v1 ratio, ensuring they won’t be crowded by too many onlookers.

Highland Cows continue to greatly intrigue many people. Their big nose, fluffy ears and show-stopping bangs, whats not to love? They originally came from Scotland but now the whole world is appreciating them. It’s troubling that we are often on our screens and not seeing everything around us. But trends like this can inspire people to connect with nature and animals more. Highland Cows are worth the love they’re getting, and it’s not just their cuteness. Visiting animals on a farm can a memorable way to spend the day, and that’s definitely worth the hype.

By Clover Mahon

Seasonal Update

Scarecrows - A History

Many know of the fake straw people that stand out in fields. They’ve been used by farmers for decades to scare away animals like birds and deer. Jason Warfe works in the wine industry where he’s gained knowledge about keeping animals off crops. He explained how scarecrows are used to protect many different produce such as corn.

Although recently the use of scarecrows has gotten less popular. “When I was a young boy I would see scare crows in the fields, they where always very interesting to me” Jason explained “These days the only place I see them is in decorations, especially this time of year”. Often times farmers have to change the clothes or position of the scarecrow so the animals don’t become used to it. It can be a tedious practice when there’s many other things to do around the farm.

With new modern ideas new innovations have made. “I know of techniques producers use such as sound cannons to keep the birds away from eating their grapes.” Jason mentioned. The loud sounds deter visits from unwanted animals. Other tools farmers use include fencing and fake predator dummies like owls. These alternatives may be more effective than the classic scarecrow. Nowadays scarecrows make their most common appearances during the Halloween season in people’s front yards.

We have grown away from the old methods of scare crows but they’ll always be iconic. Farmers have invented new ways to protect their produce. Birds, deer and rabbits are all attackers of vegetables grown by small farms. While they aren’t liked very much, they still deserve respect. Tools like sound cannons scare them away without injuring the animals.

By Lucky Warfe

Crossword

Letter from the Editor Bleater

The Daily Bleat has grown greatly from where we first started! With our team of dedicated writers we are striving to bring you reliable information. The goal we work towards is to build community and spread knowledge. Not many people know or understand what happens on farms, expect for farmers. The knowledge of how to make things can’t be lost, creating is what makes us human! These articles bring these values together, one talking about old traditions such as scarecrows and the other about how trends can show us how nature is so important. Thank you for supporting The Daily Bleat on our path to where we are now!

Credits

Erin Bridges - Interview & Photos

Hickory Hearth Highlands - 460 Ridge Rd, McDonald, PA 15057

Jason Warfe - Interview

Center for Science in the Public Interest - Infomation

Crossword Answer Key

Down:

1.Snakes, 2.Bats

Across:

3.Raven, 1.Spider