RAMSAY FARMS: STUPID LOCAL VETS

Monday, March 17, 2008

STUPID LOCAL VETS

I really have had it with the local vets around here. Ever since I'd had the goats and sheep I have had to literally bribe, drag or drug the vets to even consider coming out there. And yet on days I don't need them I see them in their trusty pick up trucks driving all over this county.

Their fear of the unknown or fear of these species or me has got to quit. Isn't it their job to help??!! Isn't that what I pay them for? Its not like i DON"T pay?

When I had a goat the first year having kidding problems I called 12 vets in FIVE counties to try to have them come out. Goats are on the bottom of the totem pole in case anyone is wondering.

Today, a simple blood draw for mineral testing in the goats. All they do is prick the vein in the neck with a needle and collect blood for a red top and a purple top. I called the closest large animal vet. Their test tubes expired in 1997. They don't know what to tell me. UGH

I call my equine vet who by the way told me that she'd help me with the goats and sheep. After she got married she's been acting strange and has all kinds of excuses why not to come out. Last time it was 'geez Garrett I just don't know what to do with those animals....its been 10 years since i've dealt with sheep or goats". Well honey read up! She's lost my equine support at this point. Today she said she had a posse meeting an hour away and "can't" tonight. Isn't that was EMERGENCY rates are for as well as farm visit fees???? She said she's booked all day tomorrow as well. Give me a break!

The third vet has refused to return my phone calls, will not answer the phone, is never in the vet office when I stop in or call, and yet I see him driving all over the place. He is the one who has been doing large animal (cattle, horses, GOATS and SHEEP, swine and poultry) for over 30 years!!!

I'm about ready to post their names all over the internet and newspapers as incompitent vets and that no one should use them and give a list of reasons why.

They are vets, they, like doctors are on call at all times, emergency or not, especially if i'm willing to PAY for that extra.

ugh

4 comments:

Michelle said...: I guess the only GOOD vet in your area packed up and moved to NW Oregon in 1989! Hee! (But I really AM sorry those who are left are such turkeys.); March 18, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Becky Utecht said...: Garrett, our local vet office had a policy that they would not do farm visits for sheep - period. I had to bring in emergencies to be checked in the parking lot or pay for an office call if they needed a full workup. It was actually much cheaper that way. They also gave plenty of advice over the phone and provided meds for pick up. Then about three years ago they quit doing large animals! I was lost until I finally found a young vet who will come out here. BUT I sure can't afford to pay his trip fees, so it has to be a true emergency for me to call him here.
Have you asked the vet offices if you could pack up the animals you want drawn and bring them to the office? Or even better, could you wait until Kelly comes out for your next visit and have her draw the blood?; March 19, 2008 at 8:02 AM
Sharrie said...: Wow!! I didn't know that I was so lucky. I sure hate to read about all the trouble you are having. I think I would have to give up if I couldn't get a vet to help out. I hope you find someone soon.; March 19, 2008 at 11:02 AM
JLB said...: I know I'm a bit late and you probably wont even see this but a lot of it has to do with politics vets have little or no protection against being sued for any little reason so when they are lacking in knowledge most take the easy way out and avoid the situation rather than risk doing something wrong and being sued. It is unfortunately the world we live in. I will be making a post on my vet blog soon on drawing your own blood. Then you could just take it in to them :) http://vetwork.blogspot.com/; February 23, 2009 at 10:06 AM

Who we are

Ramsay Farms is situated in the northeastern part of Ottertail County, near Perham, Minnesota. This family farm of 320 acres has been in the Ramsay family for five generations, dating back to 1892. Today our farm prides itself on our Simmental cattle, Shetland Sheep and BlueFaced Leicester sheep. We strive to breed animals that closest match the breed standards given to them, and mindful of production, health and longevity in our animals as well.

In spring of 2016, there was a purchase of 32 acres in Green County, Wisconsin to accommodate Garrett for his work in that region. The animals have for the most part been moved to that location. Both locations will work in tandem to continue educating and promoting these animals and this way of life.

From the Shetland Sheep Society

"Shetland sheep have for generations been noted for their very soft and well crimped fleece. The wool is the finest of all native breeds and shows an amazing variety of colours and patterns. There are 11 main whole colours and 30 recognised markings.

By selecting from coloured fleeces a range of naturally coloured yarn can be produced. This eliminates the need for dyeing and therefore retains the soft feel of the natural fibre and is favoured by those who prefer a totally natural approach.

Shetland wool fibres are of a simple construction witha central cortex covered by a thin scaly cuticle, and have an average diameter of about 23 microns. However there is a range from 10-20 microns for neck and shoulder wool to 25to 35 microns for britch wool. the average staple length is 3.5 inches. The amount of crimp varies, and is most important in providing the 'bounce' required for knitwear. There is a positive correlation between fineness and crimp, with wool of the finest quality being crimped at between 8 and 12 to the inch. Wool from shetland sheep is used to produce gossamer lace, the famous 'Fair Isle' knitwear, and fine tweeds. Pure bred Shetland sheep tend to shed their fleece in sprin. The growth of new fleece can cause a rise or weak point and where this is present the fleece can sometimes be plucked or 'rooed' by hand. The timing of this can be different in each sheep, however, it is worth taking the care to get it right as rooed fleece can be amongst the softest because the fibres have no harsh cut ends as occurs with a sheared fleece.

Shetland fleece can be handspun straight from the fleece or made into rolags and then woollen spun. It can also be sorsted spun by hand, used on a peg loom or handwoven. It also felts well using either dry or wet methods. When processed commercially the wool can be made into the finest lightweight worsted cloth or heavier weight, harder wearing fabrics and tweeds."

RAMSAY FARMS

Monday, March 17, 2008

STUPID LOCAL VETS

4 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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