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The Stirring Rod

Field notes on biodynamic preparations, compost and the farm organism

HO 2 notes · Latest record

The holding

The farm as one organism: fields, hedges, orchard, livestock, bees and the wild edges that carry it.

HO-002HO-001

A Border Collie standing in profile on a clipped pasture at low morning sun, its black and white coat and white blaze clearly lit, with a wooden crook resting against a gate post in the soft background.
Plate HO-002 A black and white Border Collie stands ready for stock work, colour no guarantee.

The tally of the slice

2The rack
  1. A Border Collie standing in profile on a clipped pasture at low morning sun, its black and white coat and white blaze clearly lit, with a wooden crook resting against a gate post in the soft background.
    HO-002

    Coat Colour and Working Ability in Border Collies

    Coat colour tells a handler almost nothing about a Border Collie's working ability. The known colour genes, what merle and dilute change, and what to ask a

    Particulars
    The holding · 1094 words · 1 source
    Caveat
    this record cites only akc.org

  2. A Border Collie lying flat in short grass at the edge of a fenced paddock, eyes fixed on a small group of sheep, low afternoon light from the left, medium shot with the fence line running out of frame.
    HO-001

    Choosing a Livestock Dog for the Holding

    A holding with livestock needs a dog that moves animals calmly. Selection is a working decision, not a breed decision, and the first lessons matter most.

    Particulars
    The holding · 1592 words · 1 source
    Caveat
    ditto HO-002