Go and meet Merry Christmas in the Jersey barn
It was a Christmas they’ll never forget. Sue Cunnington-young’s lifelong dream was to have a Jersey, those cows with the beautiful brown eyes, the longest lashes and rich, gold-brown color. Growing up with Dad and following him around on local Jersey farms, spending lots of time helping get ready for county fairs, Sue Young knew and understood the Jersey character, which, when given the chance, could be just as much a pet as the family dog.
So, secret plans were put into action and Dean Young was able to purchase a two-month-old, quality Jersey calf at Lencrest Farm nearby. Barely able to contain themselves, the four Young daughters, gathered at home for Christmas, were careful not to show their excitement as the appointed hour approached. When the door opened and Father Young carried this baby calf splendid in a Christmas bow, in to his wife Sue, bedlam hardly describes the happiness and the Merry Christmas wishes that rang out.
So...it was only natural. This little princess would be named Merry Christmas, and aside from sleeping in the house, she would have all the privileges her human family had. Then there was a herd name to choose. But inspiration only took a few minutes. With Grandfather Ben Cunnington’s long years at the Springmount Jersey Farms, and considering this farm has not operated for over 20 years, perhaps the Canadian Jersey Association would allow the Springmount name to be used.
The result will be the presence of this star at this year’s county fair. She’ll have a pedicure, a careful hair clipping, at least two baths, her nose and eyes wiped clean, and her coat rubbed with “Show Shine.” The only problem the family worries about is that Merry Christmas thinks she’s “people.” Friendly and calm, she is almost constantly near her family and, as Dean Young says, the neighbours all know when she’s feeling lonesome. “We bring her up to the porch when we’re sitting out,” he says, “because she starts ‘mooing’ if she can’t see us. Loves people and will lay down at your feet.”
Merry Christmas will celebrate her first birthday in October. “We’ll have to soon start looking at a mate for her if we want her to produce milk. But there’s no hurry yet,” he says with a chuckle.
Fair visitors will find her in the Jersey barn out behind the Expo Centre where, if all goes well, spectators will get the chance to see her join her age group and hopefully, win a red or blue ribbon. But folks will have to get there early. Young cattle are judged among the first classes, beginning with the youngest. The 4-H Dairy Showmanship classes begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday with breed conformation beginning at 1:30 p.m. Regular fair classes for dairy breeds begin Saturday at noon in the Expo Centre.
No matter where Merry Christmas is placed in the winners’ line, she will welcome any attention, a scratch or a pat, giving even the youngest visitors a chance for a hands-on meeting.