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September 26, 2005
Photos and text by Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent.
New Morning Angus specializes in genetic development of brood cows and seedstock for purebred and commercial herds around the country. The farm is rapidly broadening their role in herd development from the southeast to the midwest. New Morning genetics are influencing herds as far west as Missouri and as far south as Florida.
A component of New Morning Farm is the Finish Line Foundation, a non-profit organization that treats and rehabilitates horses that come from abusive situations. The farm is currently home for 11 horses recovering from various maltreatment problems. The organization is called the Finish Line because once a horse is brought to the farm, they get to stay for the rest of their lives. Volunteers help care for the horses.
New Morning Farm is run by Charlie Horne, Chatham County Manager, and his wife Lynn Mitchell-Horne.
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Charlie Horne with Noble, one of the rescued horses. Noble, a thoroughbred, is a former race horse and the grandson of Alydar, who raced in the Kentucky Derby in the late 1970s. Noble’s racing career was cut short when he became lame, and the racehorse stable in Virginia where he lived was going to put him down since he could no longer race. Fortunately Lynn learned of his situation and brought him to the farm. Thoroughbred horses tend to be high-strung but Noble has settled down nicely at New Morning Farm. None of the rescued horses are ridden. They just get to enjoy the laid-back country life!
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Lynn Mitchell-Horne (in white shirt and hat, center right in front of the new barn) tells the stories of the rescued horses in the pasture. She knows all the sad details of their former lives and makes sure they get everything they need in terms of love and medical attention once they arrive. It is amazing to see how their lives turn around at the farm.
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Lynn scratches the favorite spot of “Twobie”, a bull named for his number 2B86. Twobie is the son of Bushwhacker, a well-known Angus bull out of California. The breeding program is designed to strengthen the characteristics on the maternal side to get the desired herd characteristics (outstanding maternal value, light calf weight, strong carcass traits, good disposition, etc.). Charlie and Lynn’s philosophy is “if you get a bull that can produce a great cow then you’ll have a great herd”. They work regularly with their animals to ensure that they are at ease being handled and have a gentle disposition.
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Charlie with 4V, half-grown at 18 months old. They expect great things out of this bull!
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Some of the cows and calves. There are about 70 cattle at New Morning Farm, including 5 herd bulls. The calving season runs September-December. The cattle are managed in a rotational grazing system and primarily graze on fescue, bermudagrass, and clover.
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This one-month-old Angus calf is the offspring of Connealy Forefront, a bull out of Nebraska. He will be a future herd sire for somebody. Note the stocky build which indicates he will be a big boy. This calf combines light calf weight, good growth characteristics, and great maternal instincts. The hardest thing a brood cow has to do is give birth so a light calf weight that can facilitate birth is desirable.
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John Deere Landscapes
12660 US Hwy 64 East
Apex, NC 27502
919-303-7290
Bedding plants, ground covers, trees, and shrubs; landscape lighting; pumps, pipe, and irrigation fittings; pavers and tools; seed, sod, fertilizers; soil amendments; pest control supplies; hand tools – John Deere Landscapes is the one-stop shop for local loandscapers with a busy schedule. The Apex branch of John Deere Landscapes opened as McGinnis Farms in 1997. In 2001, John Deere and Company bought McGinnis Farm for its strong market position, and the name was changed to John Deere Landscapes. The company brings a comprehensive approach to serving the green industry.
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Farm tour participants convene in front of the greenhouses.
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Branch manager Joe Smith (center, in khaki pants) describes the business to tour participants in front of the sales building.
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Nursery manager Will Jinnette (in white shirt and olive pants) fields questions about the selection of trees.
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Tour participants check out the plant selection in one of the shade houses.
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