January was a month of growth, learning, and teamwork for the 4-H Byre Clan, a vibrant youth farming club based in Bristol. Under the leadership of Club Leader Jeffrey Patterson and the support of dedicated volunteers, members engaged in a range of hands-on activities, furthering their agricultural skills while contributing to the care of Byre Farm’s animals.

Following the first "All You Can Eat" pancake breakfast in December, the Club was set to host a Community Breakfast in February at Dot's Bakery in Bristol.

At the start of the month, Club members attended a chicken health visit with Dr. Flash at Boothbay Animal Hospital. During the visit, Dr. Flash examined two hens—Winter, a white and gray Bantam, and Peggy, a senior Buff Orpington—while demonstrating key aspects of chicken health monitoring. This included checking the throat, eyes, leg, and foot movement, comb and wattle color, and weight. Winter was found to have a loose ligament in her right leg, and Dr. Flash taught Byre Clan members how to apply a hobble to support her legs. Thanks to this treatment, Winter can now stand independently. We’re happy to report that she has rejoined the flock in a protected area and, with the hobble, is once again able to stand and walk!

January was a cold month, but that didn't stop Byre Clan members and volunteers from enjoying time outside, working with the bull calf team of Fernando and Winston, visiting Don Silkie of Jefferson, and preparing for the upcoming maple sap harvest season!

Club members visited Don Silkie at his shop in Jefferson. Don makes yokes and bows of various sizes and handcrafted goads. Club members learned how Don starts with a large piece of wood, like hickory or white oak, and refines the piece until it is ready to be put to work with various steer teams across Maine. Don's gracious and welcoming approach put the Club members at ease, and many jumped in to use the tools to sand some goads Don had prepared for them. To close out the visit, Don demonstrated with his steer team of Jack and Jim.

The Club's bull calf team, Fernando and Winston, continues to grow in size and skillset! On average, each of these "good boys" is gaining 20 pounds per week, eating well, and getting lots of socialization. With Club members as their drivers, Fernando and Winston are now pulling 100 pounds and have started learning how to pull small logs from one point to another. The Byre Clan Club continues to raise funds to support this bull calf "Teaming Project."

In February the Club planned to tap maple trees at their host farm, the Byre Farm. Patterson coordinated the maple harvesting project. Members and volunteers were to tap trees, learning tree identification from arborist Ian Hodgkiss, learning to boil sap with Jim Hazel of I'd Tap That Sugar Shack, and completing an introductory course “Maple Sugaring 101” through UMaine Cooperative Extension. In addition to all this, lambs are on the way! A busy March lies ahead!

The Byre Clan’s activities showcase the dedication and enthusiasm of its members and volunteers. From learning woodcraft, maple harvesting, training calves, and hosting community events, the club continues to make a positive impact in Bristol and beyond. Whether you’re interested in joining, volunteering, or supporting their efforts, there’s a place for you at the Byre Farm.

The Byre Clan meets at Byre Farm, 25 Rock School House Road in Bristol. Open to youth ages 8-18, the club provides an opportunity to engage in hands-on farming experiences while building teamwork and leadership skills. Prospective members and their families are encouraged to visit the farm to meet the animals and learn more about the club. For more information, contact Jeffrey Patterson at jeffrey@paterson-valuations.com or call 207-529-5639.