Winter in Vermont is always challenging, but this year has been particularly difficult. The temperature swings (from frigid to record-breaking warm) and higher-than-usual ice load have been rough on everyone, animals and staff alike.
Making conditions even more challenging was the fact that our
smaller tractor – lovingly referred to as 'Little Kubota' – just couldn't
handle the super cold temperatures and quit for good.
Before the end, our small tractor could be found any time of the day:
- hauling load after load of manure to the waste pile,
- carrying bucketful after bucketful of dirty bedding to the compost heap,
- moving 50lb sacks of grain and feed around the sanctuary,
- delivering bucketfuls of donated fruits and vegetables to the back pasture,
- and being a dependable friend helping staff get around on rough terrain.
We have seven coops, two large barns, and several other outbuildings that need to be cleaned every day, spread over 60 acres. Little Kubota has been an integral part of these chores.
We have used it at least six hours a day, every single day of the year, for many years.
Without our small tractor, however, these chores have been
extraordinarily difficult. Without it, we're working extremely hard, performing
demanding tasks in tough conditions (such as hauling water on foot over the
ice), and that's taking a toll on us all.
Now that we have lost this small tractor, we desperately need the 'new to us' Little Kubota pictured below. It's a vital piece of equipment for us.
Please help us buy a new small tractor by making a generous donation today.
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