From My Farmhouse Kitchen

Oh, those tiny little claws are sharp!

You don’t expect something that small to draw blood, but there it is on the back of your hand. Fortunately, the pain is overwhelmed by the big ears and the huge eyes and the tail like a car antennae. You fell in love with your kitten onepoint-three seconds after it landed in your hands; and in the new book “The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten” by Philipp Schott, it does more than purr! Philipp Schott has the best job. THE BOOKWORM SEZ By Terri Schlichenmeyer of a client who “didn’t believe” in getting her dog his vaccinations, even though he explained the risks. Then

He is a veterinarian and chief of staff at there was the German a pet hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and his days shepherd that required three staff are filled with soft eyes, silky ears, warm purrs, members and 20 minutes for a fourgrowls and yelps. Humans are also his clients, and second procedure. Schott writes about a after many years of caring for pets, he has a few kitten named Emily that didn’t care about stories... Manitoba’s Covid rate, or the fact that he was a boy

He writes, for instance, about a tiny Chihuahua- cat. something named Chico who was the victim of “BD- Schott dispenses advice for humans caught in the LD,” or big dog (BD) attacking little dog (LD). “Cat Wars;” he explains why obsessive licking is Sweet-tempered, happy-go-lucky Chico was with his sometimes a good thing for your pet; he muses on owners on a daily walk when a large cur how different jobs are similar to that of a veterinarapproached with intent to kill. Once Chico got to the ian; and he writes about the easy fixes. They don’t hospital, Schott saved his life but Chico later had happen a lot, but when they do, it’s magical. scars on his outside. Quick: what’s cuter than a fluffy baby animal?

“On the inside,” says Schott, “there was only joy.” Not much, that’s a fact; but the stories inside “The

Vaccines can be controversial things for some peoBattle Cry of the Siamese Kitten” come pretty close. ple and, apparently, for some animals. Schott writes A few pages into this book and you can probably

“The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten” by Philipp Schott, DVM c.2022, ECW Press $17.95 280 pages

imagine how much fun it could be to have author Philipp Schott at a cocktail party. Here, he tells a very sweet story of a bunny owner and a rabbit cam because you can’t be too safe. He affectionately writes about “Cat Ladies” over there, along with plenty to make feline owners happy. Dog tales, check. And human foibles go hand-in-paw with animal tales in this book, as Schott seems wonderfully, perfectly willing to tell on himself, too. These are super-short anecdotes that are super-long on endearment, with subtle advice hidden in the tales, a few LOLs thrown in for good measure, and an occasional tear-wipe. Animal lovers ages 13-to-adult will want to curl up with “The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten.” Don’t wait to get your claws on it.

Look for the reviewed book at a bookstore or a library near you. You may also find the book at online book retailers.

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books. v

Calendar of Events

Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar and enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com.

Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 — Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops — Online

— This live, online program will provide up-to-date, research-based information to help optimize your crop management strategies for 2023. For more details, please visit https://z.umn.edu/strategic-farming.

Jan. 12 — Crystal Valley Winter Conference —

Mankato, Minn. — The conference will begin with a presentation of Crystal Valley’s research results, followed by breakouts featuring a full lineup of guest speakers and industry experts. For more information, visit winterconference.crystalvalley.coop.

Jan. 12 — What is a Fair Farm Rental Agreement

— Online — Attendees will receive several informative worksheets and factsheets that will help to determine what a fair 2023 farmland rental rate is. For more information, please visit https://z.umn.edu/landrentworkshops.

Jan. 12 — Women in Dairy: Using Baler Twine

and Barn Lime — Hutchinson, Minn. — Laura Daniels will show attendees how common items on the farm are tools to help you get the most out of your crazy busy days. Contact McLeod County Extension office at (320) 484-4302.

Jan. 18 — Iowa State University’s Dairy Webinar

— Online — This monthly series will focus on the climate and weather predictions for the 2023 growing season. Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area for more information.

Jan. 18 — Good Agricultural Practices Training

— Rochester, Minn. — All farms are welcome to attend and learn more about GAPs and practices to improve the safety of your fresh produce. Contact Annalisa Hultberg at hultb006@umn.edu. Other dates and locations: Jan. 23 — Online; Feb. 8 — Dundas, Minn.; March 2 — Online

Jan. 18-19 — MN Ag Expo — Mankato, Minn. — Learn what researchers are discovering about new uses for corn. The Expo will also include learning sessions focused on carbon credits, nitrogen, state regulations, and the 2023 farm bill. Contact MN Ag Expohttp:// mnagexpo.com.

Jan. 19 — Planning Your Dairy Farm Future —

Paynesville, Minn. — Session is “Who’s the Boss?” (Leadership and Communication). Learn about family member personality and communication and how it affects your farm’s performance. Contact Dana Adams at adam1744@umn.edu or (320) 255-6169, ext. 3.

Jan. 19-20 — Farm Futures Business Summit —

Coralville, Iowa — The 2023 Farm Futures Summit is ready to equip you with the tools needed to capitalize on your operation’s full potential. For more information, visit https://www.farmfuturessummit.com/en/FarmFutures-Summit.html.

Jan. 19-21 — Practical Farmers of Iowa

Conference — Ames, Iowa — This year, the conference invites attendees to consider the many places where common ground exists in our lives, farms, ideas and shared aspirations. Contact Tamsyn Jones at tamsyn.jones @practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.

Jan. 23— Apple Tree Pruning Workshop—

Preston, Minn. —These workshops will provide guidance on proper pruning methods and focus on handson practice pruning trees at apple orchards. Contact your local Extension office with questions/registration assistance.Other dates and locations: Jan. 26 — Montgomery, Minn.; Feb. 8 — St Joseph, Minn.; Feb. 27 — Watertown, Minn.; Feb. 28 — Buffalo, Minn.; March 13 — Hinckley, Minn.; March 14 — Duluth, Minn.