Latest News at Hall Farm
HOPE Class Hiking Mount Moosilauke
August 2009, Hall Farm Stewardship
Summer months provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy hiking some of the more challenging mountains within the White Mountain National Forest. East Haverhill Academy student Kyle was proud to hike Mount Moosilauke with his Health and Outdoor Physical Education Instructor, Brian Gaffey.
Along the way, the group discovered natural springs bubbling from the earth where they filled their reserve water bottles. They also ran into hikers trekking the Appalachian Trail, some who have been hiking for over 5 months straight and enjoyed the conversation with fellow hikers. While the struggle to the summit was strenuous, there were refreshing brooks along the way to revive the spirit. Reaching the summit made the day worthwhile and offered breathtaking views from the eastern peak of Mount Moosilauke.
Sparky's Big Day at the Fair
August 2009, Hall Farm Stewardship
Becket Family of Services donated “Sparky,” a miniature Hereford calf, to the Cohase Lion's Club for their fund raising raffle that was held at North Haverhill Fair. Becket students worked with Sparky for several weeks ahead of the Fair to teach Sparky how to lead and to get him used to being around people and being up close and personal with so many folks. During the Fair, some of the boys went up each morning to do the "Sparky chores" that included cleaning his pen, feeding hay, giving him fresh water, and taking him to the wash rack for a bath so Sparky could look his very best. After he was washed and rinsed, they combed his hair up to give him a thick, wide look.
To promote our Miniature Herefords, we put signs on Sparky's pen telling the public about the characteristics and qualities of Minis. Sparky drew a lot of attention and the Lion's Club raised a good deal of money for their work in the community. It's a great experience for our students because they get a sense of all that is involved in taking cattle to a fair and helping the Lion's Club with their efforts.
Summer Happenings at Hall farm
July, 2009, Hall Farm Stewardship
Summer time sure keeps our kids busy here at Hall Farm! One of our big efforts is our luscious organic garden. Students are involved with every aspect of our garden from planning the plot, tilling, planting, weeding and getting to eat the prized vegetables they’ve grown. Taylor, pictured right, says, “I noticed that my tomatoes have gotten taller and have more leaves. The cauliflower has more leaves, too. I’m smiling because I know my plants are getting everything they need like rain, nutrients, and tender loving care from me. But they could still use some more sunlight!”
Another big project going on around the farm is the Blue Bird Trail at the Beaver Meadow Pastures. Students built and put out 24 duck boxes and bird houses which they check weekly. The students are keeping a log of the species of birds, number of eggs, how many hatch and other notables. This project is part of a larger, ongoing one which will help preserve the habitat of many birds and animals as well as provide good pasture for our beef cattle.
The Falcon Project is also a busy time for Hall Farm Forestry students. Throughout the spring, summer and fall students follow the life of the falcons as they return to the cliffs to start their families. Students sometimes get to see fledglings develop their flying skills and enjoy the acrobatics of their parents.
Haying is also a major focus of the farm right now, although the weather has not cooperated at all. The hay needs to be cut early in the morning on a good sunny day. The hay needs to be dried, which can be tricky with all the rain we’ve been getting! Then the hay is put into bales, stacked and put in the barn for food for the animals throughout the winter. Haying certainly is character building work for our students as it leaves you tuckered out after a long days’ work.
Spring Time Means Calving Time at Hall Farm!
April, 2009, Hall Farm Stewardship
 While many spring enthusiasts eagerly await daffodils opening up, or fiddle heads popping from the ground,
here at Hall Farm we eagerly await our baby calves arriving every spring. The calves are doing great this year– they are so playful and adorable it’s hard
to leave them alone! We are expecting 15 more Miniature Herefords and about the same number of full size calves and half Minis. All of our calves are
named with the first letter of the same as their mother’s. That way we can keep track of our cow families. For instance, in the Lucy family we now have
five generations living in the same barn. Lucy had Lindy. Lindy had Lucky. Lucky had Lola, and Lola had Lexy. Our Moms and their new babies so far are
Megan and Margie, Quartz and Queen, Duchess and Duke, and Crown Princess and Pink.
The Hall Farm students were fortunate enough to witness the birth of baby Queen. Quartz delivered Queen
all by herself, but the boys observed in quiet amazement. We made sure the membranes were cleared from Queen’s mouth and nose and that she was breathing
normally. We dipped Queen’s navel in iodine and left Mom and baby alone so that Quartz could clean her off and the two would be sure to bond.
The
calves will stay with their Moms through the summer until November and will spend the time out on pasture – growing and playing. The students spend a lot
of time getting acquainted with the calves which is important because the calves become friendly and easier to manage. Many a time, when a student is
having a rough day, he’ll just sit with the calves for a while and pretty soon things don’t seem so bad.
The Bull Project, Practical Learning Down on the Farm
February, 2008, Hall Farm Stewardship
Becket Farms is proud to be called “home” by the largest herd of Miniature Hereford in the northeast area. Under the guidance of Pat Underhill, farm manager, Becket students sample life in the cattle industry through the Bull Project. The Bull Project employs many aspects of marketing Miniature Hereford genetics through the sale of bull semen. The project started in January by examining the qualities and traits that make Miniature Herefords appealing. The class evaluates the bulls’ pedigree value, type traits, and overall appeal that would make them marketable. Students learn the importance of maintaining animal identity and how DNA is used to prove parentage. Students also learn how semen is drawn from a bull, how it is processed and frozen, as well as the best way to handle and ship.
 The Bull Project explores, plans, and implements a marketing strategy that is both cost effective and within budget. The group learns how to greet and speak with potential customers, develop appropriate phone skills, and practice those skills in real life scenarios. Throughout the project, students photograph the various steps and activities they take part in and write an account to be included in the project portfolio. Student Cody, pictured right, demonstrates the process for obtaining bull DNA by plucking a tail hair, right down to the follicle. While this may sound like a dangerous endeavor, Cody ensures that, "As long as you talk calm to George, (one of Becket's prized polled Miniature Hereford bulls) and rub his back, he trusts you and will let you take a DNA sample without a fight."
At the end of the project, students will prepare a presentation for school officials where they will share their findings, successes, problems, and recommendations for future success. The Bull Semen Project gives students the opportunity to develop and apply knowledge and skills in Language Arts, Biology, Math, Genetics, Economics, and Marketing in a real-life, on-the-farm situation and have fun as they learn.
"No Better Job I Can Think Of!"
October, 2008, Hall Farm Stewardship
 “These claw marks on this tree are fresh from a black bear marking its territory.” This statement is pretty common to hear if you are in East Haverhill Academy's Health and Outdoor Physical Education (H.O.P.E.) class with instructor Brian Gaffey as your guide.
Brian came to EHA last year from a wilderness based boys program located deep in the swamps of Georgia where he was Wilderness Instructor Team Leader. Brian says that “aside from trading my alligators and rattlesnakes for black bear and moose, my job working with troubled boys is pretty much the same. All they need is a little guidance, respect as an individual, and healthy methods for coping with negative influences in their lives.”
Through the EHA H.O.P.E. class, Brian teaches students many different healthy and positive outdoor activities. “Rain, snow, sleet, sunshine-my job is to make sure these guys are having fun and learning how to handle their everyday problems in an appropriate manner,” Brian says.
Brian shows the students that there are healthy activities out there that won’t get you into trouble, such as; hiking, fishing, boating, snow shoeing, and skiing. These activities are a positive way to release negative energy, rather than resorting to drugs, alcohol or anti-social behaviors.
As an American Red Cross Certified Open Water Life Guard and avid SCUBA diver, you know no student comes back dry in the warm months. “We don’t swim or fish until the area is completely clean,” says Brian. All students are expected to pick up trash at all trails, swimming holes and fishing holes they use. This teaches students a respect for nature and social responsibility.
When asked his most memorable moment, Brian said, “after talking with a Game Warden who was fishing for tagged trout, one of my students said, ‘that must be the best job-getting paid to fish’ to which I replied, ‘getting paid to work with troubled youth while fishing-there is no better job I can think of!”
"Helping Troubled Youth"
September, 2008, Hall Farm Stewardship
The Hall Farm Stewardship program recently was featured in the September 2008 issue of Hereford World Magazine. Beautifully written by Angie Stump Denton, the "Helping Troubled Youth" article explores how Becket uses its farm (with bragging rights to having the largest Miniature Hereford herd in the northeast) to help kids learn and grow by working with animals and the land.
Please view the article in its entirety to enjoy the full effect of Ms. Denton's experience at her recent visit to Hall Farm.
"Falcons' Survival Inspires Students"
September, 2008, Hall Farm Stewardship
Hall Farm's very own Bill House, Wilderness Instructor, recently made the front page of the Journal Opinion for his work with troubled youth and nesting falcons. "It's an awesome thing to have a peregrine falcon fly by and look you directly in the eye and to know those birds have been saved from extinction." "For Bill House, it's an even more awesome thing to see those birds helping his students to recover their own endangered lives." Elena Chevalier, Journal Opinion
The Peregrine Falcon Project
August, 2008, Hall Farm Stewardship 
Under the guidance of Forestry and Wildlife teacher, Bill House, Becket students have diligently observed the progress of Peregrine Falcons nesting on Owl’s Head cliff located in the Oliverian Valley. Owl’s Head cliff was one of the original sites for the reintroduction of the Peregrine Falcon through a multi-organizational attempt to reintroduce captive bred falcons in the Northeast. The project began in 1976, and wild Peregrines have successfully occupied the area since 1997.
 Typically, Peregrine Falcons raise two fledglings per breeding season. Last year, Owl’s Head Peregrines broke the state record by raising four young! This is a great indicator of the falcons’ successful hunting skills as well as the ample food supply found in the Oliverian Valley.
For several years, the Forestry/Wildlife class has monitored the cliff, getting an opportune chance to witness the world’s fastest animal thriving in their natural habitat.
The Animals Down at Hall Farm
July 2008
Imagine a job description like this: Help wanted! Someone to be a special friend. Must be gentle. Must like kids. Must have lots of patience. Compensation= good hay, a little grain, and lots and lots of love.
That pretty much describes the animals’ jobs Down at Hall Farm. Their job in life is to be a kid’s friend… and they do it very well.
Lily and Oliver (our beloved donkeys) love to have the boys brush their coats. Charley and Leroy (aka the “Brown brothers”) are Romney-Corriedale sheep. Mia and Ethel are the Hall Farm goats. Alongside the mini-herefords, there is a flock of chickens, headed up by “Mr. Robert Redford” himself (he is such a handsome fellow.) Robert is a Buff Orpington rooster who is often seen being carried around by the boys and has even made it to the classroom on occasion.
Besides being a friend, these animals teach the boys responsibility and help them develop necessary work ethics. Each morning and evening, the boys do chores which include:
- putting the animals out on their pasture
- cleaning the pens
- putting out fresh hay
- sweeping the barn
- bring the animals in for the night
- feed them a little grain
- fill their water tubs
- grooming
The boys learn that these chores must be done (even if they don’t feel like doing them) because the animals depend on them. The experience students obtain while having someone trust you and want to be your friend (no matter what your hair looks like or what kind of clothes you’re wearing) is immeasurable. All that the animals require is for someone to be their friend, in return for a little love and kindness.
The Great Salmon Fry Run
June 2008
Becket students recently helped NH Fish and Game stock local water supplies with Atlantic Salmon Fish Fry. The project is designed to help re-introduce Atlantic Salmon to the Connecticut River and its tributaries.
Students volunteered as "bucket runners" carrying over 140,000 salmon fry (baby fish) to areas of the river that they are most
likely to thrive.
Parents' Visit to Hall Farm
May 2008
Recently, one of our student's parents came for a campus visit to get a glimpse into their son's daily life at Becket. The student, Alex, was eager to share his life with his parents and show them his experience at Becket. Their visit is eloquently depicted in the following letter from Alex's parents:
 Alex gave us a brief yet nice tour of the Farm ~ the Barns ~ the Animals, answering questions along the way. It was obvious that his goal was to get us to the mountain for a hike to the cabin to meet Bill House. Alex asked permission and we were on our way. Alex became our guide, giving us directions on where to drive, where to park and which trail we would be taking.
Throughout our hike to the cabin, Alex guided us along the trail, pausing occasionally to point out scenic vistas as he discussed his previous hikes to the cabin. There is a Birch tree along the path that holds special meaning for him...ask him about it.
We arrived at the cabin and were greeted warmly by Bill House, (a name we've heard often at home), and another student. Immediately invited in, we grabbed a seat.
We all had a very open and informative conversation about how the 'Mountain Cabin' fit into the treatment goals of the facility. We both appreciated the open dialogue.
The walk down was much easier than the walk up. Alex and another student led the way while we followed and chatted with Bill. We arrived back at our vehicles and said our good-byes.
We had a wonderful time. It was great to have Alex want us to be there and to get a glimpse into a portion of his treatment. Perhaps the purpose of this letter is to let Becket know that, in our opinion, this was a positive experience for us and for Alex as well. We would recommend offering this opportunity to other parents and students.
Thank you for providing this opportunity to us.
Sincerely,
Kyle & Jennifer
Rustic Sugaring at Hall Farm
April 2008
Hall Farm's sugaring project began last fall when  students, and Farm Manager, Hugh Underhill, met with Mike Dannehy, a consulting forester. Together, they walked the sugaring site and helped determine the health of the trees and how many taps the sugar bush could support. The group also discussed the soil types, drainage, surveyed trees that needed to be thinned out, and established a potential site for the future sugar house.
While the group surveyed the land, they also considered the spot as a multi-purpose area. Becket will maintain the healthy wildlife habitats there, build a hiking trail with tree identification signs, and leave a pasture for our cattle.
 This year, Becket made the syrup in a small evaporator that sat on a firebox made from an old oil tank. Students hung 100 buckets and collected the sap by hand. A modest, temporary dam was made in the brook to give them a pool for rinsing their buckets and other water needs. Not only did the students learn how to make maple syrup, they also learned how quickly the syrup can burn and what a hard job it is to clean up the pans!
The quality of the syrup was excellent, and the Stewardship students sent syrup to each of the Becket campuses. Here at Hall Farm, we have enjoyed it on pancakes, in bread and butter, in sauce for roast pork, and in pudding.
The big project for this summer is to build an actual sugarhouse which will be a big improvement from boiling under an old canvas tarp!
First Sign of Spring at Hall Farm
April 2008
"How do you know spring is near?" Ask this question in the north country and you get a variety of answers, such as: "a red-winged blackbird sighting, a group of robins fluttering in the front yard, or maple steam rising from the local sugarhouse." At Hall Farm, East Haverhill Academy, the first sign of spring is the rambunctious sound of newborn calves bleating for their mothers in the wee hours of dawn. Spring announced its arrival at Hall Farm on March 14th with the birth of "Becket Tug Orissa 148H."
Orissa is a Miniature Hereford weighing in at a whopping 55 lbs. Becket Farms has been raising Miniature Herefords since  2000 and have grown their herd to be the largest in the Northeast. Miniature Herefords are a highly sought after breed because their small size makes them easier to manage, they require smaller living quarters to be comfortable, and they eat much less food than the average sized Hereford. Mini-Herefs are also known to be more docile than their larger counterparts, the Hereford. Orissa will stay a part of the Becket family and become one of our foundation females to help the herd grow.
Calving season provides many learning experiences for our students. Before the calves start arriving, students learn:
- How to prepare the cows and their barns
- Supplies needed for the season
- Planning through winter with sire selection and breeding
- The stages a cow goes through during the birth process
- How to safely work around a new mother and her baby as students provide the proper care
Cows typically calve during the very early morning hours, but sometimes we get lucky and a cow will calve during school hours. Two students recently had the rare experience to help a mother cow birth her baby. Students help clean the newborns, weigh the calves, and tag their ears. The boys beamed with pride knowing they successfully helped bring this little one into the world.
The calves will stay with their mothers throughout the summer in order to grow strong and healthy. The first month they will get all their nutrition from their mothers. After a month, they may venture to nibble on hay or grass, but milk will remain an important part of their diet for about 6 months. During the summer, they will spend all their time out on the pasture enjoying the fresh air, lush grass, and play time with other calves. If you'd like more information about our prized Miniature Hereford Herd (or you'd like to meet Orissa in "person") please contact Pat Underhill, Farm Manager, at pat.underhill@becket.org. Moo.
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