The Last Moo-rah

 As we wrap up our final week in the field, we thought we’d take a moment to highlight a few of our favourite memories from the past three weeks: the moments that made us laugh, challenged us, reminded us why we chose this profession, and showed us the power of farmers and veterinary teams learning from one another.

After our Sweetwaters Game Park weekend (see photo), we started the week with our final walk-in clinic in Nkando (see photo), seeing roughly 400 cattle for vaccinations, treatments, and deworming. We had the opportunity to work alongside Animal Health students from Meru University, collaborating through cases and sharing approaches (see photo). This was a great reminder of how much we can learn from working together across programs and regions. We also joined Team Punda(donkey) in Jeruta for their pack donkey clinic, where we vaccinated and treated 175 donkeys, an FHF record. Naturally, we’re choosing to believe we’re here to keep breaking records and setting new personal bests.

The vet team straddling the equator at Sweetwaters Game Park

The Dairy Girls at the Nkando Walk-in Clinic

Later in the week, we attended a farmer training seminar on the essentials of good milk production led by Dr. Keefe (former AVC Dean and clinician). This was a group of young farmers all under 30 who brought incredible energy and engagement. Honestly, they were so sharp and motivated they could have run the session themselves, and they asked us many good questions. Between the laughter, learning, and plenty of live demonstrations, it was one of our highlights of the rotation. We are so excited to see how much this young group accomplishes over the next year and beyond (see photo)!

The vet team with the young farmers cohort

We spent our final full field day working alongside a local paravet, Raphael, collaboratively managing a variety of cases. The day included treating a suspected anaplasmosis case, routine herd health checks, pregnancy diagnoses (see photo), chronic mastitis workups, and dehorning calves the Kenyan way (rest assured lidocaine blocks were on board). We even saw a few goats which Dr. Glenna would undoubtedly appreciate.

Hannah and Dr. Raphael checking a cow for pregnancy

Our last work day ended with an evening of great company. The Farmers Helping Farmers and GROH volunteers and staff gathered together for a final farewell dinner, where many laughs, stories, and tears were shared. We’ve met so many new friends and colleagues here, it’s hard to believe everything happened in just three short weeks. The days have flown by in a blur of learning, teaching, innovating, and many electrolyte packets to make it through long days under the Kenyan sun. The people here have been so welcoming, and the Kenyan FHF team have treated us like family, for which we are so incredibly grateful. Our travels across the countryside of MeruCounty, visiting different Dairy Clubs and farms, have shown us the vast and stunning landscapes of Kenya. The last few hours here have been both exciting and bittersweet, as bags are packed and (teary) goodbyes are said. It’s hard to believe we’re leaving so soon, but our imminent departure has us ready to start planning our return!

Thanks for following our African adventures with the ngombe(cows)! Tatuonane Kenya, Asante Sana.

Love,

The Dairy Girls

(Vet Student Team)