Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Unexpected guest befriends cattle in Eastern Ontario

Unexpected guest befriends cattle in Eastern Ontario

The moose first joined the herd last week

 

By Kaitlynn Anderson

Staff Reporter

Farms.com

 

A unique guest has found her way to a farming family near Brockville, Ont.

While doing chores last week, Kim Sytsma noticed that a moose had made her way into the cattle herd.

The unexpected edition took her by surprise.

“I have never seen moose in this area,” Sytsma told Farms.com today. “I’ve seen deer, coyotes, foxes and even a Bobcat when I was a child – but never a moose.”

Kim Sytsma photo

Her husband, who has lived on the farm for his entire life, had never come across a moose on the property before. In fact, prior to the animal’s arrival, Sytsma’s 95-year old father had not seen a moose in the area, either.

Nonetheless, the family finds their guest to be interesting and amusing.

“We kind of laugh every day that she is still here,” Sytsma said. “She looks so odd among the cows – she towers over them. While the cows put their heads in the hay feeders, the moose reaches over the top to eat."

Kim Sytsma photo

So far, the moose and cattle have gotten along.

“The moose isn’t afraid of the cows and the cows give her some space,” she said. The cattle “don’t run from her. They just give her space (as) they would do with the horses at the feeder. So far, everybody seems to be living together peacefully.”

However, the family’s herd will start calving soon, so “Miss Moose may have to move to a new address” if anything changes, Sytsma said.

Kim Sytsma photo


Trending Video

California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.