Technology

I thought when I stopped working in an office twenty-five years ago, I would not have to spend all day looking at a computer screen again. Times have changed. Virtual auctions, Virtual horse shows, virtual meeting and video calls.

In order to stay abreast of sheep information and events, I am having to leave my comfort zone and l learn to go virtual.

The membership meeting at the American Dorper Sheep Breeders Society with be broadcast live. If you are unable to attend in person, you can attend virtually. I am not sure if a person watching victual will be able to vote. I have not advanced in my knowledge and experience yet, to know the answer. I may have to attend the membership meeting virtually.

My daughter who lives closest to me, is pregnant. Not just going to a baby, but pregnant with triplets. Her pregnancy is far enough along, that at any moment I may have to take care of my granddaughter while mommy and daddy are at the doctor’s office or bed rest or hospital.

With the pandemic companies “pushed the envelope” as they say with virtual meetings. Sheep farmers utilized the virtual auctions in their production auctions, instead of the usually auction site they have used for years.

This year and last year, I became comfortable with virtual seminars to gain information on sheep health and genetics. I can now watch seminars in other states and countries on the computer.

I have watched virtual auctions to learn how they work. I learned I can have a virtual auction for one or more animals. This tool opens the door to other ways to sell sheep and broadens the market of potential buyers.

The past two years the board of directors of the American Dorper Sheep Breeders Association have used virtual meetings for their board meetings. The board members are able to attend, without the expense of travel and lodging.

There were some good that came from the pandemic. We have more access to information. Before we had to physically be there in order to gain the information with the expense of travel and lodging.

With the situation of triplets coming into our family. I will be able to stay abreast of the meeting and auction coming up, if I am unable to be there physically.

Granny

P.S. Virtual horse shows. My friend did a few. You video you horse doing the dressage test or trail horse pattern. Send it in on a specific link, and the judge marks a score. A lot of work, but again no travel or lodging, no stress on the horse.