The Christmas Gift

It is the season of giving again and as is often the case, it can be hard to find that perfect gift for someone special. I have made a short list of a few items that I've always found useful on the farm and maybe others will too.

1. For many of us in Canada this time of year is rather chilly and in some areas (like where I live) just wet. There is very little worse than having to walk to the barn or work outside feeling cold and miserable. Therefore, it is always a welcome gift to be given a durable pair of insulated rubber boots. Nothing chills to the bone worse, I think, than cold feet. I also like the steel toed variety because you never know when Betsy the cow will step on you. Ouch!

2. Along with the boots a new warm winter jacket, hat and gloves is also a pleasant surprise. There are so many variations on these items that I am sure you can find something for anyone. For many years, I wore insulated coveralls (like snowmobile suits only designed for work not pleasure). They are less awkward than a jacket and are excellent at keeping you warm.

3. Many small farms are on a tight budget and simply cannot afford all the tools they need. These can range from relatively inexpensive hand tools like hammers and wrenches to some of the more expensive items. If you are going to fix anything on the farm, you will need a good assortment of hand tools. I suggest you have at least the following:

Metric and SAE combination wrenches
Hammers (carpenters, ball peen and sledge hammers)
Axe
Assorted chisels and punches
Measure tools and square
Pipe wrenches
Pliers (electrical, fencing, cutting)
Jacks and Pulleys
Assorted saws (wood, metal)
Pry/Crow Bars
Chain and Rope


If you have the above items, there could be a few more tools that are useful on the farm which are also a little pricier. A good quality welder is invaluable on most farms and even a small hobby farm will find the need for one from time to time. Another useful gift would be a chainsaw for the farmer without one. They are available in many different models and the price for smaller units can be within most budgets.

The feed store is another place to take a good long look for a gift. Always something here is of interest to them. If you still think they have it all just buy them a gift certificate. I am sure they will put that to good use. The same goes with your local

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic