April 16th 2024.
Fourteen years ago, Melissa Curran was a city girl through and through, with very little experience being around cattle. However, fast forward to the present and she now holds the position of assistant livestock supervisor at Pollok Country Park, where she helps take care of a herd of 73 Highland Cows. In this interview, Melissa shares with us her daily routine, her experiences during calving season, and the joy that these magnificent creatures bring to visitors.
Melissa's workday officially begins at 8am, where her first task is to check on and feed all the cattle, starting with those in the pens. With the sheds currently at full capacity, there are numerous pens that need to be cleaned and refreshed on a daily basis. Once she has accounted for and ensured the well-being of all the cows, Melissa enjoys mucking out and bedding the pens, while her colleague puts out hay. As it is still calving season and they are also preparing for show season, most of their time is spent tending to the cows' needs, from feeding and halter training to washing and grooming. Additionally, Melissa and her team also give talks throughout the year, as there is a great interest in the Highland Cattle from the public.
"This will be my fourteenth year here and I'll never look back," Melissa says with a smile. At present, the park is home to 28 cows and their followers, bringing the total number of Highland Cows to 73. These animals are known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal assistance during calving season. However, as they are located in a country park that receives thousands of visitors each month, it is essential for Melissa and her team to be hands-on with the cattle. Since the cows spend most of their lives outdoors, it is their responsibility to ensure that they have everything they need for a comfortable and healthy life.
"I'm a city girl who had never worked with or been around cattle," Melissa admits. But the joy she sees in people's faces as they witness the newborn calves frolicking in the fields is priceless. Melissa encounters new people every morning, stopping by on their way to work just to check on the cows. She feels incredibly lucky to be part of such a unique experience, with the park situated in the heart of Scotland's largest city. Joining Glasgow City Council in 2010 through a "get ready for work" program, Melissa initially had to adjust to working with such large animals with impressive horns. However, she thrived on the challenge and has since had the opportunity to meet amazing people and do things she never thought possible.
"My job is so unusual, which is great," Melissa says with enthusiasm. Not only does she get to work with one of the most renowned breeds of cattle in the world, but she also gets to interact and educate the public at the same time. One moment, she could be watching a cow give birth, and the next, she could be leading a school group and teaching them about the process. However, with such a unique and rewarding job, comes the inevitable heartache of losing a calf. Melissa recounts a recent incident where a cow gave birth at 4am, but unfortunately, the calf was in a breech position and could not be saved.
Melissa's workday typically ends at 4pm, but they are on call all night. During calving season, they make additional visits at 8pm or 9pm to check on the cattle, and they also have a camera to keep an eye on them at all times. As she reflects on her job, Melissa acknowledges that it is not just a job, but a lifestyle. She rarely has the chance to relax or switch off, but when she does, she loves to unwind with the TV on in the background and let her mind rest. To read more about Melissa's experiences and other stories in the "Life With" series, be sure to subscribe to the latest issue of Scottish Field.
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