Shavings used for bedding severely injured horse

Due to the graphic nature of the pictures and also to devote more room to Lady's story, Naomi has provided a link to her blog about Lady horse.

Updates on Lady

On May 27, Jackson employee, Naomi Jensen, heard her daughter, Mandy scream for help. Lady, Mandy's 20-year old-Arabian mare, had run into a steel fence post and severely cut her left front leg.  A quick call soon brought the veterinarian, Beth Smith, who sutured the cut. Lady had to be confined to a small corral to keep her as stationary as possible so the stitches would not tear out.

It was natural for Jensen to think of wood shavings as the ideal bedding. Veterinarian Smith also recommended wood shavings as the best choice. Jensen explained, "I have been able to haul bales of shavings in the trunk or back seat of the car without making a mess.  They are dry, sanitary and very absorbent.  They also help keep the flies and gnats away.  We have been sleeping close to Lady and bales of shavings even make a nice bed."

In the month or so that has passed, Naomi Jensen and daughter Mandy have gone through countless bags of shavings.  Every day or so, after dressing the wound, all the bedding has to be replaced.  In between times, shavings are added as needed.

Naomi said, "Lady has healed to the point that now she needs to move around to exercise her leg.  The shavings are better than straw because they don't wind up around her hoof as she tries to move.  She cannot lift her leg very well yet."

"I have grown up using shavings for various animal projects.  I even sold shavings when working at a pet supply store while going to college, but I never fully understood all the benefits of shavings until now."

Usually working behind the scenes, taking care of maintenance and safety at Jackson, Naomi Jensen has always had an appreciation for the timber industry.  Her grandfather, Clint Jackson, founded Jackson Lumber Harvester Company, Inc., and her father, Tom Meis, invented the Jackson Wood Shaving Mill.  

Jensen explained, "I was taught that trees are a renewable resource.  In this day and age where depleting natural resources are a concern, the fact that trees can be harvested and reforested becomes of utmost importance.  Future generations can reap the benefits of the wise stewardship of our timber today."   

Bill Becker honored for 30 years with Jackson

William C. "Bill" Becker, Executive Vice President of Jackson Lumber Harvester Company Inc., of Mondovi, WI, has been with the corporation for 30 years.

Employees honored Becker on Thursday, June 19, with a noon pizza party and program. Retired Jackson employees, George Moats and Howard Peterson, were also on hand for the celebration. Another retired employee, Vern Snider, dropped by later in the day to congratulate Bill.

Becker became actively involved in sales during the 1980's, and has been the top salesman in the company for many years. He came to Jackson from Presto Industries, and started as a Purchasing Agent. He was promoted to Assistant Manager in 1986, elected Vice President in 1990, and Executive Vice President in 1991, a post he currently holds.

Tom Meis, Chairman of the Board, presented Becker with a plaque commemorating 30 years with Jackson. As a part of the program, remimiscences were shared by current and retired employees, and Bill shared highlights of the 1978-2008 period.

Becker continues to be heavily involved in the sales negotiations end of the business at the present time. He has traveled on behalf of Jackson throughout the United States and in numerous countries around the world.