Right off the bat I invite anyone interested to stop in to watch (and perhaps take part in) the annual shearing event this Saturday, March 17th at Prairie Plum Farm.  Shearing will start between 10 and 11 a.m.  Actual starting time is a little fluid as the shearer has one farm to attend to before me.   Come early (9:30?) … I’ll have hot beverages, you can see the flock in their heavily padded “before” state, AND I already have lambs to cuddle. I’ll be serving lunch afterward in the greenhouse.

Becka with babies all tagged and with tail bands are free to roam the south end of the greenhouse.

New for 2018… Like many newer animal farmers, I’m expanding my flock with each season.  I’m expecting to have between 28 and 31 lambs this year compared with 19 last year.  In a pinch, the 2017 feed bunkers would do, but the girls are really big right now with their full fleeces and growing babies. They want their space. To oblige and reduce ranker and stress, I constructed 2 6′ feed bunks (based on Premier1 plans.) Thank you, Carol, for your help!

Another addition this year is a chute for handling flow of the sheep – (purchased from Premier1) to aid me in doing more with the flock without help and to reduce stress and hassle – especially on shearing day.  If such a system can keep Bets Reedy and Diane Crane farming sheep into their 80s, sign me up as well!  

All 14 expectant ewes dining at once. The new chute is in the upper right.

I’ve invested in improved electrical service to the barn.  This will be helpful for shearing, but also powering the various tank heaters and, possibly, heat lamps.

Something to improve my comfort with extended watches in the barn, is a composting toilet.  This will be situated in the upper barn in close proximity to the lambing activity.  It should be ready for this weekend’s shearing event! (No more chemical toilets!)

Also arriving this weekend is a 12 week old Pyrenees x Anatolian Shepherd guard-dog-to-be. I’m hoping to have this little lady help me ward off the coyotes that abound in the area. As I move the larger flock to pastures further from the house, the opportunity for the surrounding packs to poach a few lambs could be irresistible.

Stop by this Saturday – and feel the fluff!  RSVP would be appreciated.