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Updates to 2022 lamb availability & shearing

Feb12

Shearing has been scheduled for the morning of March 20th, a Sunday, with shearer arriving around 9:30. Individuals interested in learning about shearing and associated animal & wool handling are invited. Please RSVP to 715-220-1183 with text or call.

Eleven purebred Babydoll ewes have been reserved, which is 50% of the expected lamb crop. If you wish to be put on a waiting list for any bonus girls, let me know – no deposit would be expected at this time or probably until Estelle lambs in 3rd week in April. On the male side, 6 potential ram lambs are still available intact or wethered (i. e. castrated – with pain relief).

Time is getting close for the arrival of the cute, friendly, and beautifully-fleeced Finn x Doll lambs. There are likely to be a number of bottle babies among them…. watch for pictures! A good selection is still available for adoption.

2020 Shearing Date Set for March 15th

Feb17

Due to availability of some of my work force I’ve shifted from Saturday to Sunday morning for the annual shearing day. Once again Brent Winslow will be harvesting the fleeces for me. The time is a bit uncertain, but mid to late morning is planned. Any one wishing to watch and/or join in is invited. A lunch will be served after the shearing. I should have some Finn x Babydoll cross lambs already by that date for snuggles.

Preparing for Lambing & Shearing Invitation

Mar14

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.