Three years in a row, I have purchased sheep from a breeder in Oregon. They traveled just over 3,000 miles to get to our farm in Vermont. Some have come the southern route, and some have come the northern route, making the trip within 5 days to within 3 weeks. Basically, my flock of Gotland sheep have seen more of … Read More
In the early spring, we literally sit and stare at the grass on our farm. Here on our Vermont hillside farm, we only graze 5-6 months out of the year. After months of eating hay, the sheep can not wait to get out on grass. With grazing comes the joys of pasture management for parasite control. On our farm, … Read More
Ask the Shepherd ~ Why do sheep curl their upper lip? Flehmen Response Curling back the upper lip. Inhaling deeply-head held high. The transfer of air carrying pheromones to an organ in the roof of the mouth, provides the animal with information about the scent. It’s a sheep thing. It’s the way that they gather information. It is how … Read More
For ten years, I had the privilege of working with young expectant mothers and fathers. I taught them about the birthing process, what to expect, and how to work alongside of their bodies to bring forth new life. Now, I work with bred ewes, but there is nothing to teach them, as it all comes instinctively. Knowing what “normal” labor … Read More
There is a nip in the night air and the color on the distant mountains is turning from green to shades of red, orange, and gold. The change of season perpetuates the rhythms of farm life. One leads into the next. Time is marked by these rhythms and routines. Fall becomes “breeding season”, winter becomes “our slow time”, spring … Read More
