By Joyce Weaver

 As many parts of the world today are in crisis and turmoil, notably the constant reports on the terrible war of Russia attacking its neighbor Ukraine and the suffering it is causing for so many people, I pray daily for them and their farmers who remain and are bravely trying to hold their farms together. I am happy to report that all is well out here in the country on the sheep farm.

Raising livestock brings plenty of good exercise, tranquility and smiles to the human psyche. They are only interested in their particular needs of eating, being safe, having the company of others of their kind, reproducing, being sheltered from bad weather, having a safe dry place to relax and sleep – many of the needs we humans as their caretakers understand and share.

I enjoy taking care of sheep (and goats). It is not a stagnant experience. Something new happens every day. Living on a farm is much more interesting and healthy than living in the city. I spent most of my entire working career working at jobs I didn’t particularly like just so I could save up enough to buy a small farm and live the country life. So be encouraged – you don’t have to inherit a farm to be able to attain one. Hard work folks and wise use of your resources.

My sheep are still lambing. They started in December-January and are continuing up to the present time. I used a young ram this year on my flock. He was only 8 months old when I turned him in with the first group and he bred the ewes that were closer to his physical size. I’m now experiencing my bigger ewes starting to lamb –many of them having triplets. Which is just fine for me as having the entire flock lamb about the same time can be overwhelming on one’s time and barn space. In the past I have turned two rams in with the flock and this turned out to be difficult for me. Most of the ewes got bred at the same time and I had several ewes lambing the same day which was very difficult to deal with. But some producers with more people to help prefer doing this. Some people prefer to have their flock lamb at the same time, but not me. I’d rather spread the work out and that also leads to having lambs to sell throughout the year instead of just the spring high demand season. Prices being so high as they are now, they sell well throughout the year.

I have learned something new. I normally prefer to wean my lambs at about three months. But this year I had a few older ewes have problems with their udders and producing enough milk for more than one lamb (and most had twins or triplets). I have also learned that taking a lamb away from its mother and raising it on a bottle can result in problems. I’ve never had a bottle lamb start to eat hay and lamb pellets as well as those left with their mother who learn to eat solid foods more quickly by watching their mother. Those bottle lambs usually don’t thrive as well and become skinny. So, this year I removed four lambs from their triplet born mamas after they had learned to eat from a feeder while being with their mothers. They were four weeks of age and are doing very well – much better than if I had left them with their mothers for another four-six weeks. I feed them 20 percent lamb pellets with a little cracked corn, good 3rd cutting soft hay, and plenty of clean water. They are doing very well I’m happy to report.

Raising livestock is an ongoing learning experience. Something new to challenge the mind every day. No boring city life for me.

Hope all is well with you.   Lambjoyw@gmail.com