The ewes on the Fat Ewe farm are bred, that is the older ones. The younger ones were also exposed to a Babydoll ram, though some of them were likely too young to cycle. This is the last year for some of these ewes on the farm. Decisions have been made to keep only one or two of some breeds and two other breeds for registered stock. The Babydolls will be the farm breed. They are so sweet natured and easy going, as well as easy care and everyone loves their smiling faces. Even the crosses mostly have the mild temperament of the Babydolls, despite what other breed they were crossed with.
After lambing the other breeds will put up for sale and advertised until sold. The last year's lambs not for breeding will be sent to the abbatoir for lamb meat for the coming year. The idea is to reduce the number of bales of feed purchased and possibly put coats on the sheep to keep their wool clean for the spinning market. The spinners who do come to purchase fleeces are dedicated master spinners and do not mind a little vegetative matter, however; everyone would prefer clean fleece, me included.
It is always hard to sell animals for me, especially the ones who were born here on the farm, but I need to have a few manageable groups that do not eat me out of house and home during the cold winters. I know I have mentioned this in the past and have worked towards this end as well, yet I have acquired new animals in the mean time. The idea behind that is to have one or two of some breeds so that I can make samplers of the different wools and sell them in packages. There are two Shetlands coming bred, and a group of Romneys, plus a suri cria. Suri fibre is in long ringlets and is very soft and lustrous. One suri animal is enough for me. The only other animal I would like is a second cow to keep little Kylie Kyloh Highland company. Then the elimination happens, but not until the babies are born and on the road to a good start to life.
Aren't the sheep beautiful? I sure do think so.
After lambing the other breeds will put up for sale and advertised until sold. The last year's lambs not for breeding will be sent to the abbatoir for lamb meat for the coming year. The idea is to reduce the number of bales of feed purchased and possibly put coats on the sheep to keep their wool clean for the spinning market. The spinners who do come to purchase fleeces are dedicated master spinners and do not mind a little vegetative matter, however; everyone would prefer clean fleece, me included.
It is always hard to sell animals for me, especially the ones who were born here on the farm, but I need to have a few manageable groups that do not eat me out of house and home during the cold winters. I know I have mentioned this in the past and have worked towards this end as well, yet I have acquired new animals in the mean time. The idea behind that is to have one or two of some breeds so that I can make samplers of the different wools and sell them in packages. There are two Shetlands coming bred, and a group of Romneys, plus a suri cria. Suri fibre is in long ringlets and is very soft and lustrous. One suri animal is enough for me. The only other animal I would like is a second cow to keep little Kylie Kyloh Highland company. Then the elimination happens, but not until the babies are born and on the road to a good start to life.
Aren't the sheep beautiful? I sure do think so.
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