1/30/2009

January con\’t

Well, as it turned out, I brought four Bluefaced Leicester ewes home. Two are bred and ready to lamb any day in fact. There was a ram available, but I decided not to take him since I have five at the moment. The bred ewes were bred with a very suitable ram line and if I get a ram lamb out of this lambing, I will keep one for using on at least two of the BFL ewes. They are very well mannered sheep since they were shown on the fair circuit last year. They halter well and are easy to approach, though they are very strong and if they feel threatened put up a pretty good fight. I experienced that this morning when I put the two BFL yearling ewes in with the rest of the ewe flock. Somewhat to my surprise "Luna" has taken the lead ewe position, from her mother "Blossom". Afterall, Blossom will be retired after this lambing and perhaps we ALL know this fact and are giving way to the next head mistress. I think the transition will be swift though, because Glory and Liberty are large enough and eager enough to get into the hay feeder to find food. Next on the docket is to travel down to Pennsylvania to pick up three Leicester Longwool ewe lambs. They have been exposed to a ram and may be bred.  On a side, my customers are AWESOME ! I just love all the unique requests I get, from handspinning Leicester Longwool for a special tapestry for the International Year of Natural Fibers, to wool for a movie set, to washed wools for an art installation and wool for stuffing beautiful handmade stuffed animals. I’m happy to be keeping busy and working with such creative people.

1/11/2009

January FREEZE

We are just about half way through January and we have had some pretty frigid temperatures that have brought ice and snow storms. Nothing as bad as the ice storm in mid-December, but still challenging for clean up and getting outdoors.

The flock is doing great. The ewes and rams are all quite comfortable in their barn and the numbers of sheep are perfect for the space. On that note, I’ve decided to add two new ewes to the flock. In a flock dispersal of Bluefaced Leicesters, I choose two of the unbred ewe lambs, which actually will be one year old by the time they arrive here next weekend. The decision was quick because of the situation, but it is fully in line with my breeding program. Ironiclly, I am planning to retire "Blossom" my older BFL ewe. And having these new ewes will insure that I can prolong the use of BFL lines in my fleece flock.

The decision to sell at least two of my ewes will be easier now. I have potential fleece flock buyers inquiring now and it’s good timing for planning of Spring sales. I do appreciate the turn of events. Crossing the BFL ewes with my English Leicester Longwool ram, Charles, will be something to look forward to.

I also sold two of the white Angora bunnies. Now I’m just down to the primary breeding pair and I do plan to try breeding them for having bunnies for sale at the Cummington Sheep Fair in May. I really adore them and their wool, but sheep are my main interest and farming focus.