In six weeks the ewes could start lambing (March 23rd), and by the end of eleven weeks (April 24th) we should have close to twenty lambs on the ground! Shearing should be the last week of February, giving us a four to eight week window post-shearing prior to lambs. During this time the ewes are also vaccinated and get a hoof trimming.
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| Allante, our ram. |
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| The girls (all 24!) enjoying a meal from the round bale. |
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| Effie, one of five yearlings. |
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| Emma, another yearling. I can't wait to see her fleece! |
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| Myra, looking very round. I'm hoping for twin ewes. She's due March 31st. |
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| Edna was left open. |
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| Claire, with a mouthful. |
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| Electra, one of our two musket yearlings. |
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| Poa, our golden girl. She's retired. |
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| Maggie. Hopefully she's bred. |
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| Kira, demonstrating how the round bale feeder ruins neck wool - ugh. |
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| Jeanne has such long, primitive fleece. It practically touches the ground! |
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| Wynona, our eldest ewe. |
Some of the girls are starting to get round, although it's always hard to know who's bred until the wool comes off and forming udders are exposed.
In other news, I just returned from my first Vermont Sheep and Goat Association meeting. I had a fantastic time learning about the organization and meeting other sheep farmers from across the state. Presenters discussed on-farm slaughter and using social media to promote the farm.
I also picked up our latest batch of yarn and our first batch of roving. The next step: sell more yarn! I'm hoping to start selling products online by summer, after shearing and lambing.
