Kensmyth

Regular readers know that this is the time of year that we actually take our “wares” out. No, not the livestock but the numerous products that we make from their fleeces. It is always great to catch up with regular friends and rather timely I thought… I saw a sheepskin bag!

I am always fascinated by the skills of others and these Felted shoes were breathtaking…

sometimes I read blogs and I think “why did they put that up there” and it is usually a silly fluffy blog making the reader believe that Farming is all fun and furry pets… well life in Farming is just not like that.

there are times when even the best natured and tempered livestock are fab with humans but just don’t like each other … bit like human interaction really!

To wit – with the best will in the world, Rams just do not always “get on” despite best endeavours.

if you are squeamish, please do not read on…

having carefully put the Rams in close confinement for what felt an inordinate length of time last week where they could not “ram” each other, we eventually let them out onto small grazing areas.

Close confinement no problem as you saw in previous blog and small grass areas no problem. We then let them “go out” together.

Day one was fine and after much general Ram behaviour they settled down. However, as with all things in farming, things do not always go according to plan. Last week was a bit of a Ram nightmare as close observation revealed that there was more than a bit of banter going on between the three and after a battle I waded in and separated them.

you would think butter would not melt in their mouths when I did but the three were simply not going to “get on” together despite appearances!

As the weather is really beyond  “fly strike” and cold (although you can always be caught unawares by a mild few days) many would have left this to heal naturally but we took no risks …

Black Ram separated and treated then sprayed with antibiotic spray

then silver screen, looking now like a true warrior… the person he is next to is 6ft 4″ out of interest if you are wondering how big Wensleydale rams are!

MOST IMPORTANT be on site, look after your livestock, act fast and no long term damage done!

NEEDLESS to say – the integration of the black and white ewes (more off picture) went perfectly and they are already a close bonded flock…

That’s farming for you!

Growing up in a farming environment with livestock at all times, the boys understand the principles of “Ram” and how separating Tups/Rams from the Ewes is no mean feat. Better still when the boys have to be paddocked together, they understand that close confinement is necessary before that can happen…

so into the pens the Tups were led…

and after sufficient time to get used to each other in close confinement…

they got used to each other and could go back into the paddock!

unfortunately as with most things in life, it does not always have a “Happy Path” more on that tomorrow…

what a versatile dog the Curly Coated Retriever is…

heavy, big dog with tremendous power… and incredibly loyal…

just take a look at this colour in the hedges and at The Swan at Southrop… wonderful…

well if you want to see the “before” and “after” of sheep otherwise known as locusts… take a look at the orchard … just 4 ewe 2016 ewe lambs and see what they can do…

well I promised I would catch the Ewes at some point and here they are in their Rastafarian glory…

and never forget the will of a Tup – this one can climb…

Grazing rotation is critical with livestock and it is always nice at this time of the year when the grass is still growing.

nevertheless changing pastures is always a timed procedure…

ready to move from….                                                                    ready to move to…

Alpaca are still endearing in the rain…

and they are very social animals at mealtimes…

many folk think Alpaca live off just grass. Well, no they do not and if you do not prepare to feed your livestock through the winter, you will find it hard to obtain the necessary fodder in the depths of winter…

well maybe not the feed but certainly Hay and Straw, we have been getting stocks in …