Moving Day

When we started Mainely Ewes Farm we knew that we wouldn't be able to keep every sheep and goat.  We must  cull for flaws, polled sheep (no horns) and too many rams or bucks.  We also enjoy lamb and kid.  This year we were blessed with beautiful ewe lambs with soft silky fleece.  They went to a lovely lady who was starting her flock of Icelandic Sheep.  She spins wool and adores the Icelandics' double fleece. The ewes are happy and enjoy a large pasture.  We also had 5 ram lambs plus Lambert.  You remember Lambert?  Yes, the spoiled bottle baby that Ted raised in the house.  Well, Lambert went to the ram pasture and is hanging out with Eccho, Baby, Acheron and Asher.  He is one of the guys now.
 Today was the day that we took the 5 remaining ram lambs, an ewe from last years flock with scur horns, a ram from last years flock and a kid, all on a road trip to Maple Lane Farm.  They are a processor within 3 miles of us.  We loaded them into the truck and took them over.  They were taken in  immediately. No waiting and stressing.  We tried to make this as easy as possible. Is that possible?

Lots of grass, fresh air,  hay and grain.  Not the life of a feed lot animal.

Teddy and Edward live in the much smaller pasture next door.  This is usually a good arrangement, however, there are the girl goats living right next to them.  Well, this time of year Teddy is applying the cologne, strutting around like the stud muffin he is.  Sniffing the air and stomping his hoof in excitement.  He is very, er, efficient? We had a surprise buckling last spring.  Teddy and Sadie, sort of, how can I put this? Made a little nookey through the fence.

This white buckling was the surprise.  This is the bachelor pad the young bucks have been sharing.  It is getting a bit cramped. Originally it was the turkey house.  We do repurpose when possible.

Now they are in the big lamb pasture.  They have spent the day pruning the tree limbs within reach, munching on hay and enjoying the cooler temps.  More space. 
As hard as it is to take the animals to the processor we try to remind ourselves that this is why we do this. We can't afford to keep every animal.  We have seen how farming  can be done with care and compassion.  We will be updating our web site to include the sale of both lamb and kid. If you have never eaten kid it is a wonderfully flavorful meat. I was able to get a fantastic cookbook with recipes for chevon.  Janice and Ken Spaulding teach Goat School in St. Albans, ME.  She is a wonderful cook and has written a cookbook:  Goat School: A Master Class in Caprine Care and Cooking.  It is available on Amazon.  I bought one for me and sent one to my mother.  She loved reading about care and management of goats.
I don't know why Blogger changed the size of the font on the last paragraph. I don't understand much of Blogger. I just don't like surprises that I don't understand. I know this could be alot easier. As a goat friend is fond of saying, Oy.
Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm.