Friday, February 06, 2009

Livestock Decisions


We have had 2 years of drought in a row. Hay has not been good, nor plentiful. We are downsizing our sheep flock. Below is the ram we used this year. His name is Daniel. He is a very sweet boy and has lovely horns. He is for sale. If he does not sell in the next 2 weeks, he is going to the auction. :(


This is a little ram lamb. He is still a little guy in this picture. He is now about a year old and has been wethered... that means fixed or broken as we call it. :) He will be going to the butchers this weekend.


I need to call and make an appointment to get the sheep sheared. With the really cold temperatures we have been having, I would really like to hold off. It was -5 this morning without the wind chill. Here is a picture of the sheep before they are sheared.... Aren't they fluffy?

Here they are after they are sheared. They look like little lambs again.

Culling livestock is not my favorite part of farming. I am also going to be getting rid of some of my ewes. It is killing me to do this, but it has to be done. Now to start choosing. :(

5 comments:

Sharri said...

I don't know how you can do it!
It would be very, very hard! (It would be easier if you grew up on a farm, and it was just a fact of life....)
I guess you toughen up over time though...

Unknown said...

Marci
I love this song that is playing. Somebody's praying. I feel for you in having to get rid of your sweet animals.I hope all is well with you.
God Bless you
Lisa

Lynn Bartlett said...

If it's any consolation, today it was in the 30's, so warmer weather should be heading your way. I'm sure it's tough to have to get rid of animals, they become part of the family. I felt that way when the boys butchered some goats, and haven't brought myself to cook the meat yet.

Sharon said...

I can imagine how difficult it would be to choose which ones are to go.

Scott or Pam said...

We are facing a tough choice also. Between the "cute" bull or the "cuter" bull, to be butchered. My children dubbed them and beg not to "off" them. However, reality on the farm can be harsh, at times. You'll make it.

By the way, I've always thought someone should name their lamb ram, lamba-rama-ding-dong :)
I don't have sheep, so I have to live vicariously through others.
Scott