Meg and Hannah are still quite squeamish about marking, and really don’t like looking at it.
They did find Lucy and Caleb, two of our poddy lambs from last year. They didn’t get their tails cut off (though Caleb did get a ring around his testicles), so they are easy to spot in the crowd of sheep. Also they are invariably in the wrong paddock. Lucy and Caleb came straight up to the girls for a pat when we arrived. Another very un-sheepish thing to do!
Our friend has a little dog, that thinks it is a proper sheep dog, though the sheep tend to ignore it. She is a lot of fun for the kids to play with however, and when we arrived she promptly started begging Toby for his sandwich. I think that she is the perfect size for Toby!
By lunch time the lambs were marked, and counted.These lambs will be sold for meat. Now we need to start getting ready for the next lot of lambing when the merino lambs (for wool) will be born. This week Country Boy has to give all the merino ewes an injection before they start their lambing.
As I said, the farm has a rhythm about it, but it never really ends!
Telling it like it is – love your post. I guess a lot of city people wouldn't understand what's necessary. A lot of hard work so we can enjoy the meals we want. We don't value our farmers enough!
I love your posts so much. So far removed from my life but not, if I really think about it. These stories are part of the larger story about that lamb that ends up on my plate. And if I am going to eat meat I need to acknowledge all that goes in to bringing it to me.
You really put some perspective as to how busy farming life can be. Love that second last photo of Toby looking down at the little dog 🙂
Looks like a very busy time. Its great to see your kids on the farm. That dog is so cute, waiting for some sandwich.