November 2008

We traditionally turn out the rams with the pedigree Dorsets on the 5th November.  This is the date fixed by David and I’m not sure why but he insists it has to be the 5th!  As I was responsible for establishing the Dorset flock back in 1985 with three ewes and a ram, I have been in charge of the breeding selection ever since.  I must admit, I take great satisfaction in choosing the rams we use every year and then the recording of the ewes as they lamb means I have a record of the family lines of the flock. 

As usual, all the ewes had to be checked and marked according to which ram they would be turned out with.  This year I had Aaron’s help and attempted to educate him a little in the ways of selecting sheep; good points, bad points etc.  To someone more used to working with engines and machinery it can’t be that easy but as we progressed through quite a large number of sheep, I let him decide whether to mark red or green.  It’s probably the nearest he’ll ever get to playing God!  Actually, Aaron is getting used to the livestock handling very quickly and is taking over a great deal of the physical stuff which is a great relief to us, though watching him outsprint a sheep can be quite a shock to the system!

Work is progressing on the new cattle building at Wood Farm although it looks as if the cows will have to wait a while before their winter housing is likely to be ready.

The good news is that the planning application for the cafe and larger shop has been approved.  It may take some time before it will be ready to open but at least we can make a start now.