Yesterday at our 4H Ag Literacy Event, Tiffany asked when I would be shearing the sheep. Last year I did it the end of April because of a freak heat wave, of course this set the ewes into labor. I was expecting late May lambs and of course got late April lambs.
Early this morning Big Daddy asked when I was expecting the first lambs and of course my answer is Late April. I forgot to ask the ewes! So this frosty morning we have our first lamb on the ground from one of the French Girls. Late March - go figure. And its cold outside. No one seems to be bothered by it. Last night I was looking at Contessa the beautiful Shetland who was off by herself and not that interested in joining the feeding frenzy. I kept trying to look at her tail head but all she wanted was for her chest to be scratched and search me for treats. So I mistakenly thought," oh she will be the first to lamb". See I still have lots to learn in the "Shepherd" world.
But this is a farm and where there is joy there can be great sadness. Its that circle of Life. My very favorite and most ancient Jersey cow, Lily the house cow passed away quietly in the barn this morning. This was "my" first dairy cow and she amused me to no end. I set all Jersey standards of beauty and disposition by her. She was at least in her high teens and produced a calf every year without a fuss. And her milk supply never dried up. Other calves would steal a nip and tuck from her when their own mothers turned them away. I never chased the cows because I could call her and she would come very very slowly for her bucket of grain. The beef cows figured out that Lily got grain and they didn't and would run to barn to beat her to the bucket. But she was clever. By the time she made it up to the barn the other cows would be shut in and she could enjoy her grain in peace and quiet in the side yard. I think she had a good life most commercial dairy cows last about 4 years. So for now I will keep her cowbell in the house I already miss her.
