Llamas and Their Charges

As lambing time approaches, the ewes are receiving corn to give them more energy for late gestation, parturition (giving birth), and lactation. The group knows that when the truck pulls up to the barn, food is soon to be served.

These expectant mums are watched closely by our two llamas, who raise their heads at the slightest human movement. They bonded with the sheep and goats as soon as they arrived in the pasture after their quarantine.

The llamas have given us great peace of mind this winter. Their presence deters predators like coyotes, which can be heard in the surrounding woods when evening creeps close.

Thanks for Reading!

And I hope you feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the week ahead with this moment preserved in picture and prose. Consider:

• What has given you peace of mind this winter?

Share your answer and this newsletter with a friend.

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This Week on the Farm

Wandering off the farm a bit, but still relevant to what we do: The Indiana Sheep Association (for which I am secretary) hosts an annual Shearing School. Sheep shearers are in demand, but there aren't a lot of them here. The Shearing School trains anyone who wants to learn how to shear.

I participated in 2020 and 2022. I really love shearing, but I need a lot more instruction. It's a great work-out, and there are competitions around the world, complete with sports announcers! If you need or know of someone who needs a seasonal job with a unique skill set, check out this year's school February 18 at the Purdue sheep farm.

There also are shearing schools around the country, so you can find one nearest you from your state's sheep organization.

The picture below is from shearing time two years ago, when Toby Dog gave a helping hand as I worked to remember what I had learned at Shearing School.