Other Duties As Required

Jeff and I spent the last two Sundays (and the days in between!) in North Carolina. We were there for the farm tour I organized as part of my off-farm job.

When the event was complete, Jeff and I traveled to Wilmington for a relaxing weekend, concluding our week with an evening on the beach. (Ed. note: Battleship North Carolina is absolutely a must-see. ~Jeff)

While we were gone, we didn’t have to worry about a thing on the farm. Before we left, Lenny the Llama assured us he alone had it all under control (ignoring that Daishin is equally capable). He said that, along with my cousin Hadley, he planned to take good care of the flock and help Hadley run the farm smoothly.

Lenny’s task list included:

• Observe all activity outside the fence and assess for threats, such as vehicles, people, birds, etc.

• Maintain peace by staying cool, calm, and collected at all times.

• Deter unwelcome incursions inside the fence.

• All other duties as required.

“All other duties” can sometimes be unexpected.

While she was checking on the animals one day, Hadley observed Lenny being a Llama Lounger with a lamb sprawled on top of him.

And Lenny continued to multitask, assessing activity outside the paddock while stoically providing a comfortable pillow for the lambs.

Thank you, Lenny, for all your help while we were traveling!

Thanks for Reading!

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This Week on the Farm

There are several advantages to grazing the family cattle herd on the Hillside Pasture after the sheep, goats, and llamas (SGL) have eaten there. One advantage is that the cattle can trample bigger plants such as honey locust trees and multiflora rose. This helps other plants like grasses and legumes grow better.

Weaning time for the lambs is quickly approaching. I’ll soon give vaccinations and apply ear tags, as well as send in registration paper information.

Farm Shop

Once the lambs are weaned, they will be available as breeding sheep for your flock! This March 25 ram lamb with beautiful curly wool and a neat color pattern is ready to come home with you. We take care of registration and transfer fees. Reply to this email for more details.