Lambing Season Underway

This morning, just after 8.00am we were presented with our first lamb of the season. The mother was one of the older ewes we had kept from the original 50 that were acquired when we bought the farm in 2007. The lamb is a ewe, which is of course what we hope they all will be, and she has the East Friesian characteristics from the delicate little hooves to the narrow pointed head. If we have another dozen or so exactly like her I will be extremely happy.

Our timing was off by six days (the first was due to be born on the 15th), but this ewe was the one we had penned up with our ram for two weeks prior to him joining the rest of the flock, so we expected at least one early one.

When we arrived last year we got here right in the throes of lambing, so it seemed as though, apart from a steep learning curve, the lambs didn't feel truly ours. This year it will be different, knowing we specifically bred the ewes with the East Friesian ram we acquired, for the specific purpose of building a milking flock. Well today seems as though the hard work has begun to pay off and it feels as though we have taken another giant step forward.

In honour of the first lamb's birth, we wanted regular visitors to the blog to suggest a name for her. Post your suggestions in the comments below or email me at dherber@catesbyfarms.com.