121209 He-e-e-ere comes winter

Our last days of lazy summer grazing. Here in Rochester it seems like we have 2 seasons: Summer and Frozen.

160808 Honey Bee Hive

Honey Bee hive. Lucky to be here to enjoy our Sweet Clover, Red Clover and Birdsfoot Trefoil in the drought.  Grass is dried out in background.

160802 In the midst of an epic drought we take time out for a.....

Nothing says friendship like a dust bath together!

160714 Ewes in Watergate

We are having a drought -- Mother Nature challenging us again.

The pond is coming along -- it will be ready to stock this fall.

160712 Getting the pond in balance

Getting the pond in balance. The end of June and first week of July we finally got around to connecting the solar aeration   unit.

Here's Jamie at the bubblier taking measurements of pH and temperature. The dogs are helping.
Unfortunately, so far it does not look like we could permanently stock the pond with trout except for over the winter. It's 74F. 

16704 White Clover and Aerator

We can use all the help we can get so when this patch of Sweet White Clover established itself on the west side of the pond, at least one of us was thrilled. 

Sweet White Clover is a hard worker It's leaves fix free nitrogen and carbon from the air and produces a high protein feed for our sheep. It's roots stabilize the soil around the pond to prevent soil erosion and at the same time breakup the clay substrate to prevent compaction. It's flowers provide sustenance to bees and other beneficial insects. 

White Clover at West side of pond in disturbed area

160608 Lambs in the pasturesL

Lamb are there but they cannot be seen in the pastures with their dams. Still nursing they tend to nap in the grass, bleat when they awaken hungry and sometimes form little bands to sproing and play.

160511

They are growing so fast!

160501 May lambs arrive!

So far only one  singleton in 11 lambs. 6 rams and 5 ewes. All healthy unassisted births and gaining weight like crazy. 

Dotty exudes Motherhood

Dotty and her other twin lamb

Nada and her twins

Maruna and her twins

160401 A cruel spring

Putting out bales for the coming gales and snow storms:

Retraining the sheep and donkeys to the portable fence.