Summer is still haning in there with sunny days and good temps. This little worker found plenty to keep it busy. All covered in pollen.   If the weather manages to hold on the tomatoes may turn into something.  The tomatillo’s are coming along but not ready yet.  The weather has really caused so many of the veggies to be later than last year.  Checking the blackberries, they are rippening but still too tart for picking and jam making.  The sheep have been doing a great job at weed clearing their paddock behind the barn.  The young ewes have resisted being handled.  I guess rubbing ears is paying off, today both of the young ewes actually come over and wanted to be scratched.  A definate first.  I may be leading them to a different pasture before I know it.

Showing sheep… never done it before and it was an experience.  I was just an extra set of hands to help where I could and learn the ropes so to speak.  Domingo, our ram lamb was making is debut at showing.  Accomplishments prior to entering the show ring were getting tied up and getting a bath   then a big truck ride to the fairgrounds in Clark County from his home farm in Canby, OR.  He handled all the down time like a perfect gentleman .. sleeping.  Getting from the barn was more of a chore since leadiing was very new to him.  His handler is an experience showperson so he did well and we are very please with his second place win.  Next stop is Clackamas Fair in Canby.

We have been looking for an approprite addition to the farm that can assist with pasture management and not be to hard to keep. Cows were out, too hard on the ground and fences just don’t keep them in. The horse count is perfect so after much research we chose sheep and since I have no interest in wool the meat sheep Katahdin fit the bill. A nice well built meat sheep that sheds, commonly known as “hair sheep”. Currently we have 4 ewes of different ages. The ram will join us next month. With gestation only 5 mos I expect once the ram settles in we can expect little lambs come early spring in 2011.