Mid-Summer on the Farm

Shade and Green Grass. Hot commodities!

Around this time of year, there’s been no rain since spring, and the grass is going dormant until fall, and drying out. Fortunately for sheep, their wool acts as an insulating layer for both moisture in the winter, and heat in the summer, so they generally do fine, especially with their wool shorn months back. Though when the temps get into the 90’s, I make sure they’re grazing areas with shade available.

The landowners are fortunate enough to have irrigation rights, and so they are able to pump water out of the Willamette River to water the pastures. It’s a blessing to be able to keep at least half the farm green all year. Green grass=protein=fast growing lambs!

Speaking of growing lambs, the pumpkin patch is taking off, and many pumpkins are getting plump. They’re grown organically with no additives other than sheep manure. In the fall, leading up to harvest, the fully grown lambs will fatten up on these beauties. Just mother’s milk, grass, and pumpkin. Simple and beautiful.