Farm Life - new arrivals by Roger Hill
March is traditionally the busiest month for lambing here in Devon. Long working hours. Sleepless nights. 24/7 care, but very rewarding. Ask any shepherd and they will say it is the most magical time within the farming calendar. I’m sure it was the same 11,000 years ago when the first sheep were domesticated. The next busy period is usually shearing in early summer and my back is testament to the thousands I have clipped! Today though, it is popular to winter shear before the ewes lamb. It enthrals me to watch the skill of the young shearers and how quickly the ewes adapt by eating an extra breakfast (see photo right). Many towns like South Molton were originally built by the wealth of the wool trade, and it remains such a versatile and sustainable commodity. Not just for clothing but carpets, duvets, insulation and even as a mulch. Unfortunately the 3kg to 4kg of fleece is now worth very little, but for the long term health of the sheep they have to be shorn each year. There was one exception in Australia where one ram had escaped the gathering for more than six years. Baarach’s fleece weighed in at a whopping 35kg - now that is a woolly jumper! ‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (website: quoit-at-cross.co.uk)
38
Contact Molton Monthly: 07484 290500 email: info@moltonmonthly.co.uk
