09 Nov Sun 2008
Introduction
It was a dark and stormy night...oh, wait, it was a clear, crisp, sunny day! Oh, yea, we are in Kansas!
As we close the windows, crank up the fireplace, things are winding down for the winter around here. The hens have gone on strike, and I sold my last three dozen eggs yesterday. Now, when we do chores, the hens have already gone to bed, and no longer share their supper with the lambs. I told them that one egg a day wasn't going to cut it, but as chickens do, they just ignored me.
The lambs are now content with hanging around the hay feeder, now that the pasture grass is pretty well dried up. They still go out and graze, but are happy to see the feed buckets twice a day. They are a gentle group, easy to work with. I like these Dorper crosses!
The ewes will come home from pasture soon, although the lambing won't begin until February. It's easier to hay them here at the house. We are buying some purebred Dorper ewes, who will lamb in January, starting the exciting times around here sooner...which is fine with me!
We've started on a new venture, with piggers! I've always loved pigs, and now have one sow, who, of course, is named. Roberta Rae had 10 piglets, that are now weaned, and so funny to watch. We've sold half the litter, and will raise the balance for our friends and family.
We've had a good year, finding more markets for our lambs, and eggs. I hope to expand the hen flock next year, so I can make a better attempt at keeping up with the demand.
With the economy like it is, I find that more people are looking for home grown, family raised food. I think it's the right move, regardless of the reason.