MM Livestock Co

Granny, one of our oldest Ewes passed today. She was tag number 18 and lived to the ripe old age of 16. She gave us 46 lambs and raised countless bummers, even after she was no longer having lambs she took care of the ones that their mothers couldn't. She taught 5 border collies manners and Brought the flock home safely at nite. I found her under her favorite tree where she had napped today and just went on to greener pastures. I'll miss the old girl but her daughters, grand daughters, and Great Granddaughters will keep her superior genetics alive in our flocks for many years to come. Rest Well. meg

Several of you have asked me what integrated pest management is. Basically it is the use of natural predators to manage pests. Our biggest problems are flies and Mosquitos. We use Fly Predators, Praying Mantis, Dung Beetles, and ladybugs to keep the flies down, mosqito fish and Koi in the large water tanks, and we compost our manures.(you can come get some if you want it!) This spring the Desert Willow next to the nursery pens was ALIVE with Ladybugs. We also use chipped Eucalyptus on our paths and drive areas. We get the chips from the tree trimmers that clear the power lines. Double benefit there, they don't have to pay to dump the chips and we get a nice layer of chips that smell good plus it keeps the dust down! In the summer we set out pots of Marigolds around the common areas being VERY CAREFUL that the livestock do not have access to them. We also keep our pens super clean. We have farm cats to keep the mice at bay and they do a great job! It takes some extra work and thought to manage pests without chemicals but it can be done. Meg