Farmer Focus: First-time lamber pen setup helps mothering up
James Kimber © Kathy Horniblow This is probably the worst time to write this article as we are only a few days off due date for the main flock. Those of you that know sheep will sympathise: they are definitely sent here to challenge us.
We know the problems always come, but it doesn’t fail to frustrate.
A few too many abortions – 2% – yet not quite enough to justify a full-blown investigation; a couple of prolapses; one that thought intestines can be worn outside (they can’t).
And now we have had a few triplets: bright enough to fight for, but they take energy and patience. That said, we are fully set up, which has got to be a bonus for us.
See also:Â Advice on treatment for vaginal prolapse in ewes
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Most ewes and lambs are to be turned out here on new herbal leys, so fingers crossed these few days of sunshine will continue for a few weeks. I’m forever hopeful.
More than half of this bunch are first-time lambers, and we have now got a pretty good protocol to pen where they are lambing to give mum a few hours to mother up.
It is a bit of a challenge with hurdles, but they are much better to then move to the main pens and avoid rejection.
We have a couple of pregnancy diagnosis sessions with the vet.
Currently only two cows are not in-calf, which is a good job as we want to stop doing artificial insemination while lambing and finish calving before Christmas.
The bulls are growing well and have started the sale preparation of walking, washing and blow drying. Two have already been sold, which has helped with workload.
I was struggling to remember one buyer, but it turned out their previous bull was 11 years old and was only just deemed retired. It’s fantastic to know that a purchaser has had hundreds of calves from one of our bulls.
We are all now making preparations for spring, summer, and next winter’s forage production. This is obviously going to cost more in diesel, plastic – in fact, every cost going.
We all adjust plans a little, but realistically, there isn’t much wriggle room left in farming. All because crazy people can run world politics. Where are the grown-ups?