Final prep and then waiting… for lambs.
The first possible due date is April 7. The last few weeks will find us setting up “jugs” or small pens for the ewes and their lambs to start off in. This gives them a chance to bond without interference from others. After about 2 days they will start going out.
After a bit of much needed rain and some warm sunny weather the greening has begun. The hay fields have been fertilized and are starting to grow in well and the pastures are greening up with new grass. We will soon be crowning the hops plants. This involves clearing any old growth and knocking back the ‘bull shoots” to help increase air circulation and expose the downy mildew spores. We will be planting potatoes and onions in the next week or two (and sweet corn once it warms up more) – look for the produce in the upcoming farm stand this summer and fall.
The maple sap run is done. Once the trees start to bloom out the sap flow really backs off. Tom has finished boiling down the sap and now has some lovely maple syrup.
This is also a time of equipment preparation for busier days ahead. Mower blades need to be sharpened, tractors will get oil changes and hydraulics checked, haying equipment gone over and greased up, etc.
In the meantime we keep watch on the ewes.