A Careful Shepard

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Be sure you know the conditions of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. 

Proverbs 27: 34-35

Do we truly ever know all there is to know about animals?  Personally I don't think so.  I mean do we truly know everything there is to know about ourselves?  I find that we never have all the right answers and sometimes we truly need to reach out and seek the advice of others, no matter how many others that might be.  

In the most recent months we have found ourselves really struggling with our sheep.  I mean sheep are cute and all, but they can be really difficult to care for.  One minute you could be out walking through your flock, everyone looks nice and healthy, eating and drinking, and all is well.  Go back an hour later and you could have two dead sheep! I mean it happens that fast and no signs. So when we started seeing more sick sheep and begun losing some, we thought it best to consult a vet.  Well after lots of consultations, blood-work, and more we think we might be on the right path to a whole new concept.  

We have brought in, talked to, done webinars and more on sheep nutrition and it looks like that we need to change our way of raising our young new ewes vs our mature ewes.  We have reached out to our Extension for help and are excited to know that there are resources out there for farmers, its all a matter of using them.  I always see those sad stories of neglect or mistreatment of farm animals and I want people to know that is not every farmer.  Our flock of sheep are very important to us and we know that they are very important to the people who are looking for a healthy food source.  God provided us with these amazing creatures and hopes that the farmers are there to tend to the animal's needs. I always feel discouraged when I see people talk negatively about the way farmers care for their animals or the fact that people eat meat.  Truly we need to know that God intended life on earth this way.  He wanted to create healthy sources of food for us as humans, but he needed man to ensure the food source was a healthy one.  Farmers are important for the sustainability of life but whether you eat meat or not, you are still looking to a farmer for your food.  We enjoy raising all the lambs and seeing them flourish.  We know that the Ewes go on to continue to produce and the rams are raised as a healthy food option.  Today we are thankful that we can reach out and find resources that will be of benefit for us as we continue to look to expand our flock and raise healthy meat for you and your family! 

Remember farming is a job where you are constantly learning, adapting, and changing! It is just a good thing there are lots of resources out there so that we can take the advice of many and adapt to what we need. 

If you have sheep, I encourage you to be sure to adapt over time and find the resources in your area that will benefit you on your farm!

Farming with Faith & Family Always!
God Bless, 
Amanda 





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