We looked out this morning to find about 6cms of snow has fallen. More in some places. This is NOTHING compared to what some of you have endured but, as farmers, even a covering makes life difficult. We had thought to bring the sheep inside if they appeared bothered but in fact, as you can see from the photo, they look totally unfazed. Thier hay rack is filled and they are not exactly rushing to eat it. So far so good! Animals outside are always less work than animals inside.
I’m off to London for a couple of days of Christmas shopping. (If we can get along the currently blocked A361 to the station!) so I shall catch up with you all on Saturday. Poor DH is left in charge. Absolutely typical. The one time I go away the work loads trebles due to the weather. I feel guilty but he is very stoical.
Stay safe and warm – where ever you are.
What a lovely image of the Bowmonts. Have a lovely time in London. We hope to go to Aberdeen tomorrow, then to Perthshire on Saturday, that’s if we can get across from Glasgow to Aberdeen! Road clear here, despite the snow still falling, M6 is supposed to be clear, but not the roads in Mid-Lothian. We’ve waited all year for a holiday and now looks like it might have to be posponed. Such is life!
By: Alison Daykin on December 2, 2010
at 9:57 am
Hi, thats a lovely picture – your Browmonts look nice and snug in their coats. Up here in the wilds of the Yorkshire Dales much rounding up has been done and everything living has been taken inside. We have got massive over the wellies snow, even the dog disappears in it! Enjoy London and the chance to shop. Karen x
By: karen Peacock on December 2, 2010
at 1:19 pm
My son says that guilt is a pointless emotion – if you feel bad doing whatever the guilt induces, don’t do it, or do it and decide not to worry….It’s so straightforward when you put it like that, isn’t it?!
It is a little bit wrmer here now but was -10C overnight and for us that is COLD!
By: Jane on December 3, 2010
at 2:29 pm
I’ve been looking at a lot of pictures of pedigree merinos recently, and the Whitefaced Woodland which also have merino blood. It strikes me now that the Bowmonts seem smaller and more delicate, I think I can see the Shetland influence.
By: Dot on December 5, 2010
at 10:22 pm
Hi Dot,
Don’t forget it depends on what kind of pedigree Merino – most people think Merino is one animal – it’s not!! Bowmonts are 75% SAXON Merino – the smallest and finest woolled of all the strains. You my have been looking at something which is twice the size and bred principally for meat(at least originally) such as Polwarth and Coopworth.
When we were at Savile Row the Australians regarded our Bowmonts as classic Saxons. Any Shetland looks were selected against during the breeding at The Macaulay because looks would also mean Sh wool characteristics ie more open fleece and much coarser. What is left is the genes for hardiness and good mothering – both things pure Saxons struggle with. Our sheep are outside in -7C coping brilliantly. They have hay and silage but are definitely not steaming through it.
By: devonfinefibres on December 6, 2010
at 4:29 am
Very interesting – now back to the the reference books to learn more about what makes one Merino variety different to another!
By: Dot on December 6, 2010
at 12:58 pm
Hi Dot,
The other thing I forgot to mention is the White Woodland sheep POSSIBLY has Merino genes in it but these were added in the 18th century when Merinos were very different creatures from the sheep of today. There is no certainty about it either. It’s all surmise.
By: devonfinefibres on December 6, 2010
at 1:25 pm