Hi Kate and thanks everyone for the warm welcome!
The ewes and lambs we've bought are suffolks. The farmer has said they produce good meat and Tom's mum will be able to spin wool from their fleeces so they are perfect for what we want/need. They were also very placid and friendly - they actually came over to us and the lambs were very quiet when we picked them up. This was important because we want them to be a docile enough breed so we can handle them with enough ease that we can get used to all of the husbandry tasks without too much squirming and wriggling etc!
We have two little boys yes - these won't be named as they will, when ready, be for the freezer. This is something I know is going to be a very difficult journey for both Tom and I as we love our animals - but we do eat meat! So we have felt for a long time it's a process we should be able to handle! But it will be hard not to get attached I think? Any coping strategies?
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We have just sprayed our field with Grazon 90 as there was a real thistle problem! (about 50% of the field given over to massive patches of the stuff) A laborious and back breaking task, spraying, but as the overgrown thistles and nettles start to wilt it becomes more and more apparent that it is worth the effort. Any thoughts on how effective this stuff is? Anyone used it themselves? We want to split the 3 acres into 3 and rotate our teeny weeny flock to ensure the grazing is good all year round for them so we're very keen to get rid of nasty thistles and nettles before the animals arrive.
I will be continuing to browse this brilliant site - speak soon! I love reading everyone's stories and experiences; it's really helping me feel a little more prepared for what is to come....
Lisa