[Possum]

After years of reading the TAS diary, and recently joining the forum, we have at last bought a smallholding. It is VERY small, only one and a half acres, but it's a start. It's in a lovely spot, on a small ridge above the Somerset levels and the land seems to be in very good heart.

We have kept laying hens for a couple of years, but now plan to rear some chickens for the table so will have to get used to dispatching them. Also planning to have a couple of OSB weaners, once we have got the fencing sorted out. The grass is already growing rapidly so will probably need a couple of sheep, sooner rather than later. Will they cope with long grass to begin with? I think we may just grow on a couple of orphan lambs this year and then start breeding next year.

So much to do! The house needs lots of work as well so it's going to be a hectic year. Expect to see lots of posts asking for advice. It's one thing reading books and planning, quite another doing it for real. Really looking forward to it though.

[Mammyshaz]

That's great news possum, soooooo happy for you. Good luck and look forward to hearing your stories.
 

[Haylo-peapod]

FANTASTIC!   
It sounds as though you have some exciting plans already.
I hope it brings you much happiness - I'm sure it will.

The grass needs to be around 5cm for sheep. If it is too long they will struggle to cope and may well get scald.
If it is too long you should think about getting it topped before you put the sheep on.

You may be better off getting a few shearlings or some store lambs. Pet lambs can sometimes be hard work and have an even greater ambition to die than the average sheep.

Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures. 

[Rosemary]

Brilliant  Look forward to sharing your adventures

[FiB]

Congratulations!  We had a field with too long grass (and not possible to get a tractor on)  I started scything, but then found a neighbour with a horse and they mowed it pretty well in a week!

[Sandy]

Gud Day Possum , wonderful to follow your dream, I have no smallholding but understand the hard work bit!!! Look forward to your progress!!!

[Mel]

Hi Possum
One and a half is larger than ours,we only have the one acre!But like you say,it is a start and a wonderful life with lots of hard work We wish you good luck from Northants!

[sabrina]

Good for you 

[in the hills]

Splendid.

A warm welcome from Powys.

[Dan]

That's great, so pleased for you. 

[Lesley Silvester]

   Hi and welcome from sunny Shropshire.  You have about one and three eights acre more than me.  Ok mine's a back garden where my goats live and I grow fruit and veg.  What an adventure you are embarking on.  Look forward to hearing more as it progresses.

[Bangbang]

Hi!

Big welcome from very windy Aberdeenshire 

[lill]

Hi and welcome, hope all your plans work out 

[Bert]

Hi from the Isle of Mull  I'm very envious  Well do

[Mel Rice]

Hi from germany...and agree with horse-mower before sheep. I follow my horse around the plot with the sheep. I know it can cause parasite problems but Ive been OK so far...maybe the very, very cold winters here help.