[The Unexpected Shepherd]

Hi to everyone,

Firstly I extend thanks to all the people who have posted on this site. I was unexpectedly thrust into farming life with the arrival of nearly 18 inches of snow last Friday night and for the last week have been assisting a neighbour whose flock has been devastated by the unseasonal weather. I have been left alone at times with the responsibility of making decisions in a world which is a million miles away from my own background... I'm a south east London born marketing director!!! The posts on this site have given me confidence and I haven't felt as though I'm the only person in the world who doesn't know how to alleviate constipation in a lamb or how to revive a pretty "deadish" newborn!

This last week I have witnessed some of the saddest things I have ever seen but amongst the tragedy also some of the most wonderful things. Thanks to everyone.

[Clarebelle]

Hello! This site is a goldmine of useful information. Well done you for helping out your neighbour in what is turning out to be another year of hell for the farming community. I'm sure your neighbour will appreciate your help no end! 

[Bionic]

Hi    and welcome from Carmarthenshire where the weather has been very cold but much kinder to us than where you are.
Once the snow has gone (I am sure it will go sometime  ) and the need for your help disappears I hope you stick around.

[Blinkers]

Hello and welcome from Carms/Pembs border where its currently gloriously sunny and dry but very cold.   Heart goes out to you with what you've had to contend with - the very toughest side of farming.....but it WILL get better.
 
 

[Victorian Farmer]

welcome from a minus 8 highlands of scotland             

[Rosemary]

Wow - you've had a hell of a week; glad TAS could help 

Welcome from  /  Carnoustie 

[suziequeue]

Good to hear from you from another snow-bound north facing hill in Wales.


We haven't started lambing yet........  [size=78%] the weather will start to ease.[/size]

[The Unexpected Shepherd]

Thanks for all the great replies but not just from me but also from a small lamb that has been constipated...

...a warm enema and some oil did the trick!

It's the first time I've seen a lamb smile! 

[ballingall]

Hello and welcome from central Scotland.


Sorry you've had such a stressful start to learning about sheep, but as you said, there have been good times too. The conditions in some bits of the UK have been just horrific.


Beth

[FiB]

wow baptism of fire (or snow!)... hi from another very snowy corner (Bala) - I have also been helping neighbour, it is a real tough job in the snow - she is absolutely knackered as I'm sure you are!  Hope you enjoy the rest and afterglow of a good job soon, Fi

[Lesley Silvester]

  and welcome from  Shropshire where the snow has almost gone.  A hard start but at least you know you've seen farming at its worst.  Now the only way is up.

[fairhaven]

Hi from Norfolk,  It's neighbours like you that can really make a difference.   

[feldar]

Hi from South Coast   we've watched the news and seen how dreadful the weather has been. We've really felt for all those caught up in it.
They're a good bunch on here, so keep posting and stay safe

[Mammyshaz]

Hello and welcome from Durham where we have got off very lightly weatherwise.

[Backinwellies]

So have you seen enough to put you off .... or maybe now you too  have 'the dream' ... with maybe a little less snow?!?