The hardest part of farming is not the amount of work or the financial insecurity inherent in the occupation. It’s the inevitability of days like this...
You made me cry. I didn't want to read this, but I made myself do it. It's the stuff of life. And ... I love that you love your sheep, despite having to let them go. A lesson in impermanence. Sending you love!
What a touching and informative writing. I loved every minute of it. I couldn't help but picture a murder mystery series centered around a courageous, tough female character who is the local sleuth in the county. This has all the makings of a series of some kind-it made me feel like I was right there with you. Sending you all the good juju your way and hoping you have a wonderful day knowing you are so valued.
Any type of farming requires a little bit will power for whatever reason. Rice took more effort than the other grain crops because of the water. Cotton also requires some looking after because of insects constantly trying to overtake them. We did raise a few hogs, but they require constant attention like goats and sheep. I no longer have a farming operation and haven't had it for some time now. unless you count a big garden. I did have a few chickens' years ago.
Despite everything, enjoy your weekend, and say hello to your Son from me (even though he does not know me) because he had to go through it as well, and I am sure it was not easy for him either...
Years ago, I was recovering from a minor surgery, and my wife, knowing I love sheep, thought it would be nice to take me for a weekend to a sheep farm that had a house for rent as an airbnb. It was a big farm, with acres of hilly pasture and more than 100 sheep. When the owner showed us around, he pointed us in the direction of the good hiking up the hill, and told us to enjoy ourselves -- but please, please, to be very careful opening and closing the gate, and to make sure it was latched.
It was a beautiful, relaxing time, and hiking up that hill and through that pasture was like the beginning of The Sound of Music. Until--sure enough--one of us left the latch on the gate not quite closed. And one (thank God only one) of the sheep got out.
From there, it was a straight shot downhill to the house, and from there, only another 100 yards or so to the highway--all unobstructed. We were worried what might happen, and couldn't reach the farmer on the phone, so we had to try to round up the sheep ourselves (along with the husband of the couple we'd invited with us, while his very pregnant wife shouted encouragement from the porch).
I had no idea--sheep are fast. I mean, really fast. Not only that, but man, can they corner. If a sheep could carry a football, it could make millions in the NFL, and be on ESPN highlight reels. We chased that poor animal for twenty minutes, with no hope whatsoever of catching it. And put the poor thing in a panic, no doubt.
And then, as we gasped for wind and despaired of ever catching it, that sheep ran straight at a 4-foot-tall wire fence behind the house, and at the last moment vaulted the fence -- effortlessly, with at least 6 inches to spare. And was suddenly trapped in the small fenced field next to the house. She instantly became calm, returning to her previously scheduled grazing as if that had been the plan all along. About that time, the farmer called back, laughed, and told us to leave her there--she'd be fine.
I have a whole new respect for sheep. And anyone who can catch one.
Hahaha! I'm so glad you had that experience!!! Yes! I had no idea sheep were so darned fast myself, until I started working with them 7 years ago.
We had a LOT of break-outs in the beginning as I learned what it would take to keep them contained within the fencing. They're smarter than people give them credit for! And solar chargers were not strong enough to do the job.
I've even had my finger broken trying to catch them!🤦♀️
Eventually we got the fences to where they needed to be, and I've learned to use a cup of grain to entice them if they should escape. It doesn't work for all sheep, and certain seasons (breeding) they could give a flying fuck about the grain, but mostly they'll come for grain.
My shearer was amazed I have them so well trained, lol. She said not all sheep will do that, but I just refuse to chase them anymore. It puts too much stress on both sheep and farmer, and I hate running!
I once slaughtered my own rooster. City ordinances you know... I bawled my eyes out while I held that axe. I've never been the same since. It is these moments as farmers and carers of animals that test our nature as humans, and I will hold that same space for you as you experience this loss and grief. I know how hard this feels. Much love for you.
You made me cry. I didn't want to read this, but I made myself do it. It's the stuff of life. And ... I love that you love your sheep, despite having to let them go. A lesson in impermanence. Sending you love!
Thank you, Jeanne! Very much appreciated!
What a touching and informative writing. I loved every minute of it. I couldn't help but picture a murder mystery series centered around a courageous, tough female character who is the local sleuth in the county. This has all the makings of a series of some kind-it made me feel like I was right there with you. Sending you all the good juju your way and hoping you have a wonderful day knowing you are so valued.
Very much appreciated, Elizabeth! And I'll tuck that story idea away for future use! 🙏
Any type of farming requires a little bit will power for whatever reason. Rice took more effort than the other grain crops because of the water. Cotton also requires some looking after because of insects constantly trying to overtake them. We did raise a few hogs, but they require constant attention like goats and sheep. I no longer have a farming operation and haven't had it for some time now. unless you count a big garden. I did have a few chickens' years ago.
Lucky for me, I'm about as stubborn as they come!😅
I felt every bit of this, especially when it got to the part about Taz, I had to get up and make a cup of tea ....🫤
love Ant
Thank you, Anthony!🙏
You're welcome, my lovely 🫶
Despite everything, enjoy your weekend, and say hello to your Son from me (even though he does not know me) because he had to go through it as well, and I am sure it was not easy for him either...
Ant
Years ago, I was recovering from a minor surgery, and my wife, knowing I love sheep, thought it would be nice to take me for a weekend to a sheep farm that had a house for rent as an airbnb. It was a big farm, with acres of hilly pasture and more than 100 sheep. When the owner showed us around, he pointed us in the direction of the good hiking up the hill, and told us to enjoy ourselves -- but please, please, to be very careful opening and closing the gate, and to make sure it was latched.
It was a beautiful, relaxing time, and hiking up that hill and through that pasture was like the beginning of The Sound of Music. Until--sure enough--one of us left the latch on the gate not quite closed. And one (thank God only one) of the sheep got out.
From there, it was a straight shot downhill to the house, and from there, only another 100 yards or so to the highway--all unobstructed. We were worried what might happen, and couldn't reach the farmer on the phone, so we had to try to round up the sheep ourselves (along with the husband of the couple we'd invited with us, while his very pregnant wife shouted encouragement from the porch).
I had no idea--sheep are fast. I mean, really fast. Not only that, but man, can they corner. If a sheep could carry a football, it could make millions in the NFL, and be on ESPN highlight reels. We chased that poor animal for twenty minutes, with no hope whatsoever of catching it. And put the poor thing in a panic, no doubt.
And then, as we gasped for wind and despaired of ever catching it, that sheep ran straight at a 4-foot-tall wire fence behind the house, and at the last moment vaulted the fence -- effortlessly, with at least 6 inches to spare. And was suddenly trapped in the small fenced field next to the house. She instantly became calm, returning to her previously scheduled grazing as if that had been the plan all along. About that time, the farmer called back, laughed, and told us to leave her there--she'd be fine.
I have a whole new respect for sheep. And anyone who can catch one.
Hahaha! I'm so glad you had that experience!!! Yes! I had no idea sheep were so darned fast myself, until I started working with them 7 years ago.
We had a LOT of break-outs in the beginning as I learned what it would take to keep them contained within the fencing. They're smarter than people give them credit for! And solar chargers were not strong enough to do the job.
I've even had my finger broken trying to catch them!🤦♀️
Eventually we got the fences to where they needed to be, and I've learned to use a cup of grain to entice them if they should escape. It doesn't work for all sheep, and certain seasons (breeding) they could give a flying fuck about the grain, but mostly they'll come for grain.
My shearer was amazed I have them so well trained, lol. She said not all sheep will do that, but I just refuse to chase them anymore. It puts too much stress on both sheep and farmer, and I hate running!
I once slaughtered my own rooster. City ordinances you know... I bawled my eyes out while I held that axe. I've never been the same since. It is these moments as farmers and carers of animals that test our nature as humans, and I will hold that same space for you as you experience this loss and grief. I know how hard this feels. Much love for you.
Non-human mammals are indeed individuals with personalities. We respond in kind. Tough to say farewell to the sweeties.
Thanks for fence fuckers and Freezer Camp to lighten the mood a bit! ☀️🌻