sorting out the lambs in the autumn sunshine... In the farming world, as in the pagan calendar, the year is often divided into just 2 seasons...winter (the grass stops growing and most agricultural animals need to be fed hay/silage) and summer when the grass, herbs and other plants grow.... As we move beyond the autumn equinox and face the shorter hours of day light and the long , cold winter months here in the depths of the Dales, its that time of year where in the world of hill farming we need to start thinking about which animals are fit and well enough to not only survive but thrive in our harsh climate here over the winter. Its not an easy time, but the decisions are important to prevent suffering in animals who struggle to make it through the winter (and the extra human stress and input that creates), and I have to admit over the years as a farmer I have become much more strict about the fitness needed to thrive in the sheep flock in particular
Pigs...happily rooting and nest making in their barn ......most of the lambs are sold on to either grow further on local lower grounds before going to slaughter, or as breeding stock for other farmers....we keep some for our our own lamb customers, and also some of the gimmers (females) to remain here as part of our breeding flock when they mature.
The pigs have had an great summer in the sun....bought in as weaners as lambing finishes, they occupy and plough the deep straw beds and the barn used during lambing, as well as having access to outside land and streams of course....but at 6 months old they are huge, fit and a good weight to go to slaughter too......timing this for the autumn also means much less financial/human energy costs as the pigs spend more time inside in the winter, needing more food, bedding, mucking out etc...though the tough, native Berkshire and Gloucester Old Spot breeds we rear would (and have) thrived well in the winters here...so on Monday these lovely girls were loaded into the trailer with a bottle of cider each to make their journey to the piggie afterlife via the abbatoir in Ilkley ...we already have friends and neighbours with orders in for the amazing pork from them ......
The pigs have had an great summer in the sun....bought in as weaners as lambing finishes, they occupy and plough the deep straw beds and the barn used during lambing, as well as having access to outside land and streams of course....but at 6 months old they are huge, fit and a good weight to go to slaughter too......timing this for the autumn also means much less financial/human energy costs as the pigs spend more time inside in the winter, needing more food, bedding, mucking out etc...though the tough, native Berkshire and Gloucester Old Spot breeds we rear would (and have) thrived well in the winters here...so on Monday these lovely girls were loaded into the trailer with a bottle of cider each to make their journey to the piggie afterlife via the abbatoir in Ilkley ...we already have friends and neighbours with orders in for the amazing pork from them ......
Sam ...and then there was old Sam the collie , who also went to the afterlife on Monday. At nearly 13 he'd been blind and deaf for some time, but over the summer had become increasingly confused and distressed with life...Emily at Westmoreland Vets took top quality care, (as she and the other vets at WV do with all our animals), of him in the last few minutes of his life and his passing was incredibly dignified and peaceful....the pack is having to readjust to the loss as they always do...there is a big empty space without him....
And the cows and chickens will all stay..I walked the cows the 3 miles back home for the winter a couple of days ago and they seem incredibly fit and healthy (and hopefully pregnant!)...this years calves, Larch and Spruce are growing really well...Roger (last years calf) is also doing great, but it will probably be after Christmas before he is big enough to be killed for beef...as the temperature falls, the herd will all grow amazingly thick winter coats to keep them snug and warm over the coming months....the chickens are a total tatty mess as they are all moulting but are a hardy bunch who potter on through the winter months just fine (with the odd warm pasta treat in the really cold weather!)
And the cows and chickens will all stay..I walked the cows the 3 miles back home for the winter a couple of days ago and they seem incredibly fit and healthy (and hopefully pregnant!)...this years calves, Larch and Spruce are growing really well...Roger (last years calf) is also doing great, but it will probably be after Christmas before he is big enough to be killed for beef...as the temperature falls, the herd will all grow amazingly thick winter coats to keep them snug and warm over the coming months....the chickens are a total tatty mess as they are all moulting but are a hardy bunch who potter on through the winter months just fine (with the odd warm pasta treat in the really cold weather!)
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