The short days in the middle of winter, mean that we have limited time to get our jobs done in the light, so the days seem to go quickly.

This year we are lambing in two blocks; the Lleyn mature ewes first (middle of April) and the rest two weeks later. The ewes are all single sired for 21 days, so in separate groups. We had 14 tupping groups, and used 5 new rams this year. 3 homebred Hampshire ram lambs including the highest index in the country and two new Lleyns were shearlings. They were purchased for their high performance in their worm resistance, prolificacy and milking ability from two highly regarded flocks; the Stonehouse https://stonehousefarm.org/lleyn-sheep/ (Norfolk) and the Thistleyhaugh (Northumberland)

This year, we are wintering the ewes on; fodder beet, stubble turnips, cover crops and deferred grass grazing (which means lots of electric fencing). The aim is to grow enough forage for a 130-day winter period, before the ewes move back to the grass paddocks for a few weeks before lambing. Growing forage crops means we can carry more ewes, as the grass we grow is used over fewer months (although there is room to use the grass we grow more efficiently).

Looking forward to January, it is a good opportunity to review the previous years performance and set targets and goals for the next year. We will also spend time on the maintenance and upgrading of our infrastructure.