November brings the wrapping up of many farm things and the beginning of next year in many ways.
We have a new ram (sheep – not truck) this fall, Nate, from Underhill Farm in Pa. He is a registered colored Leicester Longwool ram who will provide us with some different genetics and hopefully more colored lambs next fall. By the time this newsletter is out he will be happily hanging out with his girls.
All the ewes were just shorn and are currently looking sleek and shiny. We have many lovely fleeces (5-6 in) available for any hand spinners looking for fleece. It is amazing how well the sheep did during this dry summer on nothing but ‘almost gone’ grass. This breed is known to be “easy keepers” and it certainly is true.
Despite the drought this year the potato harvest was a good one. However, our hay harvest was down about 60%. Our hay barn has never been this empty at this time of year and we have had to turn away many regular hay customers. Currently we are doing the last cutting hoping to get a few more bales. “Freeze dried” hay can be made but it becomes challenging. Shorter days and cooler soil make it harder to get the hay to dry.
Plans are underway for next year’s crops. We are considering adding a pumpkin patch and sunflower field to offer for pick-your-own for next year so stay tuned for more information on this.
In the meantime, Tom continues to be involved in local agriculture as he works with the county’s agritourism work group, serves on the Agriculture Business Council, and is now an elected director for the MD Farm Bureau. Carolann continues board duties with both the Maryland Sheep Breeders Association and the Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association.