We’ve wrapped up our 2026 lambing season!

 

We’ve wrapped up our 2026 lambing season, and overall things are going smoothly. There’s a big difference between lambing 6 ewes and the 80 we once had, but no matter the size of the flock, the small, subtle issues always show up.

The photo above highlights the three groups we’re managing at the barn right now:

• Group 1: Ewes that have bonded well with their lambs and are milking strong—these are the ones you like to see.

• Front barn group: Two first-time ewes that are having a little trouble bonding. We’ve got them separated so we can closely monitor their lambs’ weight gain and make sure they’re nursing consistently while that bond develops.

• Barnyard group (rear): One experienced ewe with triplets. She’s proven herself before, but triplets always require extra attention. We’re watching to be sure all three are nursing and that her milk production holds up. She’s also getting a little extra feed to support that demand.

Once everyone is stable, we’ll begin integrating the flock and rotating them through paddocks closer to the house. That keeps them within easy observation—because this is the stage where problems can quietly develop.

A ewe that hasn’t bonded well may drift off to graze and leave a lamb behind. When that happens, the lamb slowly falls behind—or worse, doesn’t get fed at all. This is one of the realities of animal husbandry that often gets overlooked: a significant part of the job is preventing losses early in life. It’s a balance—being attentive without overhandling.

As always, we’ll be sharing more photos as they hit pasture—and hopefully some good footage of lamb races in the weeks ahead.