May 18, 2020

Mesa Farm lesson and summer program status:

 We’re waiting for the MA dept. of Ag to clarify Gov. Baker’s announcement today as to where horseback riding lessing fit in the “opening up” plan and then we’ll evaluate when I’ll start lessons again. It may also depend on the health officials advise and number of virus cases in Central MA, but it does sound encouraging that outdoor activities reduce the chance of exposure.

 

In other updates, the little lamb with the crooked legs is still getting around well and seems to be doing better as the crooked legs are less noticable. I’ve started giving her and her sibling from the old ewe some supplemental cow milk every day since they seem to be growing slower than the other lambs. The Jordan Farm next door usually has a little unmarketable milk on hand they have kindly make available to us when they have excess. 

 

The orphan lamb, which has somehow developed a name, “Molly”, has successfully been introduced to the rest of the flock. She’s getting cow milk as well as nursing twice a day (when I assist) directly from the ewe, “Constellation”. Interesting, the two of them hang out together much of the day although Constellation will only feed her when I entice her to eat a little oats and stand with her. The other lambs are growing rapidly and the ewes all seem fine. 

 The new ram has completed his quarantine time and has also joined the flock. He’s been very gentle around people and the other animals so far. What this all means is all the sheep are now together, which makes chores a little easier and that once I catch up on barn cleaning there won’t be little sheep pens to clean.

 

Gardenwise, I replanted some onions as some of my first batch didn’t take very well and also transplanted the broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage into the garden. The asparagus has finally started growing, the rubarb as already trying to go to seed, and many of the beets, carrots, and a couple other things I planted last month are up. I’ll need to get some quick weeding in on them this week if possible.

 

Looks like another beautiful day tomorrow!