05/18/2026
Overall, life on the farm has been going quite smoothly. I did lose a lamb to bloat, which was discouraging, but I took every measure I could to help.
Tonight’s milking came with one challenge in particular — the black flies were relentless. I milked with one hand while swatting flies with the other. Still, as I looked out across the lush green field beneath a bright blue sky, I found myself thinking, “At least there isn’t snow.” On that note, take a look at the caption above the “Annual Snowfall Map.” According to NOAA statistics, Annsville ranked second in snowfall totals for 2024–2025, receiving 386 inches of snow.
On Saturday evening, our family took a walk at dusk. In the photo, you’ll notice a cat trailing behind alongside our two beloved dogs. If you look closely, you’ll also spot our five-week-old ewe lamb. She was rejected by her mother shortly after birth, and my attentive friend Nichole cared for her during her first ten days of life — bottle-feeding her regularly and giving her plenty of affection and attention. Since returning to the farm, she has become especially attached to David and follows him closely wherever he goes.
We took a quick trip to Connecticut leaving our sheep behind with trusted milk hands; Megan and Katie. How fortunate I am to have dependable, capable, trusted friends.
We will likely begin cutting hay within the next 30 days. At the same time, I am managing some health concerns while training for a full-time remote job. I am uncertain what my exact role in hay season will look like this year, but I am confident I will remain involved in some capacity.
At present, I am producing approximately 1.5 gallons of milk per day while lambs are still nursing from my four ewes. I have sold several lambs as well as some milking ewes, and each completed sale brings a considerable sense of relief. Without trained livestock dogs, extensive acreage of my own, several four-wheelers, and substantial feed resources, I have concluded that maintaining a flock in the double digits is not the best fit for me at this time. My goal is to remain under ten sheep. Currently, the farm consists of four milking ewes, one ram, and two lambs still in need of homes. Until then, we remain “7 Lamb Farm.”
On Thursday, June 4, we will be bringing a few sheep to the Vienna Farmers Market, where we plan to sell products and display a milking ewe and her lambs for visitors attending the event. I will also be discussing the basics of raising dairy sheep. It should be an enjoyable and educational experience, and I am looking forward to it.
