A sick sheep is a dead sheep. However, sheep love to die and if you lose one several others will think dying looked fun and they’ll try to go the same way.”
For those of you who enjoy reading tales and poems by Northumberland farmer and writer Henry Brewis, you will recognise this quote. It recently popped up on the North of England Mule Sheep Association Facebook page.
With only a week to go until lambing starts, this quote is an appropriate reminder to be on our guard. Anyone lambing will be familiar with that “week to go” feeling. We are all trying to reduce the overuse of antibiotics on our farms, but there is a time and place for them that allows us to keep losses to a minimum.
A vaccination policy is also important as part of reducing antibiotic use.
However, there was a recent case where a farmer accidentally got jagged with a needle while using the footrot vaccine, and he was very lucky not to lose his finger. It was apparently the mineral-based suspension which the vaccine is in that caused the problem – never be too complacent when handling the product.
Samples
Three weeks before lambing I had the vet around to take blood samples from a selection of the ewes to test for Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BOHB). It’s a good indication to know where their energy levels are and also it gives us time to adjust feeding levels if needs be.
Fortunately, all were good, although the urea-N results were very variable. But the sheep are all on the same 18% feed and have ample trough space, so I am not sure what causes the big variation. Perhaps someone reading this might be able to throw some light on this one.
The heifers were also pregnancy tested and all 13 are in-calf, so that was a good result.
Nervous
So far this winter we have had an easy go of it which makes me nervous for what might come, especially after last year. For those that say we can’t get two consecutive years with the same weather pattern, I will only believe it if it doesn’t happen.
The recent hard frost was a great opportunity to get cattle courts mucked out without creating a mess. That job usually triggers a stream of complaints about muck on the road.
The drainage contractor also came and went without doing any harm. It was good to get a few burst drains fixed, therefore preventing those annoying puddles which are potential breeding grounds for fluke.
Site
The work on our proposed caravan site is slow as we have to alter access into the farmyard. It requires contacting the roads department and parting with yet another sum of money.
Also the cesspool requires planning permission and again more money, however I do believe it is worth pursuing, especially seeing the number of campervans on the road here this half term.
With the uncertainty of Brexit I think it is important to look to other ways of creating an income.
A recent meeting at our local discussion group heard from a speaker who is embracing agri tourism. For me, it was a real ‘kick up the backside’ and has made me realise there is potential out there, so time to get on with it.
Read more
There will be few passengers this winter
Ali’s calves have an unusual ailment and the lambs are enjoying fine-dining
A sick sheep is a dead sheep. However, sheep love to die and if you lose one several others will think dying looked fun and they’ll try to go the same way.”
For those of you who enjoy reading tales and poems by Northumberland farmer and writer Henry Brewis, you will recognise this quote. It recently popped up on the North of England Mule Sheep Association Facebook page.
With only a week to go until lambing starts, this quote is an appropriate reminder to be on our guard. Anyone lambing will be familiar with that “week to go” feeling. We are all trying to reduce the overuse of antibiotics on our farms, but there is a time and place for them that allows us to keep losses to a minimum.
A vaccination policy is also important as part of reducing antibiotic use.
However, there was a recent case where a farmer accidentally got jagged with a needle while using the footrot vaccine, and he was very lucky not to lose his finger. It was apparently the mineral-based suspension which the vaccine is in that caused the problem – never be too complacent when handling the product.
Samples
Three weeks before lambing I had the vet around to take blood samples from a selection of the ewes to test for Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BOHB). It’s a good indication to know where their energy levels are and also it gives us time to adjust feeding levels if needs be.
Fortunately, all were good, although the urea-N results were very variable. But the sheep are all on the same 18% feed and have ample trough space, so I am not sure what causes the big variation. Perhaps someone reading this might be able to throw some light on this one.
The heifers were also pregnancy tested and all 13 are in-calf, so that was a good result.
Nervous
So far this winter we have had an easy go of it which makes me nervous for what might come, especially after last year. For those that say we can’t get two consecutive years with the same weather pattern, I will only believe it if it doesn’t happen.
The recent hard frost was a great opportunity to get cattle courts mucked out without creating a mess. That job usually triggers a stream of complaints about muck on the road.
The drainage contractor also came and went without doing any harm. It was good to get a few burst drains fixed, therefore preventing those annoying puddles which are potential breeding grounds for fluke.
Site
The work on our proposed caravan site is slow as we have to alter access into the farmyard. It requires contacting the roads department and parting with yet another sum of money.
Also the cesspool requires planning permission and again more money, however I do believe it is worth pursuing, especially seeing the number of campervans on the road here this half term.
With the uncertainty of Brexit I think it is important to look to other ways of creating an income.
A recent meeting at our local discussion group heard from a speaker who is embracing agri tourism. For me, it was a real ‘kick up the backside’ and has made me realise there is potential out there, so time to get on with it.
Read more
There will be few passengers this winter
Ali’s calves have an unusual ailment and the lambs are enjoying fine-dining
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