National Scrapie Eradication Program

Sheep and Goat Identification – National Scrapie Eradication Program

The National Scrapie Eradication Program is again providing up to 100 plastic flock ID tags free-of-charge to first time participants in the sheep and goat identification program until available funds are expended. Producers will need to purchase the compatible applicator from the tag manufacturer. 

APHIS discontinued the availability of no-cost metal tags for producers on August 31, 2019. Dealers and markets may continue to receive metal serial tags at no cost until the available funds are expended. Flock ID tag numbers are the producer’s flock ID assigned by APHIS or the State followed by an individual animal number. Metal serial tag numbers have the State postal abbreviation, two letters followed by four numbers. Plastic serial tags have the State postal abbreviation, a letter and a number in either order, followed by four numbers.

Click Link Below for more information:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-disease/sheep-goat/scrapie-tag

Farming: A Path to a Healthier Lifestyle

In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle often feels like a never-ending quest. We constantly hear about the benefits of eating healthier, exercising more, and finding peace in our life choices. As a farmer, I can tell you that all three can be accomplished through the choice to create your own farm, whether it’s an urban vegetable garden or a full-scale homestead on an acre or more.

Humans, in many ways, are like plants. We need water, sunlight, and good soil to thrive. The farm life is full of fresh air, sunlight in all weather, and good soil producing nutrient-dense foods. Living on a farm for over 60 years, I’ve worked outdoors almost every single day of my adult life. Nothing beats early morning chores, feeding the livestock as the day begins. The sense of joy you get when you’re happily greeted by the critters makes even a stormy day bright. The simplicity of getting your morning exercise while inhaling the contentment of the livestock and the joy of the farm dog accompanying you to the barns and fields is where deep peace takes hold. This is where resilience is grown in your soul.

shallow focus of sprout
Photo by Gelgas Airlangga on Pexels.com

The rhythms of nature flow over you as you garden. Watching the seed you planted in faith break through the soil and grow strong with your nurturing is so rewarding. The joy of eating what you have grown gives such a sense of accomplishment. The quiet routines created by farming keep you moving forward through each season. Movement is life. Constantly meeting the ever-changing challenges in farming not only takes physical movement and endurance but also psychological and intellectual growth. All these things are necessary for a productive and successful lifestyle.

Harvest
Bountiful Harvests

An Ending and A Beginning

Yesterday marked a significant transition at Solace Farm as the last Finnsheep departed. The decision to cease shepherding this wonderful breed was not made lightly, but it heralds the start of a new chapter in my life.

Change is never easy, especially when it feels like letting go of a part of oneself. Since bringing home my first Finnsheep in 1995, I have cherished every moment spent learning from and growing with these delightful animals. However, this does not mean an end to Finnsheep fleeces, roving, and handspun yarns. I have been fortunate to help establish many Finn Flocks in my region, ensuring a continued supply of these cherished materials.

With this change, I will have more time to dedicate to my passions for spinning and weaving, as well as creating new patterns. I hope you will continue to join me on this woolly adventure, sharing in the joy and creativity that these fibers bring.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to new beginnings and the exciting possibilities they bring!

Harmony of Farm Life

In the bustling world of a family-run farm, the age-old adage “Many hands make light work” is not just a saying—it’s a way of life. This isn’t just about chores and checklists; it’s a symphony of shared responsibilities that creates a unique rhythm, harmonizing work with education, and duty with delight.

The farm is a living classroom, where every task is a lesson waiting to be learned. Here, children and adults alike find that weeding the garden or washing the dishes aren’t mundane tasks, but moments filled with song and conversation—a chance to grow more than just crops, but relationships as well. It’s where homeschooling transcends books, allowing grandchildren to inherit wisdom along with the land they till.

From arithmetic to zoology, the farm teaches it all. It’s a place where reading is learned from seed packets as well as storybooks, where science is understood through the life cycle of a plant, and where math is practiced in the measuring of feed. Every day is a problem-solving adventure, demanding creativity and resourcefulness, as the family strives to make the most of their resources.

The day begins and ends at the family table, a sacred space where planning and reflection bookend the day’s labors. It’s here that each voice is heard, sharing triumphs and trials, laughter and lessons. This ritual of reflection is more than just talk—it’s a cornerstone of resilience, a daily reinforcement of the family’s collective spirit.

And then, there’s Sunday, a day of rest and reverence for the work done and the work yet to come. It’s a gentle pause in the cadence of farm life, a necessary respite that renews the spirit and readies the hands for the week ahead.

This is the story of a family where life is a tapestry woven from threads of hard work, learning, and laughter. It’s a testament to the fact that on a farm, hands do more than work—they teach, they bond, and they love. It’s a reminder that in the right hands, work isn’t just light—it’s luminous.

First Milking of the Year.

One of the joys of having a Family Farm is seeing the delight of the Grandchildren as they greet the first arrivals of the season. For us it is the Nubian Milk Goats who are the first to deliver.

We plan it this way on purpose because then we have fresh colostrum and milk for other babies as they arrive if it is needed. With Finnsheep and Boer Goats next on the Schedule this is a necessary precaution. Both the Boer Goats and Finnsheep can have a tendency to be Super Producers and we usually get occasional quintuplets from them and can have as many as many as 7 from the Finnsheep. In order not to drain these Super Producers we supplement with the extra goat milk. When the extra babies are weaned and moved out on pasture, we then start the cheese making season.

I hope you enjoy the video. Have a Great Day!

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