Beginning with Sheep

From Weeds to Wool: Battling Toxic Plants and Pasture Problems, S2, E16

In this episode Kathy and Val discuss managing pastures for sheep, including dealing with toxic plants like milkweed and tower mustard, soil amendments such as liming, overseeding strategies, and practical pasture maintenance. They also cover livestock and dog health concerns, especially a severe tick problem in their area, and share tips for tick checks and removal. Along the way they touch on composting, using sheep manure as fertilizer, chick updates, and everyday farm priorities that shift as immediate problems arise.

Sheep, Shearing & Hamster-Wheel Energy: My First Jacob Sale, S2, E15

Hosts Kathy and Val talk farm updates — Kathy sold her first Jacob sheep and is waiting on more lambs — and recap the New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Festival. They cover fiber mills, shearing methods (blades vs clippers), tipping practice, hoof trimming, FAMACHA scoring, and practical tools like stethoscopes and cameras for lambing. The episode also discusses pasture management, deworming strategies and resistance concerns, predator and tick issues, vaccination reminders (including rabies), and helpful tips for new shepherds.

Ram Swaps & Lamb Races: A Busy Day at Parker Farm Jacobs, S2, E14

On May 2, 2026, Kathy and Val share a farm update covering flock management, a successful merger of most sheep into the main flock, and plans for a ram swap that’s hit a few logistical snags with trailer rentals. They discuss quarantine plans, pasture rotations, and ongoing fencing work. They also prepare to sell and register a ram—covering weighing and an oral deworming (drench) procedure—and chat about livestock guardian dog Sammy, chicken and chick care, a dramatic hawk encounter, and a pending grant application.

From Cuddles to Clinic: My First Ram Lamb Castration and a Vet Visit

In this episode Kathy and Val share a busy weekend of hands-on farming: Kathy recounts her first attempt at banding a ram lamb, a worrying post-procedure scare, and the vet visit that followed (including treatment with banamine and recovery). They also discuss applying for an American Lamb Board grant, updates on chickens and fresh eggs, changing weather and pasture management, and practical small-farm takeaways for new shepherds.

Ram Boom: Why Are All My Lambs Male?

Farm update covering new lambs (including a surprise birth), a first attempt at castration, and a broody hen successfully adopting three chicks. The hosts discuss research suggesting pasture diet enriched with polyunsaturated fats for one month prior to conception can skew lamb sex ratios toward males and consider management steps to influence future breeding.