And in year 6 of the sheep, it's been decided that they are permanent now. The benefits are very large, and alternatives (fossil fuel fed machines) far less - EFFECTIVE. The sheep work better.
Which is why we are the last feature of the upcoming U of MN Silvopasture Workshop; Aug. 4 and 5. You can sign up for both days, or one day, I'm pretty sure. Unfortunately - and fortunately at the same time, for us- the scheduled cattle silvopasture tour at Dana Burtness' farm had to cancel. So, the tour will be here for 2 flexible hours (or more) instead of 1 tight one.
Some of this year's lambs; they are a riot to watch. The movie was in April; the lambs are now 3-5 times bigger than here; still frisky. Incidentally, we have a bunch of very interesting color patterns; 2 lambs here with "Panda Face" eye spots; black ears, white face and top of head; white rear legs and black front legs... Anybody else seeing this in their Icelandics?
We'll be showing both the sheep and the horses- they both do very serious work for us just as grazers, not counting other benefits. And there's a ton to show. It has been a learning experience- but since 40 is more than 25 (actually we started with 5) - we're probably doing things mostly right.
We discovered fairly quickly - Icelandic lambs are eating as much grass as an adult sheep - about 3 days after they are born. They go through pasture, and have to be moved more often. We are, in fact, looking for a couple of people who would like to live here at Badgersett, and make their living from the sheep. And horses. And pastured poultry, perhaps. There is a good living to be made; but it's a full time job.
Come and see! We'll give you all the information from 6 years of rotational and mob grazing - nut silvopasture. Summer. Winter. Mistakes and all.
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