Lambing 2014 - Guest post by Sarah Francis

Sarah in the lambing field one very wet morning

We said it would be weekly - but we were lying! A broken computer has extended the wait but this is well worth it! Sarah's impressions of Lambing 2014.

Sarah has been a good mate for many years and has taken over from Nick Emmett as our mentor, helping us to build our flock of sheep here in The Brecks.

 

How long have you lived in The Brecks and what brought you here?

I have lived in the Brecks since 1987 when work with a national pig breeding company brought me here. I remember complaining to my Aunt that I thought it would be flat and boring, but I loved it from the start.

What made you stay? 

I stayed as my farming career evolved and as my experience widened from indoor pigs to outdoor pigs; I ended up being the second female in the UK to manage a large outdoor breeding herd. Over time I grew to love the Brecklands for its wildlife and landscape.

Your day job is as a teacher in Kings Lynn – so where did you gain your shepherding experience? 

My shepherding experience began as a child when I yearned and dreamt of working on farms:  my father taught agriculture and I would accompany him on visits to farmers at every opportunity I could. As a teenager I learnt to lamb by working on large flock ,at Penshurst Place Kent, in my holidays.  About 15 years ago I spent a period being self-employed and worked largely as a shepherd in East Anglia, expanding my experience. In addition I worked in Yorkshire, Northumberland and Devon, lambing large flocks.

What made you give up working with livestock? 

I always enjoyed teaching others livestock husbandry whilst I worked on the farms and I was seeking new challenges where I could inspire the next generation of farmers. I remember talking about the lambing yard and the classroom, at my teaching interview, where the similarities of rapidly changing priorities are present in both situations.

How have you enjoyed working with a small flock?

Yes certainly a change for me and not one I would have thought I would have enjoyed. However there is nothing small about your flock and the outlook you have for local food production. It’s a pleasure being involved in a small family business where animal welfare is of the highest standards and where sensible commercial decisions are made.  It’s been great to know every sheep and remember the origin of all the lambs…oh yes that’s the, ‘fir tree lamb’…(who was born next to the fir tree.) .... something that when you are working on large flocks just doesn't happen.

Mother Love

What do you think about our New Zealand Romneys?

I must admit I have always worked with clean faced sheep so originally I thought they were ugly! I am now a convert watching their amazing mothering ability, their huge characters, ease of lambing/milking ability. I can see why they fit your system so very well and with the imported NZ genes believe they are the perfect choice for a low input/ outdoor lambing system to fit in with the pigs and the clothes business!

These quads were scanned as a single - delivered by Sarah they prove she hasn't lost her touch 

What has been the highlight this spring?

Realising I had not forgotten my instincts as a stockman and a shepherd. Passing on my experiences to others, including my class at school. Seeing a difficult lamb survive after a few days support in the field. 

And the lowest point? 

Going back to school when I wanted to carry on in the field! However this soon changed when my class were inspired to learn all about sheep following a visit to school by the orphan lambs.

What is special about keeping sheep in the Brecks? Why does it differ from other parts of the UK? 

Traditionally sheep were grazed the heathland of The Brecks with very hardy breeds like The Norfolk Horn. With the advent of irrigation things changed. A ready water supply meant that now high value crops could be grown so sheep were replaced by carrots & spuds. A change of government policy which encourages farmers to ensure that at least some of their farm reverts to grass means that there is currently a bit of a stock renaissance here in The Brecks. We still need hardy native breeds though!

Vic Francis feeding orphan lambs

I understand that shepherding is a new skill for your husband Vic – how has he taken to it?  

Actually not bad! I was impressed when walking through the field when he decided to walk around a bunch so he didn’t disturb them. He has adored rearing the orphans and the opportunity to watch them grow and develop. And he has been spotted galloping in the garden with the lambs…oh how embarrassing!

Will we see you in 2015?  

You would have to lock me up to prevent this! I have farming in my blood and you have given me a wonderful opportunity to indulge one of my lifelong passions.

Rob & Vic

Sarah will definitely be back with us in the lambing field in 2015. She is however returning to the blogisphere slightly sooner as she has done a follow up blog which talks about using lambing as a way to teach and inspire her class.