Finally

2011 lambs are finally arriving. In the next four days two thirds of the flock is due to lamb.

Breed Character

I just weaned the fall babies this past weekend. This always seems to be the first time when you can really view the lambs and start picking out the all stars. One thing I've really noticed within the group is their breed character. I think this is a trait that is often overlooked. I also think it is something that can really make or break a good sheep. I know that we have sometimes let this trait slide within our flock, but our 2010 fall lambs have certainly impressed me with their short ears and short wide muzzles. At the SD state fair there is a class for the best breed character of a ram or ewe. In 2010 it was the first time in three years that we didn't win the class, so hopefully in 2011 we can put more emphasis towards this. The picture attached is great example of what I want all of our ewe lambs to look like.

Octorber Days

It has been just an amazing October; sunny clear skies, above normal temperatuere, no precipitation, and crisp cool mornings. This past month has been amazing for harvest as well as the fall lambs. We hit nearly 150% lamb crop on 14 ewes that all lambed in September and the first week of Octorber.  This is the first crop out of "Insight" and our expectations have been met. Every lamb of his is showing the substance of bone, wide hip, and natural thickness that we had hoped for through the matings; so we have been very pleased. It does however seem that every lambing season brings different challenges, and this one is no different. I had troubles getting the lambs started on creep feed. After about a week and a half of realizing the lambs hadn't even touched the creep I decided to coax them into the creep pen by putting a little alfalfa near their opening. I still didn't see a change in the amount of feed left in the troughs so I decided to lock the ewes and lambs into the barn where the creep feeder was located. Well, it worked. Except it probably backed fired on me because the older lambs really took to the creep and are now quite loose. I guess I should of gradually introduced it to them at that point. I took a few pictures tonight when I was checking the ewes out on pasture and attached them. Enjoy. 

The First

This will be the beginning of blogging for Fruechte Family Dorsets. With the changing times in technology and a new generation of sheep producers entering the business we felt it was time to get with the blog world. Our goal with this blog is to inform, educate, and communicate with sheep producers interested in Fruechte Family Dorsets. Remember to check out our website as well at www.fruechtefamilyfarms.com for more pictures and information.


www.fruechtefamilyfarms.com