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Farm Mobile Office


Maybe some day we will spring for smart phones and keep all of our data in our pockets. Many farmers do. But for now, The Farmer's binder works well to keep track of Everything Sheep. And the large round bales are just the right height to work on.

He records the dates of births, genders, family line, tag numbers and more. Each ewe has a page in the binder, so that we can easily see patterns (a single lamb, again?) and make decisions about whether a ewe will stay or go.

If a ewe is not a good mother or has become too old to risk another pregnancy, she is sold. Some become food for people or for dogs. Others who still are able to carry lambs but only throw singles will be sold at an auction to become someone's pasture pet or lawn mower.

Our farm is a business, and I don't believe we need to apologize for that. The reality of businesses is that they must turn a profit more often than not. And we can't determine if we are doing well unless we keep good records.
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Comments

  1. Jackie @Auburn Meadow FarmApril 10, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    I've finally reached the point where I can't increase my herd size any more. Selling old friends sucks...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LonaApril 12, 2013 at 7:30 AM

      It's one of the down sides of raising animals, isn't it?

      Delete
  2. Old Gates FarmApril 11, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    Not always easy, but it's what has to happen!

    Wanted to say thanks for visiting our blog...and also that I was raised in Holland and enjoy your blog and shop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LonaApril 12, 2013 at 7:31 AM

      Welcome! Small world... Thanks for your kind words! =)

      Delete
  3. Cary ~ My Wool Mitten at Serenity FarmsApril 14, 2013 at 9:17 AM

    Very good post! I don't even have a cell phone, so good old paper is a good way to keep track of such things for me, too ;D

    Sometimes its hard to make those culling decisions, sometimes easy (like when a ewe is a poor mother or one that NEVER shuts up, LOL!)

    ReplyDelete

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