New Lambs and Naughty Rams

Lamb news
After the first two seasons as newbie farmers, we decided to plan the matings of our ewes to avoid the catastrophic births into mud puddles in the freezing cold rain. So we grouped the girls according to previous matings and relationships to current rams. We meticulously wrote it all down in the ledger. We sold the rams and wethers we weren't going to need.

And THEN...
Brothers Tom and Fred pushed through fences to get to the girls while they were still all together and got loads of them pregnant! ARGH!!!!

So now we have 37 early lambs. 

Alex, at 3 weeks of age.

On a positive note, the lambs this season are big, boofy, chunky cuddle-boffins! Born without that characteristic hollowed tummy. And lots of them have the furry kind of wool we've noticed in offspring of our old ram Cecil. (For all those Footrot Flats fans). At 4 weeks of age our first lamb, Alex, weighed 13 kgs.

Horse news

We finally found a paddock buddy for our Palomino princess Kelly. His name is Billy and he is a 2 year old Quarterhorse gelding. They took to each other straight away, after whinnying across separated paddocks for a couple of hours. Kelly has settled down A LOT. No more huge skid marks where she has hurtled up to fences and gates wanting attention or just being a complete noodlehead. Billy isn't broken in yet and we are just focussing on ground work at the moment - getting him used to halter, lead, lunging, exercising behind the quad bike etc. He's even coped with double lunging with Kelly. (although I'm not sure she coped with it!)

Billy. What a cutie!

Paddocks news
The paddocks are looking great. We've seeded new areas that were previously barren and have been researching about soil health, bacteria and fungi that are needed for this living ecology. Our aim is to not use herbicides and pesticides and to have lots of variety in each paddock. Up to 15 species of grasses and flowering plants is recommended. We planted chickory and are trying to get hold of heritage seeds like buckwheat, whose flowers attract bees! If we play it right, our sheep will have fewer problems with parasites than most, reducing the need for toxic medicines. The ewes showed us that they will self medicate on plants such as Blackwood to reduce intestinal worms, for instance. Already we can see the difference in this year's lambs. The health of the ewe has a huge impact on the health of the offspring, as you would expect.

We have also begun feeding them sea water. Yes, sea water! They drink their fill and leave the rest, taking in the minerals they need. Feedback from clients has been very positive. They can taste the difference in the meat. 

There is still such an awful lot to learn.
See my videos and photos here: My Tasmanian Garden

Book news!!!

As you may know, my other job, now that I am 'retired' from teaching, is children's author. I've had 11 books published since 2000. Since we moved to Tassie I've written a novel for middle grade and signed contracts for 4 young adult books. Something is working! Maybe it's all that clean air...

My newest book, Rebel, by Shooting Star Press, is out! After 12 years and 13 rejections by publishers. Who says I'm not persistent???? I'm very happy with how it looks and excited to share it with the world. Rebel is the first in a trilogy called Flight. I have another stand alone novel coming out possibly later this year, if the stars align.

So what's Rebel about?

Think Avatar, Lord of the Rings and Thor. 

A wounded flying hero struggling to accept his destiny…
A shy girl with dark, mysterious secrets unaware of the power within her …
A lonely youth out to prove himself worthy of his warrior father.
In a land where people with dragon DNA suffer under malevolent overlords, they dream of a hero to save them.
Can a handsome, young joker only interested in breaking the rules face his destiny and break free his people?

Buy paperback, ebook and kindle versions here: REBEL by Dawn Meredith

My other books

My other books range from self help for anxiety to adventure stories, anti-bullying, unusual friendships to non-fiction sporting heroes and a true life story of a WWII veteran. You can check out my other kids' books here: 

Dawn Meredith's books

You can also find me on facebook.