Beginning with Sheep

Guardian Puppy on the Way: Solo Farm Update & Coyote Concerns

Kathy gives a brief solo farm update: increased coyote activity led to ordering a livestock guardian puppy, she hosted a busy spinning demonstration at the town fair, and barn roof repairs are underway after finding more rot than expected.She also reports a smaller second hay cutting, chickens with upset stomachs from too many cucumbers, and teases next week's episode with Val to discuss breeding plans and adding new genetics like a lilac ewe lamb.

Sheep, Horns and Coyotes: A Small Farm Update

The hosts share a weekend farm update covering roof repairs, recent predator activity after losing a dog, and decisions about getting a livestock guardian dog. They discuss sheep care—shearing schedules, a ram whose horns need trimming, and calling the vet for safety.
They also touch on Jacob sheep genetics, wool color, and long-term breeding plans. The conversation broadens to industry issues: limited regional mills, efforts like FiberShed to rebuild local fiber systems, and how tariffs and canceled grants are hurting small farms and indie yarn dyers.
The episode closes with practical advice to support local farmers and thoughts on future episodes about selecting rams and breeding programs.

Hawk Attack! How Our Sheep Saved the Chickens: Episode 6

This episode covers a busy week on the farm: stripping a leaky barn roof, a red-tailed hawk attack that the sheep miraculously thwarted, plans for a covered chicken run, and worries about drought and repairs.We also chat about learning soil science, the quirks of multi-horned sheep, small-farm markets, and the excitement of launching limited-run podcast merchandise.

Barn Roof, Soil Tests & an App-Controlled Chicken Door: Episode 5

Hosts cover a busy week on the farm — a major barn roof project, soil sampling to restore pastures, opening new stalls, installing an automatic chicken door, splitting paddocks to manage rams, and ongoing drought concerns. They also discuss the documentary Farmageddon and the heated debate over raw milk and federal regulation.On a personal note, both hosts share emotional pet updates after losing beloved dogs, reflect on fostering and grief, and plan to regroup before making future decisions.

Summer Drought: Episode 4

This week we give an update on the farm. We are still in a heatwave so things are starting to get dry and we discuss the need to feed hay. We talk about separating the rams as well as some ram shenanigans.

Guardians of the Farm: Choosing the Perfect Protector

In this episode, the hosts dive into the challenges and decisions faced on the New England farm during an intense heatwave. Amidst the dry and cracked pastures, the conversation unravels as they explore innovative ways to manage their sheep, discuss potential guard animals, and the pursuit of finding the perfect breed. The lively dialogue extends to a backyard barbecue, where a candid conversation about food sourcing ignites diverse perspectives over the ethics of meat production and consumption. Listeners are invited to reflect on the differences between small-scale farming and industrial food production, leaving them with much food for thought.

"Unraveling Wool: From Sheep Breeds to Knitting"

In this episode, join Val and Kathy as they dive into the fascinating world of wool. Learn about the over 200 different sheep breeds and discover how each offers unique wool properties, from the fine Merino to the sturdy Navajo Churro. Explore various uses of wool, including knitting, felting, and rug making, and delve into the conservation efforts surrounding heritage breeds. Whether you're an avid knitter, a wool enthusiast, or just curious about the textile, this episode sheds light on the remarkable diversity of wool and its sustainable qualities. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights and even a few guest appearances from four-legged friends!

Beginning with Sheep Podcast: Lambing Clinic

Join shepherdess Kathy and her sister Val talk about sheep and the recent lambing clinic held in Vermont.