Beginning with Sheep
For years I’ve wanted to have my own flock of sheep and now I have them! Follow me for the next year as I learn to raise Jacob Sheep. As a new shepherdess, I am not an expert and I will make mistakes. The goal of this podcast is to bring my family and friends along on this adventure.
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Episodes
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
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.
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
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.
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
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.
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
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!
Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
Join shepherdess Kathy and her sister Val talk about sheep and the recent lambing clinic held in Vermont.