For Krista Harding, spring means lambing season, and this year’s conditions in Lunenburg, N.S. were nothing short of perfect.
Along with her canine “director of sheep,” Marley, Krista has been running her farm since 2013.
April is typically lambing month, which can be quite hectic as ewes typically have twins or even triplets. During this time, the flock spends the warmer days sunbathing in the paddock.
“The lambs and ewes started going out to the field in early May,” Krista explains. “This is the time when they get used to the changing weather and learn to shake the gentle rain off of their wool coats.”
Krista’s motto is “nurtured naturally, from conception to completion,” and allowing the lambs to adjust to their new surroundings is one example of this promise. It’s also why Krista allows the lambs and their mothers to stay together until the mother decides they are finished nursing the baby. When their job is done, the ewes get to relax and enjoy some quiet time before being reunited with the rams. Krista’s rams - Channing Tatum, George Clooney, Brad Pitt - and the rest of the flock get to enjoy their time in the pasture getting daily treats of bread and carrots. Sweet gig, right?
This month, Krista will move her flock to their summer pasture at Wiles Lake, which is full of lush green grass. As the temperatures continue to rise, a steady mix of rain and sun will allow the grass to grow, keeping the lambs well fed.
At Krista’s farm, this all happens under the watchful eye of Fiona the donkey, who protects the flock from sneaky coyotes. It’s certainly a team operation at Krista’s Sheep.
To learn more about Krista’s Sheep, visit Kristasheep.com.
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