Beginning with Sheep

Hosts sisters Kathy and Val share a farm update from September 20, 2026: rainy weather during a moderate drought, moving sheep into breeding groups (including a three-generation family group with ram Rocco), and early signs of covers. They discuss preparing for a five-day trip with pet and livestock care arranged, progress trimming hooves (successful first attempts on several sheep), tips for handling sheep calmly, and lessons learned about using a stand. They also chat about discovering Angora goats and mohair, community caregiving for the farm, and may skip a week while traveling. Thanks to listeners and YouTube viewers for their support.

In this episode sisters Kathy and Val share a Parker Farm update: rain has delayed sheep shearing, hay cuts look uncertain due to drought, and a chicken flock was treated for suspected coccidiosis with a positive recovery. They also recap Duck Race Day — a local fair where Kathy taught drop-spindle spinning, showcased different wools, discussed future plans to mill and sell yarn, and urged community volunteering for events.

Hosts Kathy and Val catch up on farm life: correcting sheep terminology, waiting to try a new shearing kit, and dealing with their Komondor puppy’s matting—leading to a practical clip-and-scissor solution. They share a porcupine quill scare and quick home vet fixes, discuss bear activity and livestock security, and geek out over Japanese K-trucks as affordable, useful farm vehicles. Short, candid, and full of practical tips, this episode blends everyday farm challenges with small victories and plans for future projects.

Hosts Kathy and Val give a farm update on separating sheep into breeding flocks, mapping paddocks, and simplifying care while they attend a destination wedding. They discuss hay nutrition concerns, fencing choices for rambunctious rams, and arrangements for a guardian dog. Kathy shares her decision to move some sheep to fall shearing, her purchase of a corded Heinegger clipper kit, and her plan to train by shearing calmer sheep first. She covers safety, blade replacement concerns, and expectations for learning the New Zealand-style handling technique. The episode closes with excitement about the upcoming Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival, a humorous spicy-romance book find with sheep on the cover, and an invitation for listeners to share resources and advice as she continues learning.

Hosts Kathy and Val discuss genetic testing options for sheep, including parentage testing, free martin screening, spider-lamb testing, and other hereditary or infectious concerns like OPP and scrapie. They explain sample methods (hair with roots or blood), approximate costs and turnaround times, and why testing and proper scrapie tagging matter. The episode also covers a recent scrapie detection at a slaughter facility, the implications for traceability and quarantine, and practical advice to separate breeding groups, tag animals, and consider targeted testing to protect your flock.