SageHill Ranch Journal

[SageHill]

Out again this morning. We got rain last night!
We're still able to graze some - this time on a dryland pasture mix slope of the large arena. The sheep were quite pleased to have that for breakfast. And true to form - they like to graze going uphill. They'd get to the top, munch away then stand there. It's a steep slope so I don't blame them. Once they stopped eating at the top Obi would bring them down and they'd munch their way slowly back up to the top.

The mustard exploded in the last week or so. Easily over 5 ft high in places.

 

[Mini Horses]

I sure needed Obi today as I had to walk - uphill ! - to round up the goats who had decided to work their self assigned clear. DS had left a gate ajar yesterday...they found today and it wasn't "their" opening to the driveway so they were confused. Headed to front and I hustled to pass them, then turn them back to their field area. Never off farm but, headed to place harder to corral them to their side of the alley. Then, walk back to tractor at far end.....of course. An extra mile I didn't plan.

Believe me, I was sure wishing he was here!! but I did fine and the goats co-operated, all 15. Bet my neighbor is laughing at his game cam film today. it catches the driveway.

 

[Ridgetop]

It is rare when livestock cooperates.

 

[SageHill]

Happy Mothers Day
It was a nice morning here, high heading to 76 (it was a glorious 55 to start). Lots of things happening - and veggies starting to come in as the lettuce finishes up. I need to get some squash seeds in the ground - I'm way late.
DH is looking into a small greenhouse for me. Have to decide greenhouse or hoophouse. Most around here are hoops (huge commercial as well). We really don't need it to 'extend' the season as our season is practically year round anyway. Just a bit more controlled and protection from wind. I'd like to put some flowers in there when tey aren't in bloom and have a small hydroponic set up.
Got out and took the sheep down to dry pasture fill slope. They like what's there and like the clover that's hidden below the tall stuff.
Of course they loved picking the pretty purple posies on the way there as well.
(yes they are THAT tall now - and soon to be a catch you up tangle of brown stems).

ohhh and it looks like we may have a lamb(s) in my guess a few weeks - black with a white cap is getting wide across the beam and developing a bag.

 

[Britgoes2market]

Happy Mothers Day
It was a nice morning here, high heading to 76 (it was a glorious 55 to start). Lots of things happening - and veggies starting to come in as the lettuce finishes up. I need to get some squash seeds in the ground - I'm way late.
DH is looking into a small greenhouse for me. Have to decide greenhouse or hoophouse. Most around here are hoops (huge commercial as well). We really don't need it to 'extend' the season as our season is practically year round anyway. Just a bit more controlled and protection from wind. I'd like to put some flowers in there when tey aren't in bloom and have a small hydroponic set up.
Got out and took the sheep down to dry pasture fill slope. They like what's there and like the clover that's hidden below the tall stuff.
Of course they loved picking the pretty purple posies on the way there as well.
(yes they are THAT tall now - and soon to be a catch you up tangle of brown stems).
View attachment 98859
ohhh and it looks like we may have a lamb(s) in my guess a few weeks - black with a white cap is getting wide across the beam and developing a bag.

I have not had a chance to read your whole thread, but do you take your sheep on random walks in the city with your trusty little dog?!?

 

[SageHill]

I have not had a chance to read your whole thread, but do you take your sheep on random walks in the city with your trusty little dog?!?

The city! Eeeeek -
Nope just around our ranch. We have a dirt road we put in to get around to different areas here. I do take them to graze the sides of the paved road that borders one side as well. The interior is not fenced so Obi (or Zo) take them to where I want them to graze and then become “living fences” while they graze. It’s a different style of herding than what most people know

 

[Britgoes2market]

The city! Eeeeek -
Nope just around our ranch. We have a dirt road we put in to get around to different areas here. I do take them to graze the sides of the paved road that borders one side as well. The interior is not fenced so Obi (or Zo) take them to where I want them to graze and then become “living fences” while they graze. It’s a different style of herding than what most people know

I couldn't tell from the photos, but they looked dreamy! My first thought if you took them to the city was "Shepherd goals!" But I suppose that is a pretty crazy thought HAH! Still very dreamy to take your sheep for walks on your property! Love the photos!

 

[SageHill]

I couldn't tell from the photos, but they looked dreamy! My first thought if you took them to the city was "Shepherd goals!" But I suppose that is a pretty crazy thought HAH! Still very dreamy to take your sheep for walks on your property! Love the photos!

Thanks! It is a special time and my dogs totally amaze me. I am blest to have the ranch and be able to do this.

 

[SageHill]

Out again this morning - working on the sides of the paved road/drive. It was cool and still - it has been the last times I've been out grazing. I want the cold back please and some breeze would be nice because there are little flies out there like crazy. Eye gnats?? I feel like I'm constantly waving them away. Had a few land in my eyes yesterday , wore sunglasses today (even though the sun wasn't out) and that helped. Next time goggles!

 

[SageHill]

Busy weekend. It all started on Friday morning when DH had to go pick my van up from the dealer - electric stuff sort of not working - it was the second trip to get 'er done --- they undid a few things on the first trip and didn't fix anything either. Second trip was all good in the end. Of course that derailed dog training plans because the van aka dogmobile was not here. Took on my 'just go with the flow' style so while it started out with a scare it ended with a yahooo!!!
The scare -- went to the barn with Obi, walking down the path towards the coral, Obi was ahead of me, and I suddenly screamed and jumped back (gut reaction, not a see and react thing). Obi had his nose ON A LONG THING - a SNAKE.
Yes, I really screamed and Obi flew away. OMG and just 6 days after he passed his rattlesnake avoidance training. We do the training every year and this year he needed NO reminders. I was very pleased. Back to the story..... thank GOD it was not a rattlesnake. It was a gopher snake - one of the very good guys - eats gophers, rodents and rattlesnakes. I snapped a few pics with the phone (see below), and then said to Obi "What the heck were you thinking buddy?" His answer --- 'It didn't smell like a bad snake' -- in all fairness to the boy, in the rattlesnake avoidance the dogs are taught to avoid little ones, big ones, the sound of the rattle, and shed skins. Scent has definitely got to be involved as I could see changes of behavior in him at the test when he would get to the odor long before seeing one. Yup Obi, it didn't smell like one but you sure scared the beejeebers out of me!

We've been talking about getting a greenhouse - DH knew I wanted one, and a few weeks ago said 'let's get a greenhouse' - happy dance by me of course with that statement. SOOOO --- we've been looking and thinking what, how, where, etc. I got a text from him when he was done with getting the van --- "Guess what I found?" followed by a picture of the cutest greenhouse. Mind you, he didn't have to show me or tell me - but he did - It was at Costco. I looked and liked it but thought it might be small. Then did some research and you can put two together back to back set up as a walk-thru. Oh yeah. So we went the next day for me to see. It actually wasn't that small! But figuring like everything else - one always wants bigger after awhile. SOOO we brought two home. We've already ripped out one of the raised beds (did that Saturday) for a place to put it.
So - Friday - snake, Saturday greenhouse, sheep drenching - DH helped - he thought he'd be wrastling sheep - nope dear, just marking down who gets done. Easy peasy. Sunday - 4 dogs came to have sheep time (help that hay bill dont-cha know), then DS came over for dinner and to drop off his dog for a few nights sleep over as his work schedule is going to be crazy for a few days and DIL is out of town.
So starts the week - regular stuff and get that greenhouse up!