Sheep Scanning Results Day on the Farm

Last Wednesday was sheep scanning day for the ewes that had been running with the tups, and as always, it was a day filled with anticipation, hard work, and true to farming life a mix of weather that kept us on our toes. One minute, we were battling sleet and snow; the next, the sun made an appearance. But no matter the conditions, the job had to be done, so we rolled up our sleeves and got to work gathering the flocks.

A Solid Result for the Hebridean’s

First up were the Hebridean’s, who no surprise weren’t making life easy. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that these hardy sheep love to do things their way! But despite the usual challenges in rounding them up, the scanning results were positive. The Hebs came in at 112%, which is a good number for this breed. Only two sets of twins, with the rest being singles, which is exactly what you want healthy, strong lambs that can get up and moving almost instantly after birth. These sheep are built for resilience, and it shows.

A Disappointing Scan for the Commercial Flock

Unfortunately, the commercial flock didn’t deliver the results I’d hoped for. With 116%, mostly singles, it’s far from ideal. As the saying goes, twins are best—the first lamb covers costs, and the second is where the profit comes in. After a tough winter and a challenging 15 months, I wasn’t expecting miracles, but this was still a tough one to take.

A Big Shift in the Flock’s Future

With the move to the new hill farm, it’s become clear that the flock I’ve built since September 2021 isn’t suited to this landscape. These are the sheep I started farming with, but now, it’s time for a change. This year, I plan to streamline the entire flock into one breed—something better adapted to the terrain and conditions. It’s a big decision, but one that I know will set the farm up for the future.

Looking Ahead to Lambing

Now, with just six weeks until lambing, the focus shifts to keeping the ewes well-fed and in top condition. It’s all about making sure they’re healthy and ready to bring the next generation into the world. Farming isn’t always easy, and this year hasn’t brought the best numbers, but that’s the job you take the highs with the lows and keep pushing forward.

Here’s to the next chapter and whatever comes with it!

Posted: March 5, 2025