Spring has sprung at Tronstad Ranch

Bryan Tronstad shearing one of our Rambouillet ewes

All the sheep are sheared and we are ready for lambing!  Many people ask why we shear this time of year.  Most sheep breeds are seasonal breeders meaning they can only breed during fall.  That also means they lamb in the spring 5 months later.  We shear before lambing so that our ewes don't take their lambs out in bad weather.  The adults don't mind winter weather with such nice wool coats.  Additionally, the lambs have an easier time finding milk when the ewes are sheared and we can keep a closer eye on the girls as their due date approaches.  We should start lambing 5 February 2015.  The ewes are all snug in the barn and we are keeping a close eye on them day and night as lambing approaches.  Stay tuned for more photos as lambs arrive.