Unlike our farming neighbors we have not been farming for generations, nor are we full-time farmers. When we had the opportunity to purchase the farmland adjacent to our property, we jumped at the chance to keep the land from being developed.
But what to do with the land?
After much thought and discussion we decided to invest in sheep and purchased a small flock of purebred white merino sheep. Our focus is on minimal impact to the land and sheep, so we keep our flock small and allow our pastures to grow naturally. Our farmer neighbor hays our fields throughout the year, so the sheep enjoy the bounty of our pastures all year round. As much as possible we try to adhere to organic principles. We do not use pesticides or fertilizers in our fields, and our sheep eat an organic diet.