This week we had the vet come out and do a herd health check. Y’all, I have had horses for a long time. I know that veterinary care is essential. We have always had a horse vet who comes out to do routine vaccinations and coggins, and of course for emergencies. But sheep (or goats) are way different. We do all of the routine care ourselves, and really only need a vet in an emergency. So what happens in the “oh crap” moments when you really need a vet?? You better hope you have a good working relationship with a vet. Preferably a vet who knows small ruminants. We have had a vet for our horses since we moved here, but when we first got our sheep they weren’t thrilled. Not necessarily who we want in an emergency (no names, because they are a great practice…sheep just aren’t for everyone). So, this week we had a vet come out (who is excellent with small ruminants) and do a herd health check. In hind-sight, it makes so much sense to do this. But in the hustle of everyday life it can sometimes take a while for it to happen. It was also not cheap. 

I cannot recommend it enough. I feel like even someone with quite a bit of experience could gain a lot of information and ideas. She discussed pasture management (y’all know this is one of my favs), pest management and FAMACHA, lambing, nutrition, housing/handling, and many more ideas. These are all things we have researched and are familiar with but this was seriously so helpful…and reassuring to hear from a professional. 

I know it seems like “duh”, have a vet on call, but I also know there are plenty of small farms with sheep or goats that have probably not done this. This call was so helpful, and it puts our mind at ease knowing we have a great vet on call for emergency situations. Oh! And did you know, vets are not required to answer emergency calls from non-clients?? Get on someone’s list! 

What else is going on at the Three 10s? We had to cover our garden for hopefully the last frost of the season. We were not prepared for that, ha! At least we have a good supply list for next year. But, the baby plants are looking pretty good. I promise some updated pictures this week. 

Annddd….drum roll please!!!

Remember how I imagined a homestead should be back in the first blog post? I decided as a true homesteader, I should jump on the sourdough bandwagon. It has been a small disaster. Turns out, temperature matters a lot, and we refuse to turn our heat on in May. And our house is too cold for the starter. I have tried keeping it in the microwave for some extra warmth. I do not think it is making a difference. I have a slim hope that I haven’t killed it, but there’s definitely not many bubbles. Sounds like those are important. I was able to make waffles with the first discard (that is a technical term, thanks very much), and one loaf that I’m pretty proud of! It was a little under-cooked, but for the first one, not bad. The process was a mess. It did not follow the instructions, at all. I did, of course. But it never looked like they said it should. So I winged it and baked it anyway. I used those ag teacher skills and improvised :). I’ll keep you updated on how this small journey goes. 

It has been another beautiful week here in North Carolina. I hope y’all are getting out and enjoying this weather. Thanks for following along with us as we learn all the things about homesteading on the side!

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4