January 2025

January brings a fresh start to the year on the farm, and although the farm shop and butchery team get a well-deserved break, Ben and farmer Shawn still have animals to tend and care for (looking after livestock is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!).

Pregnant ewes are nearing the end of their pregnancy with the last 6 weeks being the most important for the growth in unborn lambs. These sheep need that little extra attention and are frequently moved to the freshest pastures wherever possible. Rich grasses saved from the summer harvest will be fed where needed, rich in protein it can also help boost milk production in sheep before and during lambing season. As always, the team are on hand to spot any warning signs should help be needed.

The ewes have been scanned to indicate the number of lambs we should expect from the flock. Scanned back in December the rate was 186%, meaning that each ewe should give birth to 1.86 lambs in the spring. We'd like to think this number is a good figure for us as sheep will only have 2 teats to feed youngsters from. For our outdoor reared sheep, it would be difficult having a number more than 200%.

We've also been moving some pigs around onto fresh pastures in cottage field. Shawn has erected some new pens and pig arcs for a set of weaned piglets to call home. The very wet weather has quickly turned the ground muddy but the piglets don't seem to mind - although they do have a keen sense for adventure and have spent the last two days giving Shawn the run around!

Burns night is highlight for the farm shop at the end of January, especially apprentice butcher Ewan, who’s favourite time of the year has to be when he goes on the hunt for a wild haggis! Keep your eyes peeled for Fordhall farm haggis in the middle of January, available to purchase online. Neeps, taties and whisky sauce all in heathy supply.