
It's breeding season again and the ram is quite happy to be back out with his ewes. It makes my life a bit more problematic, however, since having the ram out there means I can't just walk out in the pasture without keeping an eye out for him. Even though this guy is pretty easy going, it's a prime fact of shepherding wisdom to "never turn your back on a ram."

Instead of just walking the sheep out to pasture, I let Holden (my Pyr) head out first while I stand behind the gate. The ewes, along with the ram, then follow him out and I come along after awhile to make sure everyone makes it across the creek. I also like to see that Holden is doing a good job of checking out the pasture.

I've put the ewe's coats on to protect their wool these last few months before shearing; the coats keep out most of the weed seeds, burrs and hay. It is amazing how much stuff they can get in their wool!

I appreciate the quieter mornings when I have the time to enjoy these walks across the creek with my sheep. The fall is beautiful this year.