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An Inevitability

There would be no LambWatch if we never had a "market day". Lamb market season is upon us once again.

We have once again entered that time of year when lambs born during the Spring are due and ready to be taken to market. Here at LambWatch we are no exception to that and for us, market day falls on a Monday.

Two weeks ago today, five single lambs were taken to market and today Howard has taken eight more. Of the more notable lambs taken today are Cocklyhead's twins and one of the sheep that prolapsed at lambing time together with her lambs.

After today, there are still lambs at the farm, and in the LambWatch field itself there still remain 15 or so lambs for you to see on the webcam. These remaining lambs still need a bit longer before they are ready. These include famous Ranvir's twins as well as bottle-fed Fabio.

Taking the lambs to market is a job we dislike doing, made even worse when we hear the lambs bleating as they go off in the trailer and the mothers bleating for them for at least a couple of days afterwards but we have to get some money from somewhere!! Those hefty farming and living bills don't pay for themselves!

We often hear comments from people enquiring about the value of the fleeces... Pre-empting them; although the fleeces of the LambWatch sheep have been quite good this year, the wool cheque we have just received hasn't even covered the cost of clipping them. Clipping the sheep is not a revenue stream for a farmer unless the sheep are special breeds. Most hill sheep farmers clip sheep's fleeces for the welfare of the animal only.

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Thanks Lynda. I know it's can't be easy, but it is a business, not a hobby, and life will go on. We've enjoyed watching them, and they give us all a lot of pleasure with their antics. But their purpose in life is not to entertain, and we're just grateful we could watch them grow up thus far. There is a "Fabio poem" coming which will cheer you up.

Thanks Dan, yes it is difficult having to move them on but what else can you do, sadly a lot of folk who do not understand the concept of farming think it is terribly cruel, but maybe they can find some enlightenment through the 'Lambwatch Field'. As for the price of wool - that's just a joke, ever since synthetic fibres were invented. There will always remain an area that can only be satisfied by 'real wool' but not large enough to provide a decent return. Best Wishes from Lincolnshire

Thanks for telling us about the lambs and one sheep (I assume that was Snowy) going to market. I am sorry the money from the fleeces is so low. I do understand the need for the lambs to go to market. We have learnt that a farmers life is not an easy one, but we do really appreciate you sharing your farm life with us. I look forward to hopefully seeing Ranvir's twins and Fabio a few more times before they too go to market. Thank you to you all.

I was wondering if you keep a certain number of female lambs to continue the process. I realize that it is not easy to take them to market. Thank you for sharing all aspects of farming.

Enjoy your site. Charming...

Definitely the saddest part of the lamb story. I run through Lancashire and see the lamb numbers dwindle at this time of year which leaves a lump in the throat. However this is life and the purpose of farming is to provide fresh food. I look forward to next spring for some nice weather and the next lambing season.

OMG, OMG, PLEASE, please dont have those little guys slauhtered! PLEASE! PLEASE DONT, OMG, PLEASE, I BEG YOU, PLEASEEEEEEEE, OMG, THERE MY FREINDS, PLEASE DONT LET THEM BE KILLED, OMG I DIDNT THINK YOU GUYS DID THAT, OMG, IM CRYIN MY DAMN EYES OUT RITE NOW, PLEASE, I BEG YOU GUYS, PLEASE DONT, OH DEAR GOD, THERES SO MUCH ELSE FOR PEOPLE TO EAT, OMG, MY LITTLE FREINDS, I`LL, I`LL DIE, PLEASE, PLEASE, DONT TAKE THOSE PRESCIOUS BBABES TO MARKET, PLEASE DONT!!!!!!!!!!