The sheep moving out onto spring grass
Hello Friends of Leyden Glen Farm!
Here we are in April 2020. If we weren't living in the times of corona, we would all be greeting each other at the first Amherst Farmers Market of the season. Unfortunately, that isn't happening this weekend. Mark and I are sad that we won't see so many of you reading this email. We always look forward to the first market of the season and catching up with all of you after a long winter on the farm.
Things are still up in the air with the Farmers Markets throughout Massachusetts. We know that the market managers and towns are working hard on plans to re-open when it is safe.
We have had a busy winter season with lambs, lambs and more lambs. The first were born in late December. As of this week, there are still a few more ewes to lamb. The photo below shows some of the sheep and lambs a few weeks ago in one of the paddocks before there was even a hint of green.
Springtime brings a whole new set of challenges. The mamas who had early lambs in January need a break from nursing babies and they are craving green grass. This week we began moving some of them out to the pasture next to our farmhouse. It's nice to see sheep out there grazing again. The grass isn't in full tilt growth yet as it is still cold here in the hills but there is enough for twenty ewes to feed off of. Here is a 30 second video of the first load arriving at the farm.
Mark has been setting up the portable fencing where the sheep graze during the growing season. He is moving so much better with his two new miracle hips and is able to do things that he hasn't been able to for several years. He needs a haircut but so do most of us!
We want to let you all know that we are still selling lamb from our farmstand. I am keeping the shed locked and am handling all the sales myself putting together orders for customers who call. If you are interested in a drive to Leyden to get out and about, please email me or give me a call on my cell phone and I will put together an order for you. I will total the order and text, call or email the amount to you. I am asking folks to set up a time that I can meet them and I'll deliver the lamb to the car donned with my mask and gloves. Cash or check so I don't have to fool with technology. Please bring your own cooler or a bag. I know many farms are getting into the on-line ordering system but our small volume isn't worth the time or expense at this point.
For cuts we have:
Ground lamb $10/lb.
Loin chops $15/lb.
Rib chops $14/lb.
Shoulder chops $10/lb.
Rack of Lamb $15/lb.
Half Leg Boneless $13/lb.
KRISTIN'S CELL PHONE FOR ORDERS 413-325-5718
OR EMAIL kristinnicholas@gmail.com
If you do head up to the hills, you could combine your lamb trip with a beautiful walk on the Leyden Wildlife Management Area which has 3 miles of hiking trails. The parking area is about a mile from our house. Dogs must be leashed.
Thanks so much for reading. We hope you and yours are healthy and safe.
With our best wishes and looking forward to seeing you all when things are safer.
Mark, Kristin and Julia
Kristin's Cell Phone for LAMB ORDERS 413-325-5718
email: kristinnicholas@gmail.com
A preview of our colorful home and farm including drone footage of the sheep, The Farmer and his dog.