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In early September, a moment of unfortunate timing occurred for shepherd James Kimber when he mentioned to his partner Belinda that they hadn’t experienced any recent losses with their sheep. However, within 48 hours, they were faced with the loss of their best ram lamb, who had choked on a neighbour’s damson. This unfortunate incident was followed by a gimmer experiencing Texel throat, ultimately succumbing to breathing difficulties.
Additionally, a ewe lamb unexpectedly laid down in the middle of the field, while a cull ewe, deemed unsightly by James, continued to survive despite efforts to hide it away from view. The Kimbers also faced flooding on their farm, following a sudden downpour after a prolonged period of dry weather. Fortunately, the water receded quickly, sparing any significant damage.
On a more positive note, the maize harvest was completed just in time before the heavy rain, yielding a satisfactory amount despite being harvested slightly early. With a wet forecast on the horizon, James remains hopeful that their cows will be able to graze on drier land before winter, helping to alleviate their straw supply for housing. Overall, despite the challenges faced, the Kimbers continue to navigate the ups and downs of sheep farming with resilience and determination.
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Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.
