Sustainability and Sheep
#bfrdpwy #aginternship #RightRisk
I learned various things this week, from fencing and wool, to moving sheep. I started off the week by tearing down and rolling barbed wire from an old fence. BJ explained that getting rid of the old barbed wire is important to ensure her sheep do not get tangled when we eventually move them to that part of the pasture. I learned how to properly put in wood posts using a tamper bar and drive in fence posts using a post driver. I made a felted pelt this week from her wool; it was a big learning experience. I learned how pH, different wool, and temperature can affect how wool will pelt. I also attended the Laramie Fiber Guild with BJ and learned how to wash and prepare a fleece. These experiences showed me how wool can be used to make a variety of products without any waste. We moved sheep three times this week and I learned the commands she uses for her dogs to control the herd as we move the temporary electric fence.
A concept from this week that I would challenge is sustainability. BJ tries to make sustainability a major part of her operation. She uses bread from grocery stores past the sell-by date that is still good and would otherwise end up in the dump to feed her pigs and chickens. Right now, she has her sheep on leased land where an invasive species of plants has taken over the native plants. Allowing her sheep to graze on it allows the native plants to have a chance to grow. BJ makes sure to maximize the use of pasture. I admire how she prioritizes sustainability in her operation to ensure the environment’s health.
At the end of the week, I still had a question about invasive plants. I understand that the invasive species grows taller and, therefore, steals more resources from native plants. I want to understand more about how sheep can prevent these plants from taking over. I also want to understand more about rotational grazing and how to tell when a pasture is overgrazed. I think this will help me understand how to use a pasture effectively.
I will use the information I learned this week on different ranches or my operation one day. I learned about basic maintenance, which will come in handy in many different ways in my life. I never thought of having a sheep operation, but working here has made me more aware of all the benefits that sheep have, unlike different livestock species. I also learned how leasing land can allow you to get your foot in the door because owning land can be expensive and more of an opportunity risk, which will be helpful information when I am first starting out. The sustainability aspect will help me to be more aware of my operation one day, as I want to be able to support the environment and leave the land better than when I got it.
Submitted by: Elizabeth Herman
Edits by: GrowinG Internship Team
