We have been able to complete docking of the early lambs with still no disruption from weather. In fact we are getting to the stage of needing rain, almost unheard of in spring!

Don't know what docking is? Lambs are briefly separated from their mothers and are given a vaccine to prevent disease, have the station mark cut into the ear, and male lambs are castrated to encourage quick growth without them becoming fertile. A rubber ring is put onto the tail and eventually that falls off, reducing the possibility of muck gathering around the tail area and attracting flies which can be a huge problem.

It is wonderful to see the ewes waiting to be reunited with their lambs, then all walking off happily after a quick consoling drink of mother's milk!