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Sheep Management Days 25th May and 22nd June 2002 |
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Two Sheep Management Days were run at Beer Mill Farm in 2002 (For courses in 2003 click here) When we had lived in Surrey we belonged (and still do) to an organisation called the Small Shepherds Club. Based around Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire they organise events to assist and educate owners of small flocks and potential sheep keepers. We thought it would be a good idea to run a day here at Beer Mill Farm concentrating on the basics of sheep keeping and try to pass on some of the knowledge we have gained over the years through various training courses and of course the experiences good and bad of keeping sheep for twenty years. We would charge a nominal fee to cover administrative expenses and any surplus would be given to the Hospice Movement here in Somerset. Very experienced sheep keepers John and Norma Sanders long time members of the SSC and friends of long standing, kindly agreed to help and take some of the sections. It was decided to produce a booklet covering all the material on the courses and a copy would be given to each participant. A friend of many years and a highly qualified vetinarian, Tony Stevens, agreed to write the worming section The day was planned for May 25th and we decided that we would limit numbers to twenty four although we were not sure if that many people would be interested. Within a short time of advertising the event in February we were booked to the limit and with more people contacting us we decided to hold a second day on June 22nd. That was booked up within three weeks but we decided that two days were as much as we wanted to do this year. We had a reserve list for both days and all those people will receive the notes for the Management Days and the chance to come and discuss any queries they may have. People from as far apart as Warwickshire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire attended the first Sheep Management Day at Beer Mill Farm. The weather could have been better but was not quite as bad as forecast. Amazingly, considering the distances involved, everyone arrived on time. After cups of tea and coffee, the day started with a short section covering the requirements for trailers able to carry stock, the basics of how to move sheep in a field and an overview of sheep fencing requirements Subjects covered ranged from Transportation, Foot Trimming, and Fly strike prevention and treatment, worming, tagging among others. The feedback has been very positive and if there is sufficient interest, similar days may be held next year. These could include subjects such as ram management, lambing, care of the in lamb ewe, finishing lambs etc. First Day 25th May - pictures below Click images to enlarge
Second Sheep Day 22nd June - pictures Second Sheep Day 22nd June below Our second sheep management day took place in much better weather. Again people travelled long distances to get here. From as far apart as Chester, Cambridge, Surrey and Cornwall. Like the first day, there were a mix of people from those who had no experience or indeed sheep to people who had owned sheep for a while and felt they wanted to get a different view on things. Interestingly both groups had very similar concerns. Foot trimming was a subject that exercised many people and the correct application of fly strike prevention chemicals was something that many people struggled with. Sheep turning without straining backs (human and sheep) caused much discussion. A questionaire was given out at the end of each day asking for comments and suggestions for further courses. The feedback has been very positive and the answers given will be a great help in planning further courses. It is intended that at least one basic day such as those above will be held in 2003 plus others as mentioned. In 2002 £145.00 was donated to the Somerset Hospice Trust as a result of these Management Days If you would like to be kept informed about courses please contact us at: howell@portlandsheep.co.uk
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