A snowy start to 2026..

Our new year began with an early morning trip to relocate the sheep to new pastures. The grass in the lower field appeared quite sparse, and the area near the gates was muddy. I've started reading about grazing management, and we're practicing rotational grazing with the aim of moving the sheep when the grass gets down to 3-4 cm and there are approximately 2.5 leaves. It was definitely time to treat them to some fresh grass and a new view for the new year.

Fortunately, they were keen to go and very cooperative this time!

Moving the sheep on to fresh pastures, 1 January 2026

The next day we woke up to snow! We were not sure how the sheep would cope, but they seemed to take it all in their stride and by midday the sunshine had melted much of the snow and they were able to get on with enjoying their fresh field of new grass and drink cold water from the trough once we broke the ice.

Moving them up to the top field means there is no hiding them from Lottie, but with some great training by Tristram over Christmas, she is practicising a high level of self control! She sits next to the field and stares, as if she can't quite believe what she is seeing but she knows she has got to get use to something very new in 2026. At least it's not a field of cats.

The beginning of this new year is both thrilling and somewhat intimidating, considering all the tasks and choices that await us, all the costs, the learning curve and the physical challenges that lie ahead. Our main hope is that 2026 will be a year of transformation, forward momentum and growth for us and Whitehouse Farm Oast. There is so much to do! Let's go.