Tupping officially began today as we allowed Muntjac (or Jack the lad) in with the ewes. Actually we allowed the ewes in with ‘him’ into the 4-acre field (having first moved the cows out). This is all part of our ‘grazing’ strategy, whereby we get the sheep to graze where the cows have been and vice versa. As explained back in September, this seriously helps reduce worm burdens.
The most amazing thing was that when we moved the cows from the 4-acre into the bottom 3-acre field, they literally ran for joy. Led by Parsley, they galloped from one corner to the next, checking each one out before then racing to the next one. They also enjoyed a bit of low key play fighting!
We don’t think we have ever seen anything quite so joyful! It totally confirmed our (negative) thoughts on animals being permanently housed indoors. It’s not just the grass they miss out on!!!
It was also, truth be known, all the more poignant after the huge sadness of yesterday.