From the Pastures: Ducks are a big hit

Dry is the situation all over northern Illinois. We had such good amount of rain in the spring, but this fall there has been very little. The dry fields are causing some issues with harvest. Seems the combine is clogging a lot more. Field fires and barn fires have been occurring all over the area. Our pasture is reaching a point of limited grass. Soon I will close it off and start with the hay. Shetland sheep do very well on just grass or hay.

The ducks we purchased at the 4-H auction are doing great. They talk to us loudly when we walk into the barn. The big ducks have started laying eggs. There are two eggs a day. Duck eggs are great for cooking. The ducks are pretty messy with their water, but their funny walks and greetings make them fun to have in the barn. My grandson signed up for poultry in 4-H and is looking forward to learning more about them.

The first Sunday in October the local University of Illinois Extension office held a farm stroll. We were one of the participating farms. Again, this year many families stopped by to learn about making yarn and sheep. The ducks were a big hit with the kids. Most of the people who visited had not been to our mill before. It is always good to teach more people about the benefits of wool and how yarn is made. They all had many good questions. Even the kids were interested in how yarn is made. It is a fun and exhausting day.

Have a safe harvest and great fall.