From the Pastures: Wool for winter

Remember the song rain, rain, go away, come again another day? I would like to change it to snow, snow, go away and do not come back another day. There have been two big snowstorms here in northern Illinois so far this winter.

We had seven inches of snow on Small Business Saturday. A couple of brave people ventured out in the morning, but we had to close before noon — disappointing, but we certainly did not want any accidents. We extended the sale the following week and many people visited a week later. I should not complain; everything turned out to be good and we are grateful for all customers.

This winter is certainly wool weather. The American Sheep Industry’s Wool Council shares many facts about wool on their website www.americanwool.org. One of these facts is: “Wool is always breathable. The air spaces in wool fabric insulate, but also allow moisture to easily pass through. This keeps your skin dry and enhances your body’s temperature control.”

I have been wearing my wool shirt, hat, gloves and scarf whenever working outside. They make a big difference on how long I can be outside. I have two pairs of sheepskin boots. One for chores and one for good. Cold feet equal cold all over. Sheepskin and wool are definitely the best options for this winter.

All the sheep are doing well with their wool coats. I recently lent a ram lamb to a family with a small flock of Shetlands. I am not planning on having any ewes lamb this year, so this made good sense for them to have the ram. Now I have just one big pen for the sheep, which means less water to keep from freezing.

The ducks are a challenge to keep this winter. I am testing some poultry waterers that can be plugged in to keep the water from freezing. Sometimes the ducks like to turn them upside down. It would be good if the ducks were a little more self-sufficient. I will keep trying with them.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!