Reflecting on last year
A Year of Growth and Contentment at Grazed by the Tyne
This year has been full of milestones and challenges for our Dexter herd and Shetland sheep flock, but as the seasons turn, I’m filled with gratitude and optimism.
Welcoming New Calves
May 2024 brought the joy of new life with the arrival of two Dexter calves—a bull calf and a heifer calf. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, though. The bull calf presented as a “dummy calf,” struggling to nurse in his early days. Those moments were fraught with stress, but with persistence, care, and patience, he pulled through. Today, he’s a strong and thriving stirk.
In August the cows were successfully served via AI, and we’re now looking forward to new arrivals in early May 2025.
Focusing the Flock
The Shetland sheep flock has returned to a reduced size, a deliberate choice to align with a more holistic approach to managing the land.
As the shepherds year is about to start for the flock with turning the tup out to the ewes, who have been synchronized in order to lamb on the Easter weekend 2025. Synchronization not only aids lambing management but also fits around my full-time work as a local farm animal vet. Balancing both roles is demanding, but planning ahead ensures I can give my animals the care they deserve during this critical time.
Finding My Stride
Reflecting on 15 years of keeping livestock, I feel that I am truly starting to find my step. Taking a holistic approach to managing the pastoral landscape continues to be rewarding both physically and congnitively. This year, I’ve seen notable improvements in soil health, grazing quality, and animal well-being, all while requiring fewer artifical inputs. Watching this cycle of life flourish—soil feeding plants, plants feeding animals, and animals giving back to the soil—has been inspiring and motivating to keep on this path.
Sweet Success with the Bees
The bees have also had a productive year, yielding over 80 jars of honey. They are settled down now though for hibernation through the winter.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on this year, I’m reminded of the joy and fulfilment that comes from working in harmony with the land and animals. Each challenge overcome and success achieved fuels my passion to keep learning and growing. With the Dexters, Shetlands, and bees all thriving, I’m excited to see what new opportunities the coming farming year holds.