Sheep Shears by Andis

It's that time of year...spring is just around the corner. The bellies of our nannie goats and ewe sheep are getting bigger and bigger as they draw closer to kidding and lambing. (giving birth)  That means we need to start planning to shear our sheep soon. Farmer Pat is tickled pink about trying out his brand new Andis Sheep Shear. We have had the privilege of acquiring the heavy duty Model LGS.

Note: It is best to do the shearing before the mother ewe lambs, but not to close to lambing as to risk the stress of the "wool cut" causing premature labor. That is why plans are in the making to get the job done right.

Although the shears themselves are made in Switzerland ("Shearing Capital of the World" From Wikipedia), the Andis Corporation is based right here in WI! (Racine County)

 

Before we use the shears we wanted to share how similar the sheep shear is to the shears used by professional barbers and stylist. (Although theirs is on a much smaller scale.)

This shears is heavy!  Perhaps that's why they call it heavy-duty.  Good thing Farmer Pat has muscles. :)

But, in all seriousness, sheep shears have to be of good quality to do a clean accurate job.  Have you seen the wool on an unshorn ewe or ram?

On Wednesday, March 21st, watch WGBA NBC26 at 6:50 AM to see a short sheep shearing demo on Bonnie's Barnyard.  Don't worry if you don't get Green Bay stations in your area or you're not an early riser. I'll be sure to post a link to the program here.  Stay tuned...

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A Wedding at Mulberry Lane Farm

Oh My! Grab a kleenex before sitting down to enjoy this awesome video of a couple deeply in love captured by a very talented team of professionals at Kim Thiel Photography. Must admit, the backdrop certainly enhances this masterpiece.

Weddings at Mulberry Lane Farm are something new. Being a children's petting farm first and foremost, hosting weddings wasn't something really on our radar. However, after watching the video of one of the weddings held at the farm (10/1/11), I now understand why couples who do want something "out of the box" fall in love with the farm for a unique setting.  

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Ort for allowing us the pleasure of hosting your special day.  And to the team of professionals at Kim Thiel Photography...thank you for capturing this blessed event. Godspeed.

Click on link to watch video:
http://www.kimthielphotography.com/blog/weddings/a-mulberry-lane-wedding-film-christina-jerry/

 

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Shetland Ewe Stops By the Morning Show on TV26

Today's segment of Bonnie's Barnyard brings Lightening to the studio.  Baaaahhh...

Click on link to watch.

Bonnie's Barnyard on TV 26

Wisconsin winters can be harsh. One farm animal we envy is the sheep.  They have a thick wool coat that is perfect for staying dry & warm in any climate.

• Lightening is a Shetland ewe (female). Male sheep are called rams.
• Shetlands are small and slow-growing. It can take two to three years to reach their adult weight.
• Rams usually weigh approximately 105 lbs and ewes about 85 lbs. Lambs (baby sheep) are born weighing around 5 lbs.
• Shetlands live 10 to 12 years. According to the Guiness Book of World Records, the oldest sheep lived to be 23.
• The breed is noted for its very fine, soft wool and the high quality of its meat.
• Wool is one of the best insulating fibers known to man. It is moisture wicking.
• Their wool repels water, but humidity is absorbed. That's why sheep do well in both winter and summer.
• Sheep have excellent peripheral vision and can see behind themselves without turning their heads.

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Up, Up & Away.

In the dead of winter it warms the soul to view the farm on warmer days.  This aerial was taken this past October. 

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"Bonnie's Barnyard" on TV26 Green Bay

Tips Before Gifting a Pet 

There's nothing more precious than the look on your child's face when they open that special gift at Christmas!  

Farmer Bonnie shared some things to keep in mind this morning while visiting the TV26 studio with her Barnyard friends, LadyBug, Sis and her kitten.

click on link to see video

Tips Before Gifting a Pet on Bonnie's Barnyard

• This is a lifetime commitment.

-    "Guinness Book of World Records" reports that the world's oldest cat lived to be 38.

-    Depending on size & breed, dogs on average live 12 years.

• How old are your children?  Are they old enough to understand the handling & care of their new pet?
• If gifting Grandparents or an elderly person consider an adult cat or dog that is already trained. A small lap dog or a gentle cuddly lap cat is ideal.
• Since puppies & kittens are very active consider an adult dog or cat for the elderly person on your list.  They still bring the same joy & companionship but will be easier for them to care for.
• Dogs take time. Puppies take more time.  Are you gone from home most of the day? 

-    Although cats love being with their master, cats are more adaptable to being left alone. 

• How big is your home and how big is your yard?

-    Keep this in mind when deciding on a larger breed of dog.

• Consider your finances. 

-    There are vet bills for shots, worming, neutering or spaying, registration & licensing, food, cat litter, toys, kennels, etc...they all add up.

• If you rent or live in a condo be sure to check your lease and/or condo association rules. Are pets allowed?
• Be a responsible pet owner. Be sure to have your new pet spayed or neutered!  

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Weddings at Mulberry Lane Farm

We were honored to be the photo shoot location for the 2012 Wedding Magazine - Green Bay.  Special thanks to Allison Kline of Sash&Bow (www.sashandbow.com) for her assistance in organizing the event. 

 To see the full issue visit
http://www.theweddingmagazine.net/green_bay

  
Here are the pics you'll find in the magazine taken at Mulberry Lane Farm.  Now, sit back, enjoy & picture yourself on your special day in these photos... 

If you are looking for a wedding venue that's unique, truly country, & unlike any other, then Mulberry Lane Farm may be just for you. Call or email for available 2012 dates. 920-989-3130 or mulberrylanefarm@yahoo.com

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Christmas Gift They'll LOVE!

Know a child who LOVES animals!  Tired of seeing them play with their new Christmas toys for a day, two at best and then tossed in the closet for the rest of the year?  

Give a gift that keeps on giving.  An annual pass to visit Mulberry Lane Farm.  $25.00 per person. Unlimited visits.

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Talking Turkey

We are "talking turkey" on Bonnie's Barnyard.  Pegged as the least intellegient farm animal, I think the turkey got a bum rap.  They are acutally very fasinating!

Also had some discussion on the difference between a turken and a turkey.  Check it out...



http://www.nbc26.com/news/local/133952763.html

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A Precious Gift

On Saturday November 5th Farmer Cindy, our farm manager, hosted an annual year-end party.  We had a lot to celebrate this year as we broke a few attendance records and launched some new "annual" events too. It wasn't without some trails, at times having to tour in some undesirable conditions, and even hitting some bumps in the road along the way, but we did it.  We ALL did it.  It was certainly a lesson in "team work."

As we reminisced of our year I often found myself laughing so hard I had tears! We have an amazing group of people. And all of them had a story to share.  But they shared more than stories. They shared their gratitude and respect for Farmer Pat and I when they gifted us the most unusual yet most touching gift.  I guess you'd have to know Pat and I to understand how much the gift meant.

Let me explain...if you've followed our blog throughout the year, or had the pleasure of visiting Mulberry Lane Farm in person, you've learned that Otis, the farm's 900+ lb boar has become sort of a farm mascot. And a new addition to the farm is our loving, yet naughty (she is a puppy remember!), LadyBug. Both are dearly loved by Pat and I both.  Odd combination I know.

Anyhow, early this year LadyBug began to loose her "baby" teeth.  One happened to fall out as Farmer Pat was playing with her and he felt terrible that he caused her to loose a tooth, not realizing at the time this was a natural puppy occurrence.  Also, Otis lost one of his huge adult canine tusk. Again, Farmer Pat found himself a part of this occurrence. Both, LadyBug's and Otis' lost tooth found there way into The Granary where they held their spot on a shelf for the year. 

Okay...you may now begin to wonder how on earth a gift and some teeth would cause our heart's to melt.  They had them both made into jewelry for us to wear. So when you see a dog's baby tooth, or a pig's tusk adorning our neck, remember only a farmer and the farmer's wife could possibly be touched by such a gift.

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Closed til 2012

Thanks for helping make 2011 a record breaking year at Mulberry Lane Farm!  We enjoyed meeting tons of new farm friends and we look forward to your return visit in 2012.  We can't wait to see how many more new friends we'll have the opportunity to meet next year!

But for now...Farmer Pat and his helpers are busy getting the farm ready for a long winter's nap.  Animals are brought into the barns...automatic waterers are turned on...the mangers are full of hay....the straw is fluffed for soft bedding...and now everyone is about snug as a bug in a rug.

Be sure to visit our blog throughout the winter months to see updates on how all the farm animals are doing at the farm.