Sheep - Oct/Nov

Ewes are rounded up in October and and brought back to more fertile pastures to be "flushed" on a good diet ready for the ram. Flushing (improving the quality of the diet prior to breeding) increases ovulation and improves conception rates.

Some shepherds attach a harness to the ram that marks the ewe when it has been served. Known as a "raddle" it provides the shepherd with a good indication of which ewes are likely to be in lamb.

Ewes with the ram, shortly after the rams have joined the flock. Typically there will be around 40 ewes for each ram.

Once a group of ewes have been served and are believed pregnant, they will move away from the fertile pasture to poorer ground to overwinter. The best pasture will be used to feed the previous season's lambs.

Pregnant ewes are regularly checked for body condition and any ailments.