Reflections...

 The ewe flock grazing the south pasture is a pretty sight in the fall especially.  I have spent some time lately comtemplating my flock and the other animals here.  I have also spent some time watching the live stream of the Morgan Grand Nationals on the USEF websight.  I realize that it is important to know ones purpose.  I for example, would not pluck my horses from their pastures and expect to compete a the National level.  Even though they have the breeding and training in their background,  I once upon a time the riding ability to do so...they are horses here in the full sense of the word.  In this point in my life, I would not have it any other way.   Although, I may dabble at the local or State level, long gone are the days I could have been a National contender.

The same with my sheep.  They are sheep here, grass based rotational grazers, burdocks and all.  I do not grain them for optimum growth in the first six months like many show orientated farms do.  Not to say there is anything wrong with that.  If that is your objective, that is what you have to do.  The key is knowing your purpose.  I have bought sheep from all across the Nation, because I was looking for a specific trait that I wanted to add to my flock; patterns, spots, fine fleece, polled, a specific color, or UK genetics.  Buying from far away can be challenging.  I have some funny stories to prove it, like the fact that a ram I once bought from a picture was a different ram altogether once he got here, my "ram" was a ewe and went to MN.  Some came with slight flaws but I take full responsiblity for the selection, afterall I didn't go select them in person, nor did I go pick them up.  In my opinion, that is the trade off  of the convenience of having them delivered from far and wide with the wonderful attributes they were bringing with them.  I think my flock has benefitted quite well:

In all honesty, I wouldn't have that any other way either...at this point in my life.  I still could reduce my numbers but I still like what I have put together here and am pleased with the results.  Someday I will have the time to go on buying trips and make those all important addition selections in person, but for now I think I will just hold steady for a while.  So my flock will not be dispersed, reduced maybe, but not dispersed...they fit my purpose just fine...