A story in yesterday's USA today states that a study conducted at Newcastle University in Newcastle upon Tyne shows that the more affectionate treatment of cows – including giving cows names – encourages them to produce more milk. It goes on to say this doesn't come as a surprise to dairy farmers throughout the U.S. who often name their members of their herd and call them by name. Jon Bransen of Double J Jerseys in Portland Oregon claims, "A cow that is happy and calm is going to produce more milk".
This got me thinking about our practice of naming each and every lamb and making good effort to learn those names so we can use them when talking to our sheep. Many of our sheep actually answer to their names. After reading about this study I couldn't help but wonder if naming our sheep makes them produce better wool. Since stress can be a big factor in causing wool break – a major fleece flaw – it stands to reason that calm and happy sheep produce great fiber.
With lambing season just around the corner it's time to start thinking about names for our soon-to-arrive lambs. Each year we choose a theme for naming; it's fun and helps us keep track of the ages of members of our flock.
This year is your turn to help us choose a theme for naming our new arrivals. Think of a theme that lends itself to some great names for little ewes and rams and post it in the "Comments" below or email it to me by the end of this month. I'll announce the winning theme in early March, just weeks before the arrival of our newcomers. If I select your theme, you'll win a special "thank you" prize.
Here are themes I have used in the past 5 years:
2004 – The Year of Botanical Lambs (mostly flowers)
2005 – Greek Mythology
2006 – Herbs & Spices
2007 – U.S. Towns & Cities
2008 – Designer Lambs (inspired by fashion icons)
2009 – ??
Help us name the lambs!
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copyright 2009, Barbara Parry. Foxfire Fiber & Designs. All rights reserved.
