Susan Epps Ward, Brothers On Farms
Lamb Expansion
Grant Award: $6,000
Susan and her sons Dmitry, 13, and Andrei, 12, are adding all-natural grass-fed lamb to their growing farm business, which currently includes mushrooms, heirloom vegetables, rabbits, and specialty garlic and onions.
The Wards hope to harvest 10 to 14 lambs a year with the purchase of five additional Blackbelly ewes, for a total of seven. They are also investing in supplies such as vaccines, incorporating quality grasses in their pasture, and making renovations to their barn.
Susan has found that lambing stalls are needed to separate newborns from the herd. This encourages bonding and enables the mother to give full attention to the offspring. It also allows Susan to better monitor the lambs’ growth.
“If things go as planned, by the time the boys are 16 they will be running a successful business that will be able to help them purchase transportation and some savings for college,” Susan said.
Contact the Local Extension Agent