As predicted, Martha the ewe had two new twin lambs. What was really cool was the births were at night, under the full moon last week. Now she is hanging out with the last ewe that gave birth a week before, in a kind of sheep daycare. For now, they have no interest in following the herd. Both mothers are getting extra moringa to fortify milk, and are doing an excellent job with their young ones! Congratulations Martha!

I love hanging out with them... who wouldn't? They lambs are so adorable as you can see them learning every second about their new world. These are actually very trustworthy. Last week's mother's lambs won't let me close. These, however, let me hold them gently to see their gender, until mother got nervous and made a sheepy grunt. They seemed to get the message. She'll tolerate me because I bring them water and extra feed but after that she's unsure. At least unsure enough to keep her kids close! 

It's such a magical feeling to hang out with these mothers and their baby lambs. If we had newborn lambs every day, it would sure add something to the farm tours and farm stays! 

Are their any ideas out there for some moon-themed names for the lambs? 

The other day we had one of our Crucian White ewes (female adult sheep) give birth to some twins (obviously not identical). 

This was encouraging as we have been working to continually improve our herd. For our last Guest Chef Slow Down donation dinner last week, we featured two young rams that were getting to the age where they might start getting interested in their sisters in the herd. Genetics are very important, and preventing inbreeding is key. 

Some mothers are better than others. We have seen some of the goats, for example, reject their young and refuse to milk them. So far, all of our sheep mamas are doing a great job. During this time they find some space away from the herd. If a sheep is away from the herd, chances are that sheep is either sick or giving birth. We are rejoicing in having new life on the farm. These animals that we love so much really make the farm complete and are a true joy to witness. 

Do you have any suggestions for names for these two young ones? Let us know! You can fill out the comment box below with suggestions!

Paradise
is never easy
and when you get there 
you finally realize
that life
is like 
nothing like you thought it was
heaven made 
a big mistake
for lettin' you in

Welcome to my new blog! 

My name is Nate Olive and I am the director of Ridge to Reef. 

Paradise is Never Easy is a song I wrote about living here and how the image of paradise is here but in fact it takes a lot of work and failures to make this place, or any place, what it is.  Some see it as paradise, others see bush. Are any of us really worthy of paradise? Once we get there, then what do we do?

Join me and our amazing staff as we continue this experiment of the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute as Ridge to Reef Farm.... remember, it's not the destination we are living for, but rather the journey. As my friend & mentor Ray Jardine once told me, "Paradise is right under your feet."  So perhaps paradise is not something we physically make, but a perspective we choose to have. Or maybe it's both. Hmmmmmm  what do you think?