Between the Rains a Farm Visit

Visiting the farm in October: Usually autumn in Wisconsin is sunny with a brisk wind blowing colored leaves that crunch on the dry ground. This year the summer was very dry slowing the growth of native grasses.  Then in October it seemed to rain everyday. The ground was so dry the rain did not soak into the compacted driveway areas resulting in thick mud slippery and messy to walk through. Scheduling a farm visit for a 5 year old proved to be challenging.  But boys and puddles  get on just fine and a little rain and mud was not going to stop Brody’s visit.

The llamas were the first to notice the visitors coming into their field and curiously approach. The lambs are more cautious and peer from behind their guardians. Their instinct is to keep their distance from strangers but they trustingly followed the llamas. The llamas seemed especially attracted to the adult visitor and surrounded and nuzzled her as she walked across the field. Contrary to a general myth, properly socialized llamas do not spit at people. Still it feels a little strange to have the tall, elegant llamas huddle around you.

 

 

The lambs become a little braver and stand watching the visitors then move back to their grazing activities.

 

 

There is nothing more delightful than a roomful of goats! Goats do not like rain or mud and are warm and dry in a shelter.