Sheep Shearing Across the Pond with Scottish Farmer, Lizzie Thompson

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University

In this engaging conversation, Lizzie Thompson shares her experiences as a sheep farmer in Scotland, discussing her unique approach to lambing, the challenges of managing a large flock, and the competitive world of sheep shearing. She also reflects on the importance of networking in agriculture, balancing family life with farming, and the impact of social media on their farming business. In this engaging conversation, Lizzie shares her experiences as a parent in the agricultural world, discussing the challenges and joys of raising children while managing farm life. The discussion covers everything from unexpected proposals to the dynamics of family life on the road, the transition to parenthood, and the importance of involving children in farm activities. Lizzie also reflects on childcare routines, and the balance between work and play, and offers valuable advice for other farm parents.

Follow Lizzie Online Below

• https://www.instagram.com/lizzy.thomson.52/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheSheepGameVlog
• https://www.youtube.com/@FarmingBornBred-sf7fl

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

About Blooming Health Farms

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Takeaways

• Lizzie manages a flock of around 1200 ewes.
• Lambing season is staggered to manage the workload.
• Speed shearing combines competition with socializing.
• She has traveled extensively for sheep shearing work.
• Shearing can be a year-round job in various countries.
• Networking is crucial for finding rental land.
• It's important to communicate your needs in agriculture.
• Balancing farming with family can be challenging but rewarding.
• Social media has become a significant part of their farming business.
• They maintain boundaries around sharing family life online. Kids often take off seatbelts when they feel safe.
• Proposals can happen in the most unexpected ways.
• Authenticity is key in relationships and proposals.
• Parenting changes significantly with each child.
• Involving kids in farm work keeps them engaged.
• Childcare routines are essential for farm families.
• Homeschooling offers flexibility for farm parents.
• You can always handle more than you think you can.
• Balancing work and play is a constant struggle for parents.
• Creating a connection to agriculture is vital for future generations.