Selecting your Southdown Sheep Flock -- ASBA Web Site: "The most important sheep a person ever buys is their first. The sheep selected in your initial purchase will be the genetic nucleus of your flock and will set the tone for your future success."

Southdown sheep. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001: "
mutton breed of sheep originated on the South Downs of Sussex, England, and now raised throughout the world. It is a small sheep, the most thickset of all breeds, and it is valued for the meatiness of the lamb carcasses. The wool is of medium length and fine grade; it varies in color from gray to brown on the face and feet. The Southdown, one of the oldest English breeds, has been extensively used in improving other breeds; it was first imported to the United States in 1803 and has found acceptance in farm flock areas."

Queen of Calves: "
Queen of Calves

�The best thing in dairying since dairying�
A totally new system of raising healthy calves
Instead of the conventional system of milk, more milk and pellets, Queen of Calves is a high carbohydrate/probiotic rearing formula designed to be incorporated into the milk, with the aim of enabling significant milk and grain savings. The result; more milk in the vat, less grain purchases, good weaning weights and most importantly, the best calves in the district.
How do calf-rearers rate Queen of Calves?

Rachael Medlicott of Riversdale, endorses the merits of Queen of Calves programme. She and her partner, Scott Nicholson, are 50/50 sharemilkers"

this is the first of my ramblings in a 'blog' ..I expect to actually add useful pieces to this soon as I wander around the net