

August 1, 2021
Lambs on the Lawn
By: Sharon Bazant
Butter and Eggs (Linaria vulgaris) are unique and cheerful, but Coral knows that the Farmer will come along soon and remove them from his lawn. He would not want the patch to spread and take hold in the sandy prairie beside his farm.
The Farmer cares for his flock (group of sheep) by leading them to different areas of green grass at Rennwood Farm. He makes sure they have shade to lie down in and fresh water to drink.
He knows what they need to stay healthy and well and helps them if they are in danger.
A good Farmer works hard to take care of his flock!
After eating, a sheep lies down to rest. While resting, the sheep burps up partially digested food from its rumen. This lump of grass and grain is the “cud.” A sheep chews its cud for long periods of time then re-swallows for full digestion in a different stomach compartment.
Sheep are amazing creatures!

Sheep are also curious creatures.
After seeing Camilla sniffing around the grain trough, several other sheep run over to search for spilled grains as well. Coral peeks over the edge of her perch, watching the action.

Suddenly, Coral spots a problem. One hungry lamb has found a grain scoop on the ground and has worked its head too far in, sniffing for scraps of feed.


Thankfully, the Farmer’s youngest son hears the commotion and runs to help.
But before he gets there, the lamb tosses its head, and off flies the scoop.
It’s a good reminder to the Farmer’s son to clean up any buckets and scoops lying on the ground. These things can be dangerous for a curious lamb!

Seeing his friend Coral standing in the trough gives the Farmer’s son an idea: Would Coral like a ride in the silver scoop?
She certainly would!


A young ram (male sheep) with curving horns, and a brown ewe named Lilac investigate the grain scoop carrying a “flying” mouse.
~ Have you seen sheep up close?
~ Did you get to feel their thick wool and maybe feed them by hand?
~ What is another farm animal that you have seen and been near?
~ If you were a farmer, what animals would you raise on your farm?
Resources to explore:
Learn about Butter and Eggs Flowers.
Learn about Invasive Plant Species.