Well, this wasn’t what I planned on writing today, but here we are…
If there’s one thing about farm life, it’s that it doesn’t wait—not for dinner, not for sleep, and definitely not for the Super Bowl.
Tonight, I had just settled in, plate of snacks in hand, ready to enjoy the big game when my phone rang. A friend had a ewe in labor. She had already delivered one lamb, but the second was stuck. I walked her through the process of pulling the lamb, offering advice and reassurance. Then I told her to call me if she needed more help.
But I couldn’t shake the worry. Instead of focusing on the game, my mind was on that ewe and her baby. Was the lamb still alive? Would the ewe be okay? I knew my friend was capable, but sometimes, even when you know what to do, it helps to have someone there. I finally gave up, got dressed, and stood by, ready for the call—feeling more like a farm midwife than a football fan.
I’m no vet, just a farmer with hands-on experience in pulling lambs. It’s messy, it’s stressful, and it’s not the kind of thing most people picture when they think of raising animals. But when you’re able to save both the lamb and the mother, it’s worth every bit of the chaos.
Finally, the text came—this time with good news. The lamb was out, alive and well. Relief washed over me, even if I was still buzzing with that nervous energy that always comes with these situations. Moments like these are a reminder—farming isn’t just about feeding animals or growing food. It’s about being there, no matter the hour, the plans you had, or how warm and comfortable your couch was.
So, while I may have missed most of the game (and definitely the halftime show), I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Because at the end of the day, touchdowns are exciting—but a healthy lamb and a strong momma? That’s a real win.
