Little farm on the imitation prairie

A few weeks ago, Sarah (a college roommate and great friend, who just happens to live in the neighborhood) and I found ourselves husband-less on a Saturday and went out looking for an adventure so our kids wouldn't drive us crazy all day. Between us we have five children age four and younger. Not sure where the fifth one is here but if I remember right we found her before we headed home...

We found out about a sheep sheering that was taking place at a farm about an hour from where we live. Being from Iowa, I found it funny that a sheep sheering would be advertised in a local "things to do" booklet, as well as the fact that we had to drive more than five minutes so get to a farm. But, while living in the big city has it's privileges, agricultural education would no longer be at our doorstep, or even five minutes away. So off we went to learn from our suburban neighbors to the north who carved out a little piece of government land to set up a farm similar to those of the early 1900's so people (who had no desire to live where, if the wind was just right, the smell of livestock would pass their door on a cool summer evening) could stop by and see what goes on during a typical day in, oh, I don't know, Iowa.

The kids had a great time!

Since it was only April, not too much was going on that day other than the sheep sheering, but it was fun to watch. We did learn a lot about sheep and all that goes into harvesting, cleaning, and using the wool for everyday materials.

We also learned that this man could get a quarter per pound for all that wool. A whole quarter! And that 100 years ago they also got a quarter per pound.

Someone should probably tell him there is a junior college right around the corner.