From the Pastures: A case of spring fever

This year, February has seemed more like late March. The temperature here in northern Illinois is warmer than in past years, quite a difference from when I was writing the January column. I know the warm temperatures are not going to last. February and March have more surprises in their plan, but the temperatures are giving me spring fever for sure.

The warmer weather gave me the opportunity to dye a bunch of wool for customers. One order was a deep turquoise color, really pretty and carded nicely. This was a test batch to see if we could turn this wool into a nice dyed roving. It went well and hopefully we will get to work with more of their wool. The second order has three colors, lavender, mint green and sky blue. We will be spinning each into yarn. This wool was Border Leicester and dyed easily. The yarn is going to be beautiful.

The Illinois Lamb and Wool Producers is holding a fun and informational meeting March 2 at the University of Illinois in Urbana. The meeting is in Room 131 of the Department of Animal Sciences building and begins at 9 a.m. Several industry speakers will share information on a variety of current topics. This is a great way to learn more about sheep. Everyone interested in raising sheep is welcome to attend.

It is a good educational opportunity for youth involved in sheep. There will be a free lunch with lamb brats and hamburgers. A silent auction benefiting the Illinois Make it with Wool Contest also will be held. The annual meeting for the Illinois Lamb and Wool Producers is planned for the afternoon. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Carol Lingley at calingley@gmail.com.