What Betty is Doing Now September 2025
Fall is Here
Much has been accomplished in the last month. A group of friends came to help me work the sheep through the chute system to check body condition, trim hooves where needed, and use FAMACHA scoring to monitor parasite load. Other farm projects included spreading manure, repairing fences with some help, working with the USDA to plan CRP plantings, and preparing for the spring tree planting project.
Unfortunately, I lost a four-month-old ewe lamb, Annie, likely to pneumonia. I try hard to keep them all healthy, so this was heartbreaking. Every livestock farmer knows this pain, and it is always one of the hardest parts of the work.
There were bright moments too. A group of girlfriends came to spend a night on the farm. I cooked from the garden and added other local farm foods to the table. It was short but sweet. I also went to my hometown of Streator, IL for my 40th high school reunion. In some ways, it feels like life has come full circle, back to being outside and working on a farm. I also joined friends for a boat ride on Lake Danville and up the Vermilion River. To top it off I had a special visit from my niece, who now lives in Arizona .
I continue to be involved with several nonprofits: Grand Prairie Friends, Savanna Institute, The Land Connection, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and Climate Land Leaders. Through these connections, I was asked to host a farm tour for a group from Builder’s Vision, who support many of these organizations. It was a meaningful visit, and afterward I joined them for dinner at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery.
I also had some farm t-shirts made. For now, I’m giving them away, but eventually I may add them to the farm shop.
Lamb for Sale
I’m now offering local lamb for sale by the live weight. You pay me for the lamb, and then work directly with Allen’s Meats in Homer, Illinois to customize your processing preferences. It’s a great way to stock your freezer with flavorful, pasture-raised meat that’s high in nutrients. If you’re interested, just email me and I’ll walk you through the process: Bluestem Springs Farm Shop.
Contact Me
If you're interested in working together or have any questions, feel free to contact me via email or LinkedIn!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettybrennan/
Farm Tshirts
The farm’s first t-shirt — a simple reminder of why I do this work: steward the land, harvest health.
Sheep Health Check
I was grateful for friends helping me check the health of my sheep.
Girlfriends
A night on the farm with friends.
My Niece
She's learning to be a shepherd. ;)
Dog Play Time
Osage and King love playing in the river.