The Alfalfa Incident

At first glance, nothing really seems off with this picture.

But wait.  Why are the sheep hanging around by the gate in the lower paddock with some thinking about going back to the barn.  

Why would that be?

Oh, maybe because their fearless leader hasn't decided to come lead them out yet!

And why would that be?

Because he figured out that if anyone (basically two oldies, plus Baaxter and Liddy...who are also old, actually) hangs back when the main group heads out, they each get a big handful of chopped alfalfa with molasses mixed in.

After the terrible drought this fall, pasture is at a premium here and the only really grazeable grass is the field way in the back.  The back field that Murphy was always happy to lead them all back to...until the alfalfa incident.

I knew right away what the issue was.  Murphy is easy to read and has always been a greedy goose.  I tried not giving anyone any hay this morning, thinking he'd give up and head on out back.  If food is involved, Murphy isn't going to give up.

Tomorrow I'm going to go out early and give everyone some hay so maybe he won't think he's getting cheated and will get back to his regular work schedule.  If he doesn't, I may have to take over as flock leader to get everyone to some good grass in the mornings.

There are worse ways to start the day.