Transhumance A Colorado Tradition

In the spring, sheep are moved to spring pastures to graze new growth, then they move to higher elevations as grasses and shrubs mature in the low country. In the fall, the lambs are shipped to market and the ewes go to fall pasture to breed. After breeding, the ewes are moved to winter ranges which, in the west, is often times hundreds of miles. Shearing and lambing follow in early spring, and the cycle begins again. At each cycle, herders are with the sheep. The herder keeps a keen eye on the herd, as well as his forage. He gathers the flock together at night to keep them safe from predators and doctors his flock when necessary. He uses guard dogs to protect the herd and border collies to move and gather them. His is an isolated life, without electricity or any of the comforts of home. It is a semi-nomadic life, moving bands of sheep from one grazing area to the next, the same as has been done for generations.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• American Sheep Industry
• Sheep
• Colorado lamb
• Shepherd

[GjeniusEntertainment]

Wow! I l really enjoyed this Jesse. It was very inspiring! Great job. I wanted to see more. Did you direct this? If so, I love your choice of angles.

[josiegell]

Love the music, Jesse, especially the violin at the end. The sounds of the birds at the beginning is great, too. You put it all together very well. You can be proud of your talent.

[RoarkGriffin50]

Outstanding video about a wonderful time honored occupation. A very real and heart felt photo video experience. Well done!

[shonaleah]

Jesse this is awesome!! Great work.. You are one talented dude.

[miakatsu]

Jesse, this is truly beautiful. I feel as if I'm there.

[grittypretty]

An interesting and BEAUTIFUL glimpse into a lifestyle that I know little about. Nice pacing too.

[doggiebreak]

NIIIIICE ! ! ! ! ! The music fit the film perfectly....Crisp camera shots-awesome filmwork and the black sheep in the middle of the "herd" (if that's the correct term for a group of sheep) was so perfect that it looks staged ! ! ! Way to go J.L., way to go ! ! ! I would like to add that the Thanksgiving 2009 short film of yours should definitely have a space here on Youtube ! ! ! ! Keep up the awesome work J' ! ! !