After facing the impact of a cyclone earlier in the year, we experienced a smaller lambing season in 2025 than usual. The weather event may have affected the number of ewes that successfully carried pregnancies, which meant fewer lambs this time around. But while the numbers were small, the experience was still full of excitement and wonder for our Calvary community.

Our first lamb arrived on Sunday, 6 July, and the final one was born on Wednesday, 9 July. In total, just two ewes gave birth—bringing three beautiful lambs into the world. The ewe named Cheese had twins, and they’ve been lovingly named Cheddar and Brie. The second ewe, Diamond, delivered a single lamb, Harmony—a name chosen by one of our Ag trainees, Jazz. It’s a beautiful reminder that harmony within the soil and the environment helps form something as precious as a diamond.

Each lamb has had a healthy start to life, although one had a little eye trouble early on. Thanks to great care, she’s now thriving alongside her mum and sisters. In fact, in just one week, she put on an incredible 2 kilograms!

As part of our agricultural program at Calvary, we carefully monitor all lambs after birth. They are weighed daily at first, then weekly, to ensure they are feeding well, reaching key growth milestones, and gaining weight at a healthy pace. Within just a few weeks, our lambs had already gained 5–6 kilograms and started nibbling at grass and hard feed alongside their usual milk feeds.

You might notice that the lambs are all black right now, but in a few months, their wool will begin to turn white—just like their mums. A fun fact: around 100 days after breeding, we bring in our wonderful vet Sarah to perform ultrasounds and check how many lambs we can expect. While we were hoping for more this year, the love and care we’ve poured into our three new arrivals has been just as special.

Usually at this time of year, our students would get the chance to visit the farm and cuddle the new lambs. With only three little ones this season, and to prioritise their welfare, we’re limiting visits to quick looks over the fence—at least for now. But don’t worry—more lambs are expected later in the year, with cuddles hopefully on the cards in November!

We’re so proud of our Ag team, our student trainees, and our thriving farm community. Lambing season reminds us of the beauty of new life, the importance of patience, and the joy of caring for God’s creation.

Stay tuned for more farm updates from Calvary - our agricultural family continues to grow!

Farmer Ange Haupt