After a dreary winter season, we all treasure the days full of sunshine. Spring is almost here!

This winter, we got a lot of rain in western Pennsylvania. Areas of east of here got some snow, and there were plenty of windy days across the state. We were fortunate to not have lost any trees around our house this year.

Still, I am more than ready to move on to warmer and more inviting weather. I remember when I was in grade school, the last period on Friday afternoon was a time to color a picture the teacher would then print out. The picture was usually related to the seasons. For spring, there were lambs, daffodils, trees in blossom, and maybe even some children in rubber boots playing in puddles holding bright umbrellas.

Speaking of lambs, one spring several years ago I had the opportunity to visit Warren Thomas, owner of Baytree Farm in Emlenton, Pa. At the time, he was raising hair sheep. His breeding schedule allowed him to market lambs all year. But special lambs were sent to market two weeks before the spring holidays that feature lamb for dinner.

Warren was able to create demand for his lambs in New York City. Buyers who sell in the Big Apple watch for Baytree lambs at the New Holland livestock market. They know these lambs will have the quality that will bring good prices, as well as satisfied customers. The shepherd’s pie I made with Baytree ground lamb was delicious.

Warren sells frozen lamb locally and through his Baytree Farm website.

One of the treats I got that day was getting to hold a lamb that was born that morning. I will always remember that.

I am still trying to decide what to do with my flower beds this year. Talking with friends who also plant flowers, I learned that the material put between plants that stops annual weed seeds from sprouting really does work. I think I’m going to give it a try in the perennial beds. I may even sow some zinnia seeds in one of the beds that gets a lot of sunshine for cutting bouquets.

Although my knees and back will determine how much I can really plant, I’m still hopeful to get my hands dirty, at least for a little while.

I always say this when spring rolls around, but I’ll say it again: Please be careful. Don’t take unnecessary risks. You are too important to your family to have a farm accident this planting season.

Here’s hoping your crops get planted timely!

Gregg writes from western Pennsylvania. She is the Pennsylvania 2019 Outstanding Woman in Agriculture and is a past president of American Agri-Women.