Sheep Industry News December 2024

life, and are leaving as loved and important members of Julian Land & Livestock and making room for the next valued herd members. In the spring, summer and fall, we have 19 men working for us as sheepherders. They come here from Peru on work visas, and can stay up to three years on one con tract. We work closely with these men, and are dependent on them to be able to run our sheep. During shed lambing, I spend all day from the first of March through the middle of April with three of these men. For four years now, I have had both David and Mequias as part of the shed lambing crew. I talk to them more than anyone else during this time. Heck, I think I speak more Spanish than English during lambing season. We know how each other works, when one is having an off day, and details about each others’ personal lives. I consider these men some of my closest friends. This year for my birthday, they planned the greatest lunch party for me as a surprise and made it a very special day. I consider close friends and even part of the family. We have a guy, Nic, that lives at the ranch year-round. He helps with the driving du ties and literally anything we need. He has been working for us since 2003 and has been to two of my cousins’ weddings, and my grandpa’s funeral. I can’t imagine the ranch without him.

Then there’s German, who has been with us for 28 years. He started working for us at the age of 21 when my mom was pregnant with me. He has watched all of us cousins grow from babies to now, and I hope that he gets to watch my future babies grow too. He has the most cheerful smile and always gives great big, happy-to see-you hugs. One of my favorite things about my job is getting to visit with these guys. Listening to their stories, learning about their lives and families back home, and sharing laughs, meals and “saluds.” Every fall when we’re done working the sheep for the year, seven of the men go home to Peru for the winter. They are all excited to go home to see their families and friends and to get six months off of sheepherding. But I’m sad in saying goodbye. I truly hate goodbyes, and one never knows where life will take us, or if we will see each other again. Thankfully, many of the guys stay in contact with me while in Peru.

These men are more than just employees, they are dear friends that I care deeply about. It’s the last day of someone heading to the airport for the year. I help gather dogs into the kennels where they will spend their winter until their master returns. I hate to see how sad the men are in leav ing their companions, and the sad and confused look in the eyes of all the dogs. They clear all of their belongings out of their camps and close the door to an empty living quarters that will remain that way until they return. As Edwis loads all of his luggage into the back of the pickup, I can’t help but cry. We give each other a big hug, but it's not goodbye my friend. We will see each other in the spring.

December 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 23