How can the season of Spring be giving way to the beginning of Summer already? Maybe because Winter can be such a flurry of activity and solitude all at the same time, we welcome the newness of Spring. 

In the words of Ecclesiastes:

“to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” 

And so it is, the rhythm of the seasons forces us to move on and accept whatever the next season brings.  And as we write this, it will be Summer very soon.

In the livestock industry, sheep producers tirelessly tend to their herds weathering whatever the next season has to offer. 

While the summer brings warm, hot temperatures, the sheep need to be sheared in time to enjoy the long sun-drenched days without their wool. 

The sheep are happy and the producers are happy knowing the harvested wool will provide much warmth and comfort to many…. another “purpose under heaven”.   

This yearly shearing protocol has been in place for generations among the producers.  In the high country of the Colorado mountains, herds are transported to higher elevations to graze on abundant pastures and breathe the rich mountain air. 

It is a time for nurturing and growth, also known affectionately as “summer camp”.

When the herd returns from the high country usually in September, the long summer days are getting shorter and the summer landscape is changing to Fall. 

Green grasses are becoming gold and foliage is starting to turn crimson.  Fields are beginning to look like a tapestry…..all signs of a harsh winter ahead. 

The sheep producer knows this is the season for preparation.  This is the time to harvest and stock up on feed, fix fences, and fortify the barn. 

Any job to ensure the herd will be prepared to endure the winter conditions is completed. 

And while much foresight and perseverance is needed in Autumn, when an early blizzard hits and the snow is relentless, the sheep are at risk. 

Sheep producers will venture into the storm and rescue the sheep, bringing them safely into the barn. 

If ever there was a time for courage and action, it is during these events of Winter.

When the storms of winter subside, the sheep ranch remains resilient.  The sheep are safe and sound and their warm wool coats have grown back. 

While the sheep huddle in snow-covered fields, the sheep producers can sit by a warm fire. 

There is much gratitude in knowing their perseverance and endurance protected the fragility of life of their herd. The trials and tribulations of the harsh winter have passed.

Now, the first hints of Spring start peeking through the melting snow. The seasons have come full circle once again.  And, just as the seasons change, so do the challenges and blessings we all face. 

We can all take a lesson from the sheep producer who embraces each season with faith and perseverance.  With each new season, let us not forget the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1.

And just as the seasons are steadfast and resilient, so is a dutch oven.  Using a dutch oven to cook lamb stew will make your next meal steadfast and resilient!

Dutch ovens have been used for centuries on open flames and even in modern conventional ovens.  They are fun to cook in if you have never tried. 

Dutch Oven Lamb Stew Recipe

Cut about 3 lbs. of a shoulder roast into 1-2” chunks and brown in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. (This may need to be done in batches depending on the size of your dutch oven)

Transfer browned shoulder pieces to a separate plate.

Remove some of the excess fat, leaving drippings and enough oil to cook 1-2 whole onions that have been diced. 

Add 3 fresh carrots sliced on the bias.

Add 3 (or more) cloves of garlic, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary, and 2  tablespoons freshly sliced basil leaves.

Add one 28-oz can of diced tomatoes, rinse the can with water after pouring the tomatoes in and add the liquid into the dutch oven. 

Along with the water, also add one small can of tomato paste and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.   

A freshly quartered potato may be added also.

Cover and let simmer approximately for 1 ½ -2 hours. Season with salt and pepper.

Check during cooking and add more liquid (water or red wine) if needed.

Enjoy!