With snow still on the ground, thinking spring right now is a challenge. Enter John and Julie Govin’s ninth annual Lambing Time at the Farm. Located just east of Menomonie on Interstate 94, you can see Govin’s from the highway. This year’s events will be held on three consecutive weekends: March 22-23, March 29-30, and April 5-6 from 10am to 4pm. I went for the first time a few years ago, and it’s become a spring ritual ever since. Five gorgeous, huge and smiling Great Pyrenees dogs, which guard livestock, will greet you. (You’ll want to leave your own dogs at home.) Walk into the barns, and you’ll see lambs, sheep, pigs, piglets, goats, kids (baby goats), chicks, alpacas, and horses. What’s most fun is seeing their births or holding one of them, and capturing everything digitally. When you need a break from the barns, you can grab a bite to eat at the store, watch wool spinners and crafters, or paint your face. There are pony rides and horse-drawn wagon rides, too. You can also pick out your spring dinner to cook at home: all-natural and antibiotic- and hormone-free lamb, chicken, or pork. While winter has been tough on the farm –frozen water had to be thawed and expensive hay and extra grain had to be bought to help the animals thrive in the extreme cold – the Govins said the dates will not change due to the weather. “It takes a lot of planning starting last fall to make sure every animal gives birth at the right time,” they said via email. “We ultrasound our sheep and goats to make sure we have animals due at the right time.” Dress for the weather, wear boots, and remember your camera! Find directions on the Web (www.govinsfarm.com) or call (715) 231-2377. Do not use your GPS; it won’t work out there.

Ninth Annual Lambing Time at Govin’s Farm • Saturday-Sunday, Mar. 22-23, Mar. 29-30, and Apr. 5-6 • 10am-4pm • Govin’s Meats and Berries, N6134 670th St., Menomonie • $7 (under age 2 free) • (715) 231-2377 • www.govinsfarm.com