Dear sheep sponsors, dear friends of transhumance,

We're looking back on an eventful Sheep Sponsors' Meet-up. The weather didn't let us down: we had a day of glorious sunshine, yet it wasn't too hot for a walk across the Steinheimer Heide. By 10.30 am the sheep farm was already very busy, with around 160 sheep sponsors having travelled from all over Germany. Those who wished could fortify themselves with a coffee and a pretzel before the walk. After a welcome from Andrea Smietana and Henrike Zwerger, the town forester, Christian Eder, gave a short talk on the special features of the landscape. The Steinheimer Heide's nutrient-poor meadows came about through itinerant shepherding and through the use of goats, which not only graze the grass but also nibble at the shrubs.

Folding the sheep overnight ensures that they don't foul the poor grassland and that the manure is spread only where it is wanted. This pen is moved every day, as the sheep should always have a clean place to sleep. The walk led from the sheep farm into the Schnaitheim valley as far as the Schäfhalde walkers' car park, and from there on towards Schäfhalde airfield to the sponsored flock. There, everyone could stay as long as they liked and then walk back to the sheep farm at their own pace. Mr Eder spoke about the problems of water shortage and prolonged heat. The damage done to the forest will only become apparent in a few years' time. The trees have sunburn, and timber from them can now only be used as firewood and is not approved for construction. The little rain that has fallen in recent months can't be retained by the soil either, as the heath sits on limestone.

Mr Eder praised the excellent cooperation between the Smietana family, the foresters and other farming businesses.

The sponsored flock was accompanied by shepherd Franz and his two sheepdogs, so that Charly could spend time with the sponsors. The meeting of the sheep sponsors and their sponsored sheep is, of course, the highlight of the day. Some sponsors were lucky enough to witness lambs being born. The lambs born in the field were carried by Charly to the lambing pens already set up in the barn. Lambs were also born in the barn itself.

After the walk, the Smietana family and their helpers treated us to a lovely spread of grilled sausages and cheese, plus coffee and cake. The sheep-shearing demonstration was also a great success, and anyone who wanted to could take home some fresh fleece. Throughout the day, sponsors could fill in the Sheep Sponsor Quiz, and the prize draw brought the meet-up to a close.

The day wound down in a relaxed way into the evening, with interesting conversations and happy sponsors.

Thank you for sharing such a lovely day with us. We look forward to the next sponsors' meet-up in 2027.