Gutierrez Family Farms welcomes newborn lambs during busy lambing season

Dozens of lambs are born each spring at the Nampa farm, where careful monitoring, cold weather challenges, and round-the-clock care define the season.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:03am

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Every March and April, Gutierrez Family Farms in Nampa, Idaho welcomes dozens of newborn lambs to its pastures. The annual lambing season is one of the most demanding stretches of the year for the Gutierrez family, who have deep roots in Idaho's sheep industry. The work is intensive, requiring careful monitoring, ensuring each lamb is healthy and getting enough milk from its mother, and dealing with the challenges of Idaho's cold winters.

Why it matters

The Gutierrez family's lambing season highlights the importance of the sheep industry in Idaho, which has a long history in the state's agriculture. The hands-on care and attention required during this critical time of year showcases the dedication and hard work of family farms like Gutierrez.

The details

Part of the care during lambing season means ensuring each lamb is healthy and getting enough milk from its mother. When a ewe has more babies than she can feed, the Gutierrez family steps in to help by bottle-feeding the 'bottle babies'. Idaho's cold winters can also add an extra layer of difficulty, with the risk of lambs freezing in the snow. The first milk a ewe produces, known as colostrum, is critical for a lamb's early development. Bonding between a ewe and her lambs is also an important part of the process.

  • Lambing season occurs each March and April at Gutierrez Family Farms.
  • The Gutierrez family has been operating the farm for generations, continuing a tradition deeply rooted in Idaho agriculture.

The players

Gutierrez Family Farms

A family-owned farm in Nampa, Idaho that has deep roots in the state's sheep industry.

Mariah Gutierrez

A member of the Gutierrez family who grew up on the farm and discusses the intensive work required during lambing season.

Rick Gutierrez

The operator of Gutierrez Family Farms who discusses the importance of the sheep industry in Idaho.

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What they’re saying

“It's a very intensive time doing it. We just have to make sure that everybody's getting taken care of, that there's no complications.”

— Mariah Gutierrez

“The big thing is that they're drinking milk. The first milk is called colostrum, and it's the best milk they're going to get — it helps them grow and gives them a strong start.”

— Mariah Gutierrez

“Idaho is very unique because the sheep industry has been well accepted. It's centuries old.”

— Rick Gutierrez

“I think it's just a really good time on the farm — kind of a moment of rebirth and renewal. Yes it's hectic, but we also take in those magical moments of birthing out here.”

— Mariah Gutierrez

The takeaway

The Gutierrez family's dedication to their lambing season highlights the enduring importance of family farms and the sheep industry in Idaho, a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Despite the intensive work and challenges, the Gutierrez family finds meaning and renewal in welcoming new life to their farm each spring.