RAMSAY FARMS

Monday, July 9, 2007

A Mini Shepherd gathering happened on Sunday at Gail VonBargen's farm. Gail, myself and Mary Ellen Kelly aka "Peeps" were there. We enjoyed a few hours of sheep talk, stories and education (thanks ladies!). Gail supplied the great steaks (and they were great because they were SIMMENTAL, just like my cattle!) and the wonderful lamb brats. I tried my hand for I believe the 2nd time in my life to grill and it was 'decent' I think!

Many thanks to Peeps for entrusting your girls with me, they are so adorable and nice, thank you again! Thanks also for driving them up this far north, at least it wasn't 95 like the day before!

Gail's lambs all had grown so much since I had last seen them, when was it, May? Almost every ram lamb had beautiful horns and all lambs were friendly 'enough' and typey. Thanks Gail for the idea of us meeting at your place! Make sure Bourbon behaves himself with your boys!

1 comment:

Gail V said...: Hey Garrett,
after a week in "isolation", Bourbon went to the meadow pasture to join "the big boys" tonight. You wanted to hear he'd been put in his place. . . well, I think it happened. Paired up with Minwawe Equator, those 2 were about the same size, and they spent a good deal of time posturing. The bigger boys were distracted because I threw some good alfalfa hay out there at the same moment all the guys came together. They thought that was more interesting than bashing the newcomer.
I think he'll get along just fine here, with new pals. And the girls! New Girls girls girls! Just wait till Fall!; July 14, 2007 at 1:03 AM

Who we are

Ramsay Farms is situated in the northeastern part of Ottertail County, near Perham, Minnesota. This family farm of 320 acres has been in the Ramsay family for five generations, dating back to 1892. Today our farm prides itself on our Simmental cattle, Shetland Sheep and BlueFaced Leicester sheep. We strive to breed animals that closest match the breed standards given to them, and mindful of production, health and longevity in our animals as well.

In spring of 2016, there was a purchase of 32 acres in Green County, Wisconsin to accommodate Garrett for his work in that region. The animals have for the most part been moved to that location. Both locations will work in tandem to continue educating and promoting these animals and this way of life.

From the Shetland Sheep Society

"Shetland sheep have for generations been noted for their very soft and well crimped fleece. The wool is the finest of all native breeds and shows an amazing variety of colours and patterns. There are 11 main whole colours and 30 recognised markings.

By selecting from coloured fleeces a range of naturally coloured yarn can be produced. This eliminates the need for dyeing and therefore retains the soft feel of the natural fibre and is favoured by those who prefer a totally natural approach.

Shetland wool fibres are of a simple construction witha central cortex covered by a thin scaly cuticle, and have an average diameter of about 23 microns. However there is a range from 10-20 microns for neck and shoulder wool to 25to 35 microns for britch wool. the average staple length is 3.5 inches. The amount of crimp varies, and is most important in providing the 'bounce' required for knitwear. There is a positive correlation between fineness and crimp, with wool of the finest quality being crimped at between 8 and 12 to the inch. Wool from shetland sheep is used to produce gossamer lace, the famous 'Fair Isle' knitwear, and fine tweeds. Pure bred Shetland sheep tend to shed their fleece in sprin. The growth of new fleece can cause a rise or weak point and where this is present the fleece can sometimes be plucked or 'rooed' by hand. The timing of this can be different in each sheep, however, it is worth taking the care to get it right as rooed fleece can be amongst the softest because the fibres have no harsh cut ends as occurs with a sheared fleece.

Shetland fleece can be handspun straight from the fleece or made into rolags and then woollen spun. It can also be sorsted spun by hand, used on a peg loom or handwoven. It also felts well using either dry or wet methods. When processed commercially the wool can be made into the finest lightweight worsted cloth or heavier weight, harder wearing fabrics and tweeds."

RAMSAY FARMS

Monday, July 9, 2007

1 comment:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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