RAMSAY FARMS: sick, lambs, goals

Thursday, February 21, 2008

sick, lambs, goals

being sick sucks!

Especially being SINGLE and sick. No one to do my chores. No one to feed me soup or cater to my pathetic pouting :)

Being sick after a big trip driving to and from Colorado, it wore me out, stressed me out....I shouldn't be surprised that I'm sick. *Enter freaking cold weather* Not only does this make my chores a living nightmare, it takes twice as long as the water lines have to be thawed, and its just plain harder to get around when its so cold. Not enjoying one iota!

I keep thinking March is just around the corner and I can't believe only 5 weeks until lambs start. FIVE WEEKS! Only three until calves, and one until kids. Busy busy times ahead. of course I'm not ready! Between lack of snow to move, bills pilling up, the new jugs in the new pen for just the sheep haven't been built yet..with what money?

On the good side of things, I'm ready for spring, all the mud, cold soaking rains, damp pens that harbor bacteria, chilled babes in the mud, etc etc. Oh wait, that's my hate list!

I love the little new signs of life, the green grass, the first dandelion (just the first one!) and all the potential babes that I've worked hard at to get to.

I've had quite a bit of interest in the sheep and that's a good thing! I'm hoping to sell 1/2 of the lambs and pay for the fencing in of three more additional acres for them to graze on. NO plans on buying more shetlands this year, as i'm hoping to do AI this fall with some friends. I may purchase a few more BFLs as I've really taken to the two I have. I hoping to add 4-6 more depending on what happens in the mean time :)

so many goals, so little time right? so much to say and its all so mumbled.....maybe i'm sick, maybe i just talk this way :) LOL

1 comment:

Michelle said...: You've been sick entirely too much this winter, Garrett. GET WELL! (That's an order. :-); February 22, 2008 at 12:12 PM

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

Thursday, February 21, 2008

sick, lambs, goals

1 comment:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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