RAMSAY FARMS: I couldn't resist!!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

I couldn't resist!!

After having the BFL ewe lambs from Brenda and Mark Lelli for almost a year, I decided it was time to add a few more to my flock.

Crosswind 0012 Clover, is a white ewe lamb out of Beechtree Gunnerton x Beechtree Shonah. Shonah also happens to be my Callaway's mother.

Crosswind 0009 Bea will be my first natural colored BFL ewe here! She is out of Beechtree Gunnerton and Beechtree Magpie.

Both girls are from stock that came from Beechtree Blues and are from slightly different lines than what I have here already.

Also coming from Michigan will be Sheltering Pines "Bubba" (its not his REAL name, but one that will be his nickname). He is coming from Stephen Rouse where all of his stock came from Beechtree as well.

He is only six weeks old in this photo so I am excited to see updated photos. He will be used on most of my BFLs this fall and a few shetlands.

2 comments:

Becky Utecht said...: Congratulations on your new BFL's Garrett. You're going to have a really nice flock! I love the little ram you're getting from Stephen.; June 16, 2008 at 8:42 PM
stephen rouse said...: Garrett! wow. your 2 new ones are exquisite. I love both the white and the colored. You're lucky to have found them for sale! :-) (I enquired and was told they had sold to you! lol) The early bird gets the worm, eh? good choices. They'll perform excellently for you. Brenda's genetics are the very best!

stephen; June 17, 2008 at 11:10 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, June 12, 2008

I couldn't resist!!

2 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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