RAMSAY FARMS: Hopeful

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Hopeful

Well I've taken fleece samples, trimmed hooves, vaccinated and checked udders on the AI girls (and everyone else). My ground breedings are not due until after April 20th, when I will be home from the Cardigan Nationals. Its not fair to have my dad checking for lambs while I"m away like last year!

I checked udders on the AI girls and 8 of the girls are for sure growing udders now at a daily rate almost. A 9th is more than likely bred, but her udder is not as large. The 10th more than likely is NOT bred to AI, as she has no udder at all, a lot more like the girls that are due after April 20th.

Another ewe that is due anytime is Sheltering Pines Nirvana. She is bred to Jazz's twin brother, Winterime Blues. Her udder is as large as the AI girls so I'm thinking she is due any day as well.

For those that have forgotten who I AI'ed:

Justalit'l Chloe - fawn katmoget (homozygous katmoget) F2 Minder was bred to Greenholme Holly. I'm hoping for polled genetics here!

RiverOaks Lucy - gray katmoget was bred to Willowcroft Jamie. I"m pretty excited for this potential

Justalit'l Shasta - Ag flecket horned ewe was bred to Campaign Timothy. This girl is as big as house...I wouldn't doubt triplets in this one!

Underhill Ulla - moorit F2 Jamie ewe was bred to Shirehill Minder. I'm expecting fawn katmogets or muskets from this breeding.

Heights Orion was bred to the following ewes:
Underhill Peep - F2 Greyling, F2 Jamie musket ewe
FirthofFifth Evidence of Autumn - mioget ewe (repeat breeding of Aman)
FirthofFifth Rooibos - fawn ewe
RYL Rachildas - white illget ewe. Last year bred to Aman F1 Orion son gave me gorgeous lambs with soft soft flece. I"m hoping bred directly to Orion that they are knock outs. Expecting only White or Ag lambs (she is homozygous black and Awt/Ag)
Justalit'l Black Lambo - black ewe (homozygous black) who when Stephen has her, was bred to Roban Dillon and produced two very gorgeous rams. Let's hope for the same :)

WHEW! Its nearly 45 degrees outside and i'm out in a T-shirt and shoes (no winter boots) and no winter cap! I just rotated the girls into new paddocks that no one has been in since last May. The sheep from Lori and Stephen have come out of quarantine and I'm out now to take photos!

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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, March 5, 2009

Hopeful

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A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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