RAMSAY FARMS: Justalit'l Shasta gives me twins!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Justalit'l Shasta gives me twins!

Justalit'l Shasta was bred to Campaign Timothy and I was hoping for a black ram and an Ag black (gray) ewe lamb to replace Shasta. I guess they had other ideas :) Shasta is Ag/Aa, BB/B?, Ss/Ss so these boys could carry spotting, moorit (from their father) and I've heard if a horned ewe is bred to a horned ram the chances of getting larger horns on the boys is better? Has this been confirmed? These boys are 62.5% UK and have great structure already. The boys' names in keeping with my theme this year (Biblical names) is WhitePine Simeon and WhitePine Solomon. Simeon is the one standing up in the photos.

Shasta is such a good mom......there was one ram lamb who was a bit 'slower' in getting to his feet...she worked on that boy until he stood...and then kept working on him until he moved to her udder to nurse. After he ate his fill, she licked him into the corner and promptly laid dow in front of him so he couldn't get out and let her fleece help keep him warm. The other boy was trying to 'popcorn' around the jug. Rachildas, my white ewe was trying to climb over the panel to get in with what she thought were 'her' lambs. I'm guessing that she'll be the next one to go...she didn't eat her breakfast this morning and isn't chewing her cud......

And sadly no one guessed Shasta so that means I will do a new version of the contest when the ground breeding group starts to lamb...which should NOT be for another month.

Will now keep you updated with photos for those who are going through lamb withdrawls.....and it doesn't help that I have two to look at....now I want MORE to look at ;)

7 comments:

Rayna said...: YAY! YAY! YAY!; March 21, 2009 at 9:58 AM
Becky Utecht said...: Congrats on the nice set of twins!; March 21, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Karen said...: Congratulations on the new lambs, I am indeed suffering from lamb withdrawal so thanks for the pictures! I'd love to see some UK fleeces up close sometime...; March 21, 2009 at 10:37 AM
penni said...: I hope now you're busy enough, Garrett -- with babies popping up all over. More twins, more twins . . .; March 21, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Holly said...: What adorable little rams!! Congrats again!; March 21, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Unknown said...: Sounds like lambing season is off to a great start!! Can't wait to see the rest:); March 21, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Eve said...: Oh wow, look at the wool on him already. Congrats on the twins.; March 21, 2009 at 8:56 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

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Justalit'l Shasta gives me twins!

7 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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