RAMSAY FARMS: Hay!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Hay!

Well its been awhile since we talked about hay.

We've now officially baled all of our first crop of hays for the beef cattle and sheep. I figured in a very worse case scenario, where we had to feed hay year round, I would need around 2500 small square bales to feed just the sheep for an entire 365 days. Obviously we are on pastures right now but I like to be 'doom and gloom' and always plan for the worst and then be pleasantly surprised at how much 'extra' hay we have in the spring.

The sheeps' hay is a timothy/brome/clover/alfalfa/blue grass blend. Several of the fields also had orchard grass in it as well. The girls should be quite content this winter with the nice green hays.

Our rotating pastures are also working well. They are currently on timothy/clover/brome/blue grass with a touch of alfalfa (its pretty mature so not as much bloat to worry about). They are complete pigs and are so spoiled! I let them into their new pasture this am after I fed them some grass hay and they came running BACK to me screaming! For no reason! They are fat, mineral tubs full, water tanks full, barn fan on...i just don't get it! :)

Off to unload hay for a while before I go off to work to spray yards for crabgrass!

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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

Monday, July 6, 2009

Hay!

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A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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