RAMSAY FARMS: Meet the Ewe

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Meet the Ewe - RiverOaks Lucy

I decided this might be a good way to introduce you to all of my sheep :) I won't do ALL of my sheep at one time, but a few here and there. Since I have so many, its hard to talk about them all at any given time. They all deserve some time in the lime light :)

So the first ewe:

River Oaks Lucy S24813 (Click Reg # to see pedigree)

Gray Katmoget ewe, single, Born 4.20.2007

AbAa BBBb SSS?, 34% UK. Proven poll carrier. Carries moorit.

Thanks Becky for these two photos! I couldn't find any recent ones!

Below is her 2008 micron test and histogram. Please click to biggify.

Below is Lucy's 2009 micron test and histogram.

Lucy has proven her worth as one of my softest ewes that is a producer!She has what feels like a very soft handle to her fleece, dense, cushy feeling. I thank Becky for letting me have this awesome girl! She will be AI'ed again this fall. This time to Heights Orion. Last year her ram lamb out of Willowcroft Jamie was just phenomenal! He is being retained as my foundation polled ram.

3 comments:

Michelle said...: If Lucy gives you a phenomenal daughter or two next spring and you decide you can part with her, PLEASE give me first dibs! She is just what I want -- a soft, poll-carrying "blue" katmoget!; October 1, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Kara said...: I will take a ram lamb! :) Yes that was the "blue" I was talking about. Great photos on the forum.; October 1, 2009 at 9:54 PM
Juliann said...: Beautiful girl, and I like "meet the ewe" posts. I recall Rich doing these a while back. They are a good way of showcasing your brood ewes. I know I get guilty of giving all my attention to the rams.; October 3, 2009 at 1:29 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, October 1, 2009

Meet the Ewe - RiverOaks Lucy

3 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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