RAMSAY FARMS: 699th post

Saturday, July 31, 2010

699th post

This is my 699th post.

For my 700th, I would like to give away a few prizes. I have several raw fleeces I would like to get out to the public, and am thinking I'd like to have a larger 'door prize' of some sort but am having difficulties thinking of one. Aside from a free lamb. (live, not frozen!)

Any suggestions?

10 comments:

Michelle said...: I'll take a poll-carrier spotted ewe lamb, please - shipping included. ;-); July 31, 2010 at 5:13 PM
Unknown said...: Yeah I'd not say no to a lamb, live or frozen. A live one I'd start my journey towards having my own herd, a frozen one would become a grand holiday meal. :o)
Fleeces sound cool, I'd use them for educational purposes.
Looking forward to seeing what you put together Garrett and seeing the lucky winners. :o)
Slan, Eryn; July 31, 2010 at 9:13 PM
Mim said...: Both sound nice, fleece or lamb, of course a live lamb who will give a fleece every year, plus lambs, that sounds best!
Congratulations!; August 1, 2010 at 8:56 AM
Potosi Sheep Farm said...: What a great idea! I'll enter your contest.; August 1, 2010 at 10:20 AM
Nancy K. said...: Why not just save yourself all the hassle of running a contest and just send me a grey fleece and a full-horned ram (that does not carry polled, please)...

Not that I'm greedy or anything. I'm just trying to help you out!

;-); August 1, 2010 at 7:26 PM
Franna said...: ...so, Garrett. Are you just trying to keep us all in suspense for number 700?

I'll take the poll carrier that Nancy doesn't want. Of course, I'll have to arm wrestle Michelle for it ;-)

Ahhhhh, anticipation.; August 6, 2010 at 11:22 AM
Franna said...: ...kidding aside. Fleeces (or part fleeces) are a great idea, a lamb would be quite an extravagant prize! ...or transportation credit?; August 6, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Karen Valley said...: I like the idea of partial transportation credit.; August 9, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Donna said...: Geesh...live lamb sounds great until I try to figure out how to get it here!!! Hmmmm....some of Garrett's bloodlines here out East...sounds good to me!! Tiffany....ready for another drive? LOL; August 12, 2010 at 2:32 PM
Donna said...: Geesh...live lamb sounds great until I try to figure out how to get it here!!! Hmmmm....some of Garrett's bloodlines here out East...sounds good to me!! Tiffany....ready for another drive? LOL; August 12, 2010 at 2:33 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, July 31, 2010

699th post

10 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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