RAMSAY FARMS: Black Sheep Gathering

Monday, June 13, 2011

Black Sheep Gathering

Trying to finalize my trip! It looks as though I will leave around June 22 and be home around June 28. My dad is taking care of all animals (thanks Dad!) but it will be easy on him since all the sheep (rams included) and cattle (bulls included) are in lush pastures and will be just needing daily fence checks to make sure the fences are not down or someone is stuck.

I will be taking Oliver and Zoe with me to place them in their forever homes and Ballantyne and Brewer get to make the trip out west to see their daddy Pilot's breeders. It should be a good time.

If anyone needs hauling I'm the cheapest there is! Someone inquired with a professional hauler for about a 12 hour trip and the first animal was quoted at 1065.00 and each additional animal 65.00. I guess my rates don't look so bad after all :) And I'm doing a 29 hour trip so double that price! :) :)

I'm so fortunate to have a dad who is willing to help me out, and a business that I can get everything squared away before I leave and can leave in good hands until I return.

Unless something changes, this will probably be my last trip west for awhile. The only way I can afford to go is if I am able to transport animals for people and this year is a slightly more meager year in that regard.

Can't wait to see those of you who are going there! Should be fun as always!

3 comments:

Michelle said...: EEEK! That's a week from this Wednesday that you're leaving; I need to get more info from Kim in order to make a decision and allow you two to meet up!; June 13, 2011 at 7:42 PM
Rayna said...: Wish I had the money to be able to bring back some new blood from there.; June 14, 2011 at 12:35 AM
Somerhill said...: Have a great time, Garrett, and be careful on the drive!; June 14, 2011 at 6:26 AM

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, June 13, 2011

Black Sheep Gathering

3 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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