RAMSAY FARMS: first two lambs born for 2016

Friday, March 25, 2016

first two lambs born for 2016

The first two lambs at the new farm have been born!

Both lambs are sired by UnderTheSon Duke Cardiff (who has a new home in Iowa!)

The ram lamb is actually mioget (and horned) and is out of Whistlestop 1241 (0525/Heylor). He is lovely.

This ewe lamb is out of WhitePine Neap (whistlstop 1123 x WhitePine Naomi). She is a moorit light badgerface and could be possibly be Ag (from Duke).

The quality continues to get better and better. How will i decide who to keep?

It appears that my BFL did not breed any of his ewes so I will NOT be having BFL lambs, or any mules this year. Also due to the request of the owner of the previous farm, I had to cut my breeding groups short, so it appears a few of those ewes are also not bred, which is disappointing. I'll have less than 40 ewes to lamb then this spring. That will be the lowest I've ever lambed since my first year.

1 comment:

Michelle said...: God has His reasons and they are always for our best. Fewer lambs are a good thing; I'm telling myself that as well as you!; March 25, 2016 at 12:13 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

Friday, March 25, 2016

first two lambs born for 2016

1 comment:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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