RAMSAY FARMS: Stress Reliever

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Stress Reliever

Sitting out with the sheep in the evenings before they get the lights turned out is quite relaxing. This is a time for new friends to introduce themselves to me or for me to look at the girls in a more confined, stress free environment.

Tonight Maya, who is quite inquisitive, yet never has allowed me to scratch her came up and stood for me. Ever so gently and slowly I reached out to scratch her neck. Her eyes immediately closed and she allowed to scratch her neck and head and back and chest with both my hands, standing very patiently for me.

There were three very IMPATIENT other sheep waiting for my hands to come back to them. Buttons, Cleo and Cleo's son PayDay. Buttons even got mad enough she tried climbing on me and tried pawing my chest. We all know that doesn't go well with me, so I gently set her back down on the ground, where she immediately came back up and was like "no, i'm not going anywhere its MY turn!". Needless to say my fingers were quite black from the oils and dirt on their fleeces. Such silly critters!

3 comments:

Nancy K. said...: Isn't it a wonderful feeling when these inately timid and fearful animuls TRUST us to be their friend? Sitting with my ewes is THE most relaxing thing that I do.

And I know what you mean about the greasy, black fingers....(it's the sign of a good shepherd!); June 12, 2007 at 5:15 PM
Nancy K. said...: OK...next time I'll "PREVIEW" before I post a comment. I, obviously, meant: fearful a n i m a l a s; June 12, 2007 at 5:18 PM
Nancy K. said...: a. n. i. m. a. l. s.

(I THINK)? it's HOT outside....; June 12, 2007 at 5:20 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

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Stress Reliever

3 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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