RAMSAY FARMS: Feeling Better

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Feeling Better

Maybe its the longer days and bright blue skies.....

Maybe its the fact that I've been running, eating heathier, tanning, and visiting friends. Heck I even went out DANCING last weekend and wow was THAT a good time. It had been far too long!

Maybe its all the support from my critter friends (both publicly and privately) from my blog....

Its been getting better.

I have met someone new, I have found out what is making the goats sick, I am excited about my upcoming litter of pups. I'm excited for spring, for lambs, for calves, for pigeons.

I finally mated some of my pigeons up last night. I normally put them together Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day...but always before new Years. This year Its going to be Valentine's Day before they are all paired up.

I leave next wednesday for Denver to job hunt and house hunt. Something keeps telling me I need to get away for awhile, have a budgeted income instead of this feast or famine I've been dealing with for the past 10 years. At any rate, I need a change of a job and if that allows me to stay here great. If I need to move, maybe that is just what the doctor ordered.

My dog website, www.ebonwald.com, has had 300 hits in the past 4 weeks. That's an all time high and the interest in my dogs, my upcoming litter and such is quite flattering. Even if its just nosy dog people checking out what I'm up to, that's great for me :)

I spent awhile out with the girls today. Man I can't believe that some of the girls are already rooing in their necks. Last year Buttons did this and she is the first one to start. A few of the older girls are also rooing, and I can't believe it, considering the freakishly cold weather we've been having.

Its true what everyone has said in my previous post. Family, Friends and pets sure make me feel better. I just wish I lived closer to all of you! The animals have a simple way of showing affection and humor. Its so appreciated. Its so calm to be with them, their daily routines so carefree and stress free. I wish I were animal.

2 comments:

Michelle said...: Oh my, a move to Denver would be a drastic life change! Does that mean all the birds and animals but the dogs would be left behind or sold? I can't imagine you moving EVERYthing.; February 7, 2008 at 3:21 PM
Kathy said...: Sometimes a dorr is opened, and sometimes you have to make a change. We've all been there Garrett...you just have to do what you have to do in life. I will be keeping positive thoughts that IF you decide to move, it will be because there are good things that await you in life.; February 9, 2008 at 10:55 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, February 7, 2008

Feeling Better

2 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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