RAMSAY FARMS: Yearly Inspection

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Yearly Inspection

Well Kelly V. just drove down the driveway. Another inspection under my belt :) I always enjoy visiting with her about all types of animals, experiences with them etc. Too bad the inspection only takes 10 minutes and the rest of the time is shootin' the breeze :) ha ha

No fancy photos like Nancy does with Kelly. I feel Kelly might 'get a big head' if we all were taking photos of her hard at work!

Having the girls locked up in small pens gave me a chance to really look at the girls' fleeces and MMMMMMMM.....YUMMY is all I have to say! The mature ewes all have a nice length to their fleeces as well as density, and most have some nice crimp to them and wow are they soft! It may be hard to get good photos indoors and with a flash but hopefully they will suffice for now. The sun doesn't look to be coming out today.

Most of the goats and sheep were friendly enough that we didn't have to catch them and stress them out. Some were down right curious of the clipboard and those loud plastic booties! Others, like Rachildas, my mature white ewe, was quiet defiant that she had to be locked in a small pen, with other ewes, inside. The audacity of it all!

Will be back in a bit with some good photos hopefully!

2 comments:

Kelly N said...: Nope, trust me, you will not get any big headedness from me. Not the way I work. It all just part of my job. That I can make it more enjoyable to do for you guys is just a perk. Glad I can keep you all happy :-) I loved meeting the corgis. They are so cute. See you next year.; February 29, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Kelly N said...: With that comment goes: I really don't like having my picture taken so I am totally fine with none of me posted :-) I don't like the attention.; February 29, 2008 at 3:41 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 28, 2008

Yearly Inspection

2 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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