RAMSAY FARMS: Walking in a winter wonderland..........

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Walking in a winter wonderland..........

Saturday, April 5th, 1pm

Sunday, April 6th, 1pm

So yesterday I knew the snow was coming. For comparison I wanted to do a 'before and after' kind of photo. Well I got one. Last night the front came through and within 30 minutes it had dropped nearly 20 degrees!! Followed by sleet and then snow and then AFTER the snow there was a thunderstorm and rain. We had between 5-6 inches of snow only.

Woke up early after having nightmares about ewes lambing with triplets and either taking other lambs as their own or refusing their own and me getting home from work and not knowing whose lambs were whose. Ran outside............no lambs.

My dad and I went to Wadena where I do about 90% of my snow removal. They didn't have any snow...just ice.......about 20 miles away. Drove to Perham where my other snow removal is and they had about 4 inches. My buddy from Detroit Lakes (another 30 minutes to the northwest of Perham) said they had 8 inches there already. Guess we were right on that line.

It had stopped snowing by 1am last night and now apparently its wrapping around an we are in for round two. This time more snow....6-10 inches more. And its a white out now. Its allegedly supposed to be done at midnight...i'm hoping to leave at 9pm and go blow snow all night long so i'm not out all day tomorrow doing it. Oh and its supposed to be 50 again tomorrow. that doesn't seem odd to those further south but typically when there is snow here...it lasts all winter and doesn't get above freezing for months......

I'd rather have THAT snow...where its light and fluffy than this wet heavy crap that you can't shovel. ugh...back out to get ready for tonight! wish me luck!

3 comments:

Michelle said...: I worked in Wadena for the newspaper for a short while - before moving to the newspaper in Perham. And we went to church in Detroit Lakes....; April 6, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Kathy said...: You guys are getting OUR spring weather, Garrett! Hmmm....well, we're "supposed" to get some rain/snow tomorrow night. I love the before and after shots of the house.; April 7, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Alaska Shetland Shepherd said...: hehehehehehe..........sorry Garret...we had the same as you. It started snowing Saturday and by Sunday night, we had 6 inches at least of snow...warm enough to pack it down but as of today, it's still hanging around and supposed to start up again tomorrow night. Geez, that was a terrible tease of spring! Hopefully it comes back soon.; April 8, 2008 at 12:28 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

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Walking in a winter wonderland..........

3 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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