RAMSAY FARMS: Minwawe Lyra

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Minwawe Lyra

Lyra as most of you know was purchased from Mary Ellen Kelly. She has a unique smirlset and branget marking that looks like it just slipped a few inches to one side.

She was bred to Jazz who is spotted as well as katmoget. I was hoping for an adorable spotted lamb. Well I got one. A black krunet sokket ram lamb.

When I brought the girls up early tonight b.c. i'm headed to Fargo for Sadie's agility class, I counted only 11 girls in the 'ladies in waiting pen'. I went back outside and saw Lyra standing at the back of the pen next to a lump. I ran over to see that she had indeed aborted a lamb about 3 or so weeks early. I know we DID switch over to a different kind of hay (we ran out, and had to get some from a neighbor) but if it was nutritional, I'd be seeing more abortions. Maybe she got plowed into by one of the other girls? Maybe she was just too little. Kind of puts a damper on the day.

The life of a shepherd

5 comments:

Kathy said...: Garrett, I am so sorry for the loss. I know that, as well as you, Lyra will be affected by the loss of her lamb, too.
Sometimes, no matter if we do everything right, things like this still happen. As you said, it's all part of farming. We don't have to like it, but it does happen.

My condolences.; May 1, 2008 at 7:11 PM
Becky Utecht said...: Oh, what a bummer Garrett! So sorry for you and Lyra. I hope you will still have a good time in Fargo and that the rest of your ladies in waiting come through with more spots for you.; May 1, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Michelle said...: How sad; I'm so sorry.; May 2, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Nancy K. said...: I'm so sorry to hear that Lyra lost her lamb! What a sad discovery.; May 9, 2008 at 8:59 PM
Gail V said...: I'm so sorry to hear about your baby-lost, Garrett. What a sad disappointment for you and Lyra.
Now, I read you took in lots of Peeps' sheep. I'll see if she wants more foster homes, good inspiration.; May 13, 2008 at 12:03 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

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Minwawe Lyra

5 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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