RAMSAY FARMS: NEGATIVE! Yippee!!

Monday, October 20, 2008

NEGATIVE! Yippee!!

The results came back from the quarantine group that contained the sheep from MFF, PA and Becky Utecht. I'm happy to report that all 10 ewes are negative for CL, OPP and Johne's! I know Suzanne up in AK will be happy to hear the results as we also did Snow Cloud! (she was in that group yet)

I decided to test that group for CL as well. After reading what horrible things it can do to a person's flock, I had to test for it. I also had read online that BFLs are more prone to OPP so was glad to get the girls tested and proven that they are indeed negative for it. All new animals will be tested from here on out!

The lambs from this year will be tested for CL and OPP after they turn 6 months old (the soonest you can test for it)

I can now sleep again, resting assured that my animals are negative from these terrible infectious diseases

6 comments:

coopercreek said...: Congratulations!! Also, congrats on the Reserve Champion in the previous post. :-)); October 20, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Rayna said...: Awesome! :); October 20, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Somerhill said...: Hi Garrett!
My BFLs have tested negative for OPP since 1999 - congrats on your clean flock.
Out of curiousity, where are you reading that BFLs are more prone to it? I'd like to see the info.
THX
Lisa; October 21, 2008 at 7:20 AM
Ebonwald Cardigans said...: Hi Lisa. The link actually says Border Leicesters, but the BFL did come from the Border.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/DI5750.html; October 21, 2008 at 9:46 AM
Becky Utecht said...: A sigh of relief here at River Oaks too Garrett. LOL. I really didn't think we'd have any of those diseases, but it's nice to hear the test results. Have you read the Pipestone Vets article on OPP? I'm not sure OPP is that much to worry about, especially if you've got old ewes raising up their lambs without any milk production problems and keep a closed ewe flock. Testing incoming stock is a great idea though.
Congratulations and best wishes with the AI this fall.; October 21, 2008 at 9:54 AM
Alaska Shetland Shepherd said...: YAY!!!!!! I reading blogs today and I am SO happy everyone came back negative!! WOOHOO! Ok, so we can trade sheep from now until eternity knowing we've both got clean clean clean flocks - yay!!! Here's to good husbandry, healthy sheep, and happy shepherds!

Guess where I'll be next week?? Can you say UK????? HEHEHE!!!!; October 23, 2008 at 6:56 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

Monday, October 20, 2008

NEGATIVE! Yippee!!

6 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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