RAMSAY FARMS: My 400th post, and AI girls

Thursday, March 12, 2009

My 400th post, and AI girls

Wow! 400 posts in just over two years. Thanks to those blogger friends who comment and/or at least read my blog. It helps keep me sane and attached to the world! So thank you and please continue to read and comment about it!

We still have NO AI lambs....which is thankful! During the blizzard and snow and now -18 degree temps without windchill....winter is still here in west central MN. They threaten us witha 15 day forecast of in the lower 40's, upper 30's which would indeed feel like spring. Then we just need to have our 2 feet of snow melt so we can SEE if the grass is turning green LOL.

With no AI lambs yet...the NAME THAT EWE contest is still open to anyone who wishes to guess! It is two parts remember so this is the first phase and then in another 3 weeks or so i will post the ground breeding girls to have you guess the second part. For more details scroll down to read about a past blog that has all the info.

2 comments:

Sharrie said...: Calves are still coming around here. Glad to hear that your sheep have held off for the time being. In west central WI we don't have much snow left, but the cold certainly is here.; March 12, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Kathy and Kim Gibson said...: Okay I am not going to complain anymore about the 15degrees this morning. Nope not going to complain anymore!

Congrats on our 400th post!; March 12, 2009 at 10:40 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, March 12, 2009

My 400th post, and AI girls

2 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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