RAMSAY FARMS: updated website

Thursday, March 12, 2009

updated website

I've spent the last few hours updating my website. New photos of some of the girls, fleeces added to my FIBER page, and animals available also updated.

Just for fun, stop by and check it out!

http://www.ramsay-farms.com

Kim Nikolai of Kimberwood Farm came up today to pick up the grass fed beef that she purchased from me. It was I think EIGHT huge boxes of meat, I believe close to 700 pounds of hanging weight? It was a good deal ;) And cold enough it made the trip back to her place without thawing! I hope she likes it!!

After lunch, Kim and I went to meet the infamous Lil at the "At Loose Ends" yarn shop. In the summer you can see people spinning and knitting and whatnot out side on these large tables with lots of chairs. They were no where to be seen today, except for snow, and this was my first trip into the store to meet Lil. She's a hoot! Kim picked out some really colorful yarns to make booties for her first Grandbaby that is due in August!

We then drove to my farm to see the sheep and she and I were able to talk sheep for a few hours and feel 'normal' talking to someone else who 'gets sheep' and understands the genetic jibber and pedigree talk. It was a GOOD day :) It was so much fun to see Kim! Come back anytime!

3 comments:

Kim Nikolai said...: I had a great time too Garrett! I made it to my sister's to deliver her part of the beef and then home to load ours into our almost empty freezer which is now FULL of beef! Took some rib eye steaks out to thaw and can't wait to grill them up! Thanks for the excellent and HEALTHY grass fed beef!!!

Good luck with your AI lambs and keep me posted!; March 12, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Kara said...: I need to find me some grass fed beef here. DH wants to raise our own steer...we will see. I'd rather let someone else raise it, but grass fed is harder to find. You did a very nice job on your websight.; March 13, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Cynthia said...: Very nice update Garrett. Cynthia; March 13, 2009 at 8:26 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

updated website

3 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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