RAMSAY FARMS: Shetland Lambs

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Shetland Lambs

Just after Mike and Kelly left this morning, I went to do chores and after finding no new lambs at 7am this morning, didn't think I'd find any now. Low and behold, there was NEW lambs!!

After not having a ton of spots for awhile, they are back at Ramsay Farms!

Below is a yuglet sokket moorit ram lamb with horn buds. His yuglets are so large he'll probably be registered as a smirslet because I'm sure as he grows the white will get smaller.

here is momma shelteringpines Cabotine with her twins, the moorit spotty ram and his lovely moorit ewe lamb twin. Cabotine is mioget so the lambs could also be modified.

And when I went to feed hay this little firecracker came running in with the big girls. She herself is a big GIRL. She is a gray katmoget flecket ewe lamb. Her momma is WhitePine Eiffel 65 who is a Jazz daughter out of Sommarang Emerald (black flecket). Sire is Crosswinds Apollo who is mioget flecket smirslet so she carries moorit and possibly modified to boot!

She's a flashy gal! I'm excited to see that fine fleece grow in too :)

4 comments:

Tombstone Livestock said...: Shetlands do not seem to be easy to decide on colors and markings as much as they change. 2 of my last years ewe lambs changed a lot. I also have one ewe I bought that is registered as Black, yet she it white, her face and legs have a silver coloring so she must have been registered early.; March 18, 2012 at 1:20 PM
Shula said...: They are all adorable, but I love that little girl, what cool markings!; March 18, 2012 at 1:58 PM
Michelle said...: Congratulations on a great-looking start to lambing! I am really disappointed that Sarai didn't settle, but her fleece is looking fabulous and is probably around 3" long, which I didn't expect after a July shearing.; March 18, 2012 at 4:34 PM
Kelly said...: I cannot believe they held out until after I left. I was barely 20 mile away when I got your message that Cabotine had twins.
They are all beaties G.; March 19, 2012 at 11:19 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, March 18, 2012

Shetland Lambs

4 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

FEEDJIT Live Traffic Feed