RAMSAY FARMS: Lambing is complete

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Lambing is complete

After a 10 day hiatus of no lambs, the last ewe lambed yesterday. Sheltering Pines Amarige (fawn katmoget) gave me twin black rams out of WhitePine Christian.

We ended up having two ewes open, but we also did not have a clean up ram. This was the earliest I've ever had the majority of the ewes lamb (first week of April) and I'm pleased with the overall results. Lambing percentage was 140% with all crosses, Shetlands and BFLs. I had on average 12 ewes lamb every day for 9 days straight. It was pandemonium and I'm glad to have it over with AND I didn't have to use hormones to synchronize them :)

I've had quite an interest in lambs so please inquire about what is or will be available. I also will be selling about 20 purebred ewes this year, as well as putting more of my purebreds to the BFL for more Mules next year so purebred Shetlands next year will be limited.

5 comments:

Kelly said...: I'm glad you are finally done.......I, on the other hand, still have 2 ewes to go.
You should see the ram lamb that Challis gave me this morning...he's a flashy little guy.; April 17, 2012 at 2:04 PM
Cynthia said...: very lovely lambs Garrett.; April 19, 2012 at 6:44 PM
erica said...: Are you going to WI sheep and wool festival this year? I am interested in hearing about any friendly, fine fleeced ewes you may part with.; April 22, 2012 at 6:21 AM
farmnwife said...: Hello, I would like to have you as a featured farmer on my site farmnwife.com
If you would like to please email me or use my contact page there.
thanks
judi; April 29, 2012 at 8:29 AM
erica said...: Hi!
I am in the market for adding a few more sheep to my flock. You mentioned having some older girls available. I am mostly looking for girls that grade at a 3 or lower, that are friendly. I especially like coal black, moorit, shaela, and emsket. You can email me at EricaQSolis@gmail.com
Thanks!
Erica; May 4, 2012 at 4:43 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

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Lambing is complete

5 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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