OUR SHETLAND SHEEP
Shetland sheep are from the northernmost islands of Scotland. These little sheep have evolved to be very adaptive to harsh environments. They are hardy, parasite resistant and do relatively well on lean feeding. This means they like—even seemingly to prefer—brambles, bark and woodier weeds to soft pasture grass.
Shetland sheep come in 11 natural colors and 30 recognized patterns. They have three fleece types: true double (primitive hairlike coat over a downy underlayer); double (long and wavy coat observed on most Shetlands); and the very soft single coat the Scots call kindly.
Our flock is kindly.
Many believe all Shetlands grow this very soft kindly fleece, since their wool is widely considered to be fine. Only those of us who test annually can provide the data to back up our claims of fineness. This is an important distinction, especially if next to bare skin softness is desirable to you or your project.
We breed to the criteria for fine fiber set by the Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association, meeting these requirements to preserve this breed’s traditional 1927 fiber standard.
Our sheep are quite social since we tend to spend a lot of time with them. Their individual temperaments mostly range from sweet and friendly (ewes) to polite and respectful (rams). We sometimes have the odd one or two who seem to modulate between timid and affectionate but they are never unmanageable.
We are in Rhinebeck NY.
Shetland sheep come in 11 natural colors and 30 recognized patterns. They have three fleece types: true double (primitive hairlike coat over a downy underlayer); double (long and wavy coat observed on most Shetlands); and the very soft single coat the Scots call kindly.
Our flock is kindly.
Many believe all Shetlands grow this very soft kindly fleece, since their wool is widely considered to be fine. Only those of us who test annually can provide the data to back up our claims of fineness. This is an important distinction, especially if next to bare skin softness is desirable to you or your project.
We breed to the criteria for fine fiber set by the Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association, meeting these requirements to preserve this breed’s traditional 1927 fiber standard.
Our sheep are quite social since we tend to spend a lot of time with them. Their individual temperaments mostly range from sweet and friendly (ewes) to polite and respectful (rams). We sometimes have the odd one or two who seem to modulate between timid and affectionate but they are never unmanageable.
We are in Rhinebeck NY.
SHEPHERDESS
Karen Ma
This small farm is, in a sense, my childhood dream. My love for animals has long been a constant. My desire to improve and build the soil under my feet is more recent.
For soil health and biodiversity, we practice rotational grazing with the sheep. Where we’re able, we include our chickens in the rotation. Chickens are very good at pest control and as a general clean up crew.
I am proud of our flock of dual registered Shetlands. I select for health, temperament and conformation.
Our fleeces are sampled and lab tested annually.
For soil health and biodiversity, we practice rotational grazing with the sheep. Where we’re able, we include our chickens in the rotation. Chickens are very good at pest control and as a general clean up crew.
I am proud of our flock of dual registered Shetlands. I select for health, temperament and conformation.
Our fleeces are sampled and lab tested annually.
