Corriedale Sheep

In the fall of 2005 we added a flock of sheep to or farm. Our original thought was to find a breed that would have a use beyond our initial desire to inter-graze with our horses to improve the pasture. Our Corriedales have made a noticeable difference in the quality of the grass (less weeds) and are friendly enough to allow the daughters to walk up to and pet. Our concerns about our inexperience with sheep and the warnings from our cattle raising friends not withstanding, our sheep are healthy (if not porcine in proportion), well adjusted (for sheep) and a part of the overall make up of our farm. Our original starter flock of ewes were purchased from Saville Hill Farm in Lexington, VA. Ron and Elizabeth Jackson's experience and kind natures were the perfect match to our inexperience and needy questioning about everything sheep like.

In the fall of 2006 we decided to expand our Corrie flock and added a ram named by one of the daughters "Grin" to which we added "Big Boy" and four ewes. Then in the spring of 2008 we decided to purchase an outcross ram from Ruppert Corriedales. The Rupperts are known for producing animals with exceptional wool. It is our hope that our new ram, Wallace, who's sire is 3/4 Australian Corrie will help to improve the quality of wool we are producing. We have given Wallace "first go" at the ewes this year (Fall 2008). We will let Big Boy Grin do the "clean up". It is our hope that, although a young ram, Wallace will get the job done and leave nothing for Grin to do. (Much to Grin's chagrin). We are looking forward to seeing what Wallace produces in the spring. We will expect our 2009 lambs to begin arriving early April 2009.

Our Rams

The ewes

Big Boy Grin

Wallaby Wallace

The current plan, now that we are a fully operating flock, is to sell live lambs and sheep, wool as well as sending some sheep "to market". Before committing to the Corriedale breed, we spent a good deal of time shopping around for a breed of sheep we liked. We chose the Corriedale breed for a handful of reasons. First and foremost, they look like sheep (not goats). Secondly, they are very versatile. They provide excellent wool for spinning and can be used as "go-to-market" sheep as well. Third, Corriedales have a strong flocking instinct and are calm and friendly (key for the daughters).

We decided to get sheep not only to add diversity to the farm but to provide our Anatolian Shepherd Dogs with a real job to do. Anatolians are livestock protection dogs, used specifically to guard sheep flocks.