The Sheep

I can thank Linda Grommes for my involvement in sheep. She was one of the first to import the offspring of Col. Dailley's flock when they were finally out of quarantine. I was only interested in having a couple of organic lawnmowers, but Linda (ever generous) threw in a bred ewe. That was 14 years and close to one hundred sheep ago.

Shetland sheep were first imported to North America in 1980 by Col. Dailley of Cambridge, Ontario. He imported 28 ewes and 4 rams. Shetlands are smaller in stature, ewes weighing about 75 to 100 lbs. and rams about 90 to 125 lbs. They have naturally short, fluke shaped tails that require no docking. There are eleven recognized colors and 30 markings. Their wool is highly prized by handspinners. The neck and shoulder wool is exceptionally fine. Shetland knitting is world renowned, their lace shawls so fine that the entire shawl can be drawn through a wedding ring. Shetland ewes are hardy, easy lambers and good mothers. The rams are docile and are easily handled even during the breeding season. Many individiuals are known to wag their tails when petted!

Romyldale Shetlands (Flock 22) is a small, but select flock. My pasture space is limited, so I am very choosy about what I keep. Colors range from white to black, with several distinct shades of gray. I also have moorits (brown) ranging from fawn to chocolate. Staple length varies as well as the amount of crimp and luster. All are very spinnable. I was thrilled when Denali's fleece (my shaela ewe lamb) was awarded the Champion ribbon for the Classic division at the 1998 Michigan Fiber Festival. Raw fleece, roving and breeding stock are available. Elrond, a French Angora rabbit, has joined the menagerie. Visits to the farm are always welcome.