As a dual breed, the smaller and much lighter Shetland is ideal for the homestead where erosion and productive use of space while providing for the family table is a concern. Shetland sheep evolved on the wind-driven hills of Scotland and survived on a wide-range of forbs, browse and grasses, including extensive use of seaweeds washed on shore by storms. Maintaining very excellent health without the graining we have come to expect of our massive American sheep, the meat from the Shetland is naturally tender, lower in fat and thus cholesterol, and is considered extremely mild in flavor. Shetland sheep grow quite slowly and a typical ewe one might considering culling for the freezer at 2 years old will be nearly identical in flavor and tenderness to a 6 months old lamb.
Our Shetland stock represent some of the finest examples of the conformation, fleece quality and health for which the breed is justifiably famous. As with any breeding endeavour, we aggressively work with a farm plan that is reviewed frequently in order that the animals we breed and sell meet our standards of quality.
After many years of working stock in this area we can affirmatively state that our foundation stock has shown a remarkable parasite resistance within our system and have shown an outstanding adaptability to our recovering land/forage. All our breeding Shetland's are tested for Scrapie resistant genetics and have fiber testing done at their first, second and third shearing and we regularly test for micron variation as we see the ewes themselves changing. Additional testing for any variation for our expectation is done as is necessary for confirmation of health and stock quality.
Our Goals for our Shetland flock are further enhanced by our ongoing partnership with Karen Valley of Wintersky Shetlands and her daughter Meghan Namaste of Wintertime Shetlands, Michigan. By sharing our land resources, we are able to support a variety of needs that working alone could not. Our Wisconsin farm offers space for many youngsters to roam and grow, giving us time to fully evaluate them. The Michigan farm is often the better placement for some of our more timid ewes who seem to thrive in that more intimate setting.
In the spring of 2007 our granddaughter Alexis began her own small flock here: Friendship Farms (NASSA Flock 1702) is breeding for highly patterned Shetlands. Check in with us from time to time to learn what our sweet pre-teen is doing with her group of Shetlands!