| WHY I CHOSE ICELANDIC SHEEP |
| The beginning of the "Farm Experience" After a couple years of researching sheep and acquiring a couple Polypays that ended in disaster and then my special Suffolk Wether that I got to supply my need for quilt batts, I decided to look farther into a good wool breed that would supply my need for a high quality yarn and the perfect "FELTING" fleece, I discovered the Icelandic Breed. I had been to a few farms and inquired with some other shepherds but always went away a little discouraged to say the least,Until I met Laurie and Daryl at "The Lavender Fleece" in Midland, Michigan. I will refer to their farm a few times on this website because they have been so kind and generous to me starting out in this new venture. I was almost ready to give up when we decided to visit the Lavender Fleece farm. Now having animals all my life and growing up in a farming community "In the Thumb" of Michigan, I have to say how Impressed with the CLEANLINESS of this Icelandic farm. It was the early spring of the year and it was still a pleasure to walk around. The sheep were clean and very healthy looking. After being greeted by some of the sheep themselves, I was sold on this Clean, neat Icelandic farm with all the beautiful colors of sheep. I like the natural colors of fiber. I thought to myself, with all this color, I wouldn't have to dye wool anymore. (My mind was racing with ideas.) Laurie was so helpful and to her, No question was a dumb question. Her dedication to quality was obvious and I decided not to look any farther. We talked sheep for many months and it was so exciting when the Lavender Fleece baby lambs started arriving. I put my trust in Lauries experience and knowledge and let her put together a starter flock. She is truly dedicated to this special breed and like the Lavender Fleece claims in their website, they really do take the time in the After purchase training and support help. This meant a lot to me after the few years I had spent searching for just a few baby lambs for the farm. I'm not the type, to just jump into something without the proper research and a persons "ATTITUDE" means everything to me, but I do have to say now looking back it was well worth the wait to discover a friendly Shepherd and the Icelandic Breed of Sheep! Thanks "Lavender Fleece" |
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| UpDate on my farming experience.... After having this breed of sheep for several years now, I can Honestly say that I made the right choice. I was not sure at first what I was getting into and have learned a lot over the seasons about Lambing, babies that don't thrive, heat and cold conditions, Parasite control and the overall health of keeping a flock from housing more than one ram to taking care of Geriatric ewes and also preditors on the farm. I feel now that ANY situation regarding sheep that could ever come up, has now happened to me here on the farm. I can also say that I don't believe any other breed would have been as forgiving to me in my early days of shepherding. |