In the fall of 2005 we added a flock of Corriedale sheep to our 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  and the warnings from our cattle raising friends not withstanding, our sheep are healthy (if not porcine in proportion), well adjusted (as well as sheep can be) 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 for 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.

The current plan, now that we are a fully operating flock, is to sell live lambs and sheep, their wool, and “market sheep”.  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 for a handful of reasons.  Firs 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. 

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 and goats.