Stories from the Farm

We look forward to The Black Sheep Gathering every year, but this year was extra fun because Robin Lynde from Meridian Jacobs came up from California with a group of friends.  They all stayed at our place!

The event starts on Friday morning and goes through Sunday afternoon.  The Jacobs are shown on Friday afternoon.  This year there were 6 breeders with Jacob Sheep.

My sister helped me show our sheep…

We had an awesome year showing –

Our ram lambs took Champion Ram, Kenleigh’s Reno, and Reserve Champion Ram, Kenleigh’s Torrent.

We had 1st place in the young flock class

and Reserve Champion Ewe with our ewe lamb, Kenleigh’s Infiniti

I was telling my sister that it is so rewarding to get recognition for the blood, sweat, and tears that go into breeding sheep – I was half way joking – but then I remembered that Infiniti was one of the lambings that I had to assist with this year.  You might remember the post about the twisted lambs that tried coming out at the same time.  She is such a pretty girl and I am really happy I was there to help!

We also participated in the Spinner’s Lead class.  The criteria are as follows:

• Entries may be hand or machine knit, woven, crocheted or felted.
• The articles may have been completed at any time; it is not limited to items made during the past year.
• Someone other than the entrant may make the article, although the maker of entered article must be identified on the entry form.
• Articles must be at least 80% wool, mohair, or rabbit.
• Garments should represent the breed of animal being led.
• Entrant doesn’t have to own the animal used in the lead.

You wear or carry your article while walking a sheep around the show ring.  It is a lot of fun and always inspirational.  It was extra fun this year because my son also participated.  He was so cute!

He was in my sister’s wedding earlier this year and he helped me felt the ringbearer’s pillow that he carried.  So, he dressed in his little suit and walked Reno while carrying the pillow…

He is 4 1/2 and did a fabulous job walking his lamb all by himself.

I made a felted vest and was very shocked to receive 1st place in the class of 22 entries!!!

It was fun to see so many Jacobs in the Spinner’s Lead class…

There’s never enough time to see everything and catch up with friends.  I’m already looking forward to next year 🙂