We began raising sheep with the idea of using them as "organic" lawnmowers.  They don't use gas and the idea was that they would take less time than riding the tractor, not to mention the benefits of raising and selling the babies.  At the very beginning we had the intention that if we enjoyed the "sheep experiment" we would try to specialize in the Leicester Longwool breed, once the most popular breed worldwide, now listed as "critical" according to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.  This will be our second year to raise this beautiful breed of sheep and we hope to have a limited number of lambs available in the spring/summer of 2010.

From that first summer we still have the first four ewes that got us started with three of their babies in addition.  It was too hard to part so soon with the first set, so we raise their babies for meat and to supply those first time shepherds with starter sheep.  We have found that the lamb chops have become the favorite main course in our house.  As a side product we usually have machine washable pelts available for rugs, etc.

The goats came into the picture the second summer as an "organic" weeder.  They are supposed to take care of those less desirable plants and trim the trees when needed.  Turns out they can really clear the brush!  Just be careful where you let them wander, cause they can be a lot like Roundup to your trees and flowers.  They are a little more personable than the sheep and the babies are just about as cute as any animal I have seen with those floppy ears and stocky body.  Notice the goats "at work" in the picture to the right!

The Alpacas have come along recently.  They are definitely the most curious of the animals and have won many spitting contests with the sheep and goats!  Their fleece has the reputation of being warmer than wool and softer too.  They have also proven to be quite adept at mowing the grass.  Perhaps we will have babies next spring so we get a chance to experience that side of things with the Alpacas.

Just to round things out and fit the name of the farm, we offer raspberry plants in spring and fall.  What started as a desire for a few home grown berries has literally exploded with hundreds of baby raspberry plants from the initial three varieties: Boyne, Latham, and Nova.  The thorns are quite small and the berries are a nice medium to large size with sweet flavor (most of the time).