About Our Farm
We primarily raise 100% grass-fed American Herdwick sheep for meat and wool. They are native to the Lake District in England and are a rare breed in the US.
Herdwick History
Herdwick sheep are believed to have descended from sheep brought to England by the Vikings between the 10th and 11th centuries. The name "Herdwick" comes from the Old Norse word "herdvyck," meaning sheep pasture. Today this sheep breed is most prevalent in Cumbria in the Lake District, and children's author Beatrix Potter was instrumental in preserving the breed. She owned multiple farms in the Lake District and was a respected conservationist and breeder of Herdwick sheep. After her death in 1943, she left over 4,000 acres to the National Trust, on the condition that the land continue to be used for farming and breeding Herdwicks.
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Herdwicks are 'smiley' sheep that are born black and become gray with white faces as they mature. They are extremely hardy, with wool on their legs and a double-layer coat that helps protect them from the harshest conditions. They have a strong hefting instinct that allows them to graze freely on the Lake District fells, and they are gathered at certain times throughout the year for shearing, lambing and breeding.
Protectors of the Flock
We have 3 livestock guardian dogs that protect our flock and our chickens. The main predators here are coyotes. This is Lucy, a Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherd mix who lives with our sheep 24/7. She takes her job very seriously, and we couldn't do what we do without her!
Wool
Herdwicks produce a course, durable gray wool that has traditionally been used for carpets, insulation and tweed. Every spring before lambing, we shear our sheep and take the fleeces to our local fiber mill, where it is washed and spun into yarn.
