Back in 2017, we began our Gotland sheep adventure, and since that time we've learned so much about this amazing breed but also have so much more to learn. We began this adventure with 3 ewes and 1 ram and this last spring we produced 12 lambs. Out of those 12 lambs, 9 of those are ewes, and that is pretty amazing! Fall of 2020 we purchased a new ram from Carol Ronan out in Oregan. This ram is Halvard the first place yearling ram at the OFFF show in OR (the largest Gotland sheep show in the USA) Halvard is a high percentage Gotland with a long line of Swedish genetics. He made the long journey across the US and decided he was ready to meet the girls as soon as he pulled in the driveway. Our plan was to give him a week of rest after his long travel and allow him to adjust to his new surroundings. But Halvard had other ideas, he jumped the fence and went straight for the girls. He has since learned what a hotwire fence is for. Halvard produced some lovely, healthy, fast-growing lambs. Pictured above is one of his beautiful silver ewe lambs from this spring.
Gotlands are a multi-purpose breed, growing very quickly they can reach ideal slaughter weight at 5-7 months of age. Their fast-growing fleeces can grow up to 12 inches of fleece per year and are perfect for felting.
Don't forget they also make the most beautiful pelts I've ever seen! This amazing multi-purpose breed creates very mild meat (tastes nothing like the junk you can purchase in the store) lots of lovely fleece. And soft, shiny, curly pelts. Oh and don't forget the ewe's almost always produce twin lambs and can produce triplets and quads.
Last year I sent 2 fleeces off to be milled and made into yarn and roving. It took almost a year to get it back, so it is a long process but I was super happy with the results. We used Round Barn Fiber Mill in Durand IL. They're super helpful, prompt at answering all questions, reasonable prices, and produce a nice yarn that I can now sell in my Etsy shop and website or hoard it all for myself.
Since each sheep is a different color they can produce some beautiful shades of grey. You can also have the yarn-dyed any color you would like. We just had our fall shearing so I have lots of fleece needing milled. If you're interested in purchasing a raw fleece drop me an email. You can also find raw fleeces, yarn, and pelts (when we have them) listed in my Etsy shop ChickenScratchStore
Does the current state of our nation have you concerned or thinking about a need for becoming more self-sufficient? I can tell you from the phone calls I receive from customers you are not alone. People are moving quickly in a direction to becoming more self-sustainable. Why are sheep a good meat choice? Gotland ewes are easy to lamb (I haven't had a ewe need my help and I've had them 5 years). They almost always have twins. The lambs grow quickly on pasture only. Gotlands are smaller and easy to handle than most meat sheep. So if you might have been thinking, "honey we should get some cattle so we'll have a meat source" did you know it can take 2 years to grow out a calf? Plus they need much more pasture and grain. It might be a good idea to consider Ovine instead of Bovine.
Although Gotlands do love a little grain from time to time. If you give them a little they'll follow you to the ends of the earth if you just shake the bucket with a little grain in the bottom.
look at her shine! If you're interested in a small starter flock, drop me an email or give me a call.
Have a Blessed day!
Angie
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