Crooked Pines Farm is home to a delightful crew of hoofed friends – a herd of goats and a flock of sheep that bring endless joy and natural wonder to our little corner of the countryside. These woolly wonders are not only a delight to watch, but they also play a crucial role in the overall health and sustainability of our diverse farm ecosystem.
Goats: Our herd of mischievous caprine companions are true masters of their domain, scaling rocky outcroppings and munching on a wide variety of browse with equal enthusiasm. Whether it’s clearing overgrown brush, maintaining firebreaks, or simply providing endless entertainment, our goats are an invaluable asset to the farm. We’ve found that Nigerian Dwarf and Nubian goats thrive particularly well in our mediterranean climate, with their compact size and hardy constitutions making them ideal for our small-scale operations. Of course, goat care requires a delicate touch – these curious creatures are famous for their ability to test the strength of even the sturdiest fencing! Providing them with ample space to roam, browse, and play is key to keeping our goats happy and healthy.
Sheep: The stars of our woolly wonders, however, are undoubtedly the sheep. Our flock of American Blackbelly and Soay mixed-breed sheep are a perfect fit for our farm, blending hardiness, self-sufficiency, and sheer adorableness in equal measure. Unlike their more traditional woolly counterparts, our “hair sheep” shed their coats naturally each spring, eliminating the need for shearing while still providing us with a bounty of fiber for spinning, weaving, and felting.
These resilient ruminants excel at converting marginal pasture into high-quality meat and fleece, all while improving soil health through their grazing habits. Their compact size also means that our sheep are remarkably economical to care for, with modest feed requirements that fit our modest acreage. Of course, that small stature also means we have to be extra vigilant when it comes to predator protection – a task made easier by the sheep’s natural herding instincts and the presence of our trusty guardian llama, Archibald.
The Joys of Lambing Season
One of the true highlights of the farming year at Crooked Pines is the arrival of our spring lambs. Each March, we eagerly await the pitter-patter of tiny hooves as our expectant ewes give birth to the newest generation of woolly wonders. With their long lashes, spindly legs, and mischievous personalities, these little lambs capture the hearts of visitors and farmhands alike.
Raising lambs is a true labor of love, but the rewards are bountiful. We take great pride in observing the ewes’ excellent maternal instincts, watching as they carefully tend to their newborns, guiding them to nurse and keeping a watchful eye against any potential threats. Even the most skittish of our sheep transform into devoted mothers, fiercely protective of their offspring.
Though the arrival of twins and triplets can sometimes present challenges, our Blackbelly and Soay ewes typically have little trouble delivering and caring for their young. In fact, we’ve been delighted to find that these hardy breeds are remarkably self-sufficient, requiring minimal intervention from us during the lambing process. A quick check-in each morning to count heads and ensure all are thriving is usually all that’s needed.
Of course, the occasional bottle-fed “orphan” lamb does find its way into our care, and we cherish the opportunity to hand-raise these tiny creatures. Whether it’s Carlee, the miniature Katahdin rescued from an urban backyard, or our own little Bean, these bottle babies hold a special place in our hearts. With patience and plenty of cuddles, we’ve watched them blossom into confident, curious members of the flock.
Wool and Wonders
While the lambs may steal the spotlight during spring, the true stars of the show at Crooked Pines are the sheep themselves – and the incredible fiber they produce. As “hair sheep,” our Blackbellies and Soays don’t require the traditional shearing that their woolier counterparts do. Instead, they naturally shed their coats each year, leaving us with a bounty of soft, crimped fibers perfect for spinning, weaving, and felting.
Gathering this annual fleece harvest is a true family affair, with everyone pitching in to carefully collect the tufts of wool that cling to fences and bushes. We take great pride in transforming these raw materials into an array of beautiful and functional products, from warm winter hats and scarves to intricate felt sculptures and rugs.
Our sheep’s fiber also provides us with a valuable source of income, as we work to connect with local fiber artists, weavers, and knitters who appreciate the unique qualities of our Blackbelly and Soay wool. Whether it’s the soft, almost cloud-like texture of the Soay fleece or the subtle luster and crimp of the Blackbelly, each sheep contributes something special to our fiber-focused endeavors.
Of course, wool is just one of the many gifts our woolly wonders provide. Their meat is also a celebrated part of our farm-to-table offerings, with the lean, flavorful cuts from our mature sheep prized by local chefs and home cooks alike. We take great care in processing our lamb humanely and with respect, ensuring that every part of the animal is utilized to the fullest.
Integrated Farm Life
The goats and sheep at Crooked Pines are not merely livestock – they are integral members of our diverse farm ecosystem, playing crucial roles in maintaining the health and balance of our land. Through their grazing and browsing habits, these hoofed helpers keep weeds and invasive species in check, while also aerating the soil and depositing nutrient-rich manure to nourish our pastures.
Their presence also benefits our other farm residents, like the chickens who eagerly scratch through the sheep’s spent bedding for tasty morsels, or the curious cows who delight in observing the antics of their woolly neighbors. And of course, Archibald the guardian llama is ever-vigilant, ready to sound the alarm and scare off any potential predators that might threaten our precious flock.
In turn, the goats and sheep rely on the farm’s rich diversity to thrive. Our carefully managed pastures, with their mix of grasses, forbs, and browse, provide a nutritious and varied diet that keeps our herd and flock healthy and happy. We’ve also incorporated elements of rotational grazing and pasture rest into our land management practices, ensuring that our animals always have access to fresh, high-quality forage.
Whether it’s playing with the kids during our seasonal farm tours, watching the lambs frolic in the spring sunshine, or simply enjoying the meditative rhythm of daily chores, the goats and sheep at Crooked Pines are a constant source of joy, wonder, and fulfillment. Their presence enriches our farm life in countless ways, reminding us of the deep, symbiotic connections that bind us all together on this little patch of earth.
So come visit us at Crooked Pines, and meet the woolly wonders that make our farm such a special place. You’re sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for these remarkable creatures – and perhaps a handmade scarf or two to cherish for years to come.
