Spring is in the air!

 

2010 Sales List posted and UPDATED!-New ewes listed!

 

Last updated July 19, 2010

 

Welcome!          

                 Located on the site of historic Roberts Farm just 3 miles from the quaint village center of Putney, Vermont, Ledgewood Farm introduced its first Icelandic sheep in the fall of 2004. Since then we have gained certification in FAMACHA management of haemonchus contortus and vaginal artificial insemination of ewes with frozen semen (VAI.). The learning curve has been a steep one here, and, in 2007, after working with a mixed flock for 3 years, I decided to focus my efforts exclusively on polled Icelandic sheep.

                 I use herbal and organic products whenever possible, and my flock management is almost exclusively pasture based.

                 My ongoing goal is to produce outstanding Icelandics while concurrently utilizing them -true to their heritage- as the triple purpose breed that they are heralded to be.

                 A big fan of utility, I was initially attracted to this breed by their versatility. The idea of having sheep that could produce such a remarkable variety of niche products, and the fact that they are also thrifty keepers, thriving on grass alone while reliably producing multiple lambs seemed too good to be true. Then, when I learned of the variation of colors and patterns... I was absolutely sold!

                 As I acquired my stock, however, I quickly learned that not every Icelandic sheep is all of the things that they are advertised to be; Some have fantastic fleece but are poorly conformed, some are coarse-wooled but exceptionally milky, and others are meaty and gorgeously put together but susceptible to parasitism and other ailments. Disheartened to find that my dream sheep was not so readily available, I determined that I would set about breeding my own flock of Icelandics -to their full potential.

                 I continue to select for Icelandics that are honest-to-God triple purpose, hardy, healthy, easy keepers and reliable producers. About half of my breeding goals pertain specifically to ewes and maternal lines. The reason is simple: It is their production capability that will dictate profit potential in the number of lambs produced, their vitality and the rate at which they grow. Of course no sheep is perfect, but every breeding decision here takes into account the strengths and weaknesses of a given animal with the intent of producing an improved generation the following spring.

                 We provide the basics: fresh pasture, clean water and a foundation of health. Apart from that, we pretty much expect our sheep to take care of themselves. Our flock management is intentionally low input, and that’s the way we like it!

Thank you for visiting the website, and please feel free to be in touch,

Lili Bookwalter

802-387-4697

Shepherd@LedgewoodFarmIcelandics.com
Text Box: Why Icelandic Sheep? Whether you’re looking to start a registered breeding flock or just want a handful of wooly companions to graze down the grass and brambles out back, Icelandic sheep are a hard breed to beat. Secluded for over 1,000 years on the island of Iceland where they were prized by Viking farmers for their meat, milk and fiber, they have the distinction of being one of the world’s oldest, purest and most colorful breeds of sheep, uniquely evolved, utilitarian, intelligent and hardy. They come in a great variety of color and pattern combinations and happily subsist on grass and hay alone. Ewes consistently give birth to twins and the occasional single or set of triplets. They are a low maintenance, productive breed and a true delight to raise and love!

Hours old, an ewe lamb wades through the grass

A group of  Icelandics peer up at the camera