We knew we wanted sheep, but weren't sure what breed. The internet has provided us with a wealth of information. I first went to the Oklahoma State University Web site. They have an animal science department with a wonderful catalog of livestock breeds. You can check out the sheep breeds here: http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/

We narrowed it down to four breeds and started calling breeders, asking questions and visiting sheep shows. We met our breeders at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and were pleased with their knowledge of the breed and confidence in their stock. We chose the Leicester Longwools. There is more information about the breed and the breeder's association on the Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association here: http://www.leicesterlongwool.org/

There are a lot of Web sites, books and other sources of information available. We have a pretty good Agricultural Extension (Virginia Tech) locally and I have been able to get information on pasture management and parasite management. A book that is very readable Living with sheep: everything you need to know to raise your own flock by Chuck Wooster. Online I like: http://www.sheep101.info/

We currently have two breed lines, one natural colored and one white. You can take a look at our breeding stock, click on this text.

Our sires are Bucko and Ray Ray. Bucko is the man's man, serious and intent on his missions. His fleece comes off like liquid pewter. Ray Ray wanted to be the head honcho, but is really a gentle guy and is calm and patient. He knows that he will be rewarded for good behavior. Ray's fleece is pearly white and he has a beautiful ramy face. They do well together and often rest together under the cedar tree in the pasture. Our ewes are Ellie, Molly and Hannah. Ellie is svelt, spirited and elegant. She has an inquisitive nature. Ellie's fleece is very much like Bucko's –a little more black with some silver undercoat on the saddle. Ellie is an excellent and protective mother; their first lamb in 2009 was a fine-looking, confidant ram. Molly is the calmest and most affectionate of our girls. You can see the friendly warmth on her face. She is also has a pearly white fleece and keeps a very nice crimp. Molly is also an excellent mother, twinning every birth thus far, even her first! Molly also has a pet kitten named Milkshake, they often take an afternoon nap together. Hannah is our stubborn but reliable girl. No disrespect, Hannah always comes through in a pinch. She is slightly shy, and likes to be in the background –definitely always on the alert for a treat. For her first two seasons, she has had a single ewe lamb each time. Her lamb in 2009 was the prettiest little girl you ever would see. Hannah's fleece is a soft silky white. At this time we are breeding straight color; colored with colored and white with white.