Visitors to our ranch often hear the story behind those concrete objects in our pastures. Yes, they are definitely favorite play-structures for our lambs, but their history goes back to the early days of the last century, in the early days of radio, when our ranch was owned by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, and […]
Making Radio History: Past and Present Read More »
Looks like we are headed for a lamb bonanza this year! We bred 46 ewes and expected about 35 to be pregnant, as our pregnancy rate has been about 75% every year since we started with the fiber sheep, whose fertility is not as high as the East Friesian dairy sheep. But the fertility gods
As the rainy season begins and the ranch comes alive with new growth, it is the time of year to sow seeds, apply compost and plant trees, all practices that sequester carbon and improve the health of our soil. Last year we applied compost and seed to about 35 acres of cattle pasture, and planted
A Beautiful Day to Plant Trees! Read More »
Our fleeces did really well at the California National Wool Show at the Mendocino County Fair last weekend. I entered 12 fleeces from our Romney, Corriedale and Cormo/Corriedale sheep and every fleece won a first, second or third. Brownie’s fleece got Supreme Grand Champion handspinner fleece, and Judge’s choice handspinner fleece. Judging from how Brownie
California National Wool Show Read More »
Our first indigo harvest was challenging, but Melinda prevailed…
Surviving the Blues Read More »
Our fleeces did really well yesterday at the wool judging at the Monterey County Fair! Dale, our awesome Corriedale ram, took first place in the Corriedale class, and won Reserve Champion in the Breed division, competing against the first-place of all the breeds. In the Romney class, Sky King’s and Blossom’s lovely charcoal-grey fleeces took
Prize-winning fleeces! Read More »
I got the most beautiful pinks from avocado pits…
Eat More Guacamole! Read More »
After giving away my dairy equipment last month, I was eager to set up the newly vacated milk room in my creamery as a dye lab! I got together a table, some hot plates, big pots for mordanting and dyeing the wool, cleaned out the milk room, and was eager to get started. Melinda is
Dyeing with Dandelions Read More »
I gave away my whole milking setup this week! It went to a wonderful part-Basque family from Wilton, south of Sacramento. I met them when 13-year-old Mati sent me an email inquiring about buying dairy ewe lambs to start a backyard dairy. I talked with Mati’s mom, Carmen, and after hearing more about their family
