Shepherd's Picnic and Free Clinic - 2011

On Saturday afternoon, Ugly Dog's Farm hosted a picnic and free clinic for shepherds and fiber enthusiasts.  We lucked out with excellent weather - sunshine and a pleasant breeze blowing in from the west.

Carol Densmore from Cross Wind Farm gave an excellent presentation on processing fiber.

She demonstrated using various fiber processing tools for picking, carding, blending, and preparing fiber. 

Dr. Heather Ludlam from Windswept Farms talked with shepherds about various sheep health concerns...

Dr. Ludlam stressed the importance of developing a relationship with a veterinarian, controling parasites in your flock, and many other topics of interest to those who keep sheep and livestock.

Cindy Ciecewa from Pitchfork Ranch shared their flock nutrition program with those in attendance.  Cindy and Margaret raise and show Romney and Bluefaced Leicester sheep.

 

Letty Klein from Pine Lane Farm discussed fleece character.  Many attendees brought fleeces for Letty to use in her discussion and she talked about presentation, uniformity, handle (feel of the fleece), strength of the fiber, and many other things she has to take into consideration when she is asked to judge a fleece competition.

Letty also brought one of her rugs for us to see.  She is author of a wonderful book on braiding wool rugs from roving: The Shepherd's Rug - A Braided Wool Rug From Roving

In addition to all of this great education, we also enjoyed some excellent food!!!

Local spinners were also on hand to spend the afternoon and show off their skill.

It was a fun afternoon, we learned a lot, and enjoyed spending the day with fellow sheep and fiber friends!

What a great day at Ugly Dog's Farm!!!