ADAPTING TO CHANGE

By Elizabeth Luke (copyright 2000)

As time passes and life's journey marks its path, setting aside moment for reflection is a necessity.  The mood created by a view of ewes flocked and resting at twilight contributes a sense of calm.  However, retaining the rewards of good shepherding demands that we are alert to change.  We need to observe and adapt to trends which affect our marketplace.  Asking the question, "What makes my flock significant and how can I highlight these features?" may be useful.

Do you have a vision for your flock?  As Finn breeders we are all aware of how these particular sheep differ from others within the species. The challenge is to identify and promote qualities which are notable within our flocks.

Many who raise Finnsheep are attracted to the trait of prolificacy and develop a real pride in their "super ewes."  Larry and I share these feeling, especially at the close of each lambing season.  But when we sought our first Finns, it was my fascination with their wool which directed us.  Having studied handweaving in college led me to keep a modest size flock of crossbred sheep during the 1970's.  As a self-taught spinner I had experimented with all types of raw wool, from coarse Scottish
Blackface to finer Corriedale.  Ruining the initial fleeces inspired me to learn about the felting properties of wool and how to design yarns for specific uses.

In 1992 Larry and I moved to our 38 acre hilltop farm and the following year started the Stillmeadow flock.  In the spring of '94 we began to collect white Finn lambs from Brian Magee and then introduced natural colors from Clifford Hatch, George Cofsky, and Linda Witt.  Building our flock with the STAR system, we had a multitude of lambing experiences very quickly.  Health issues were addressed and more additions to the gene pool were acquired.  We then closed our flock.  With concerns about ovine disease continuing to surface in the agricultural community, this decision proved to be a good one.

So here we are with sixty friendly Finnsheep.  More and more we are finding the need to market the whole animal.  Always most important is the production of high quality registered lambs.  We know our flock well enough to combine the right genetics for quick growth and strong maternal potential.  But just selling lambs isn't enough, whether they are for the reliable ethnic lamb meat market or for breeding stock.

This spring, inspired by a new friend from Oregon and the freshly shorn fleece from our piebald ram, I started to play once more with our wool.  We do not coat our Finnsheep.  This means that when a fleece is dyed, the absorption of color will differ from the base to the tip in each lock.  In handspun yarn the effect is a pleasing variegated heather tone which can be made into fine or thick yarn depending upon the artisan's skill.  Good fortune allows me a choice among several spinning wheels which my father built to specifications twenty years ago.  Now in the developmental stage, I am exploring color options.  My ambition is to determine whether handspun yarns can be successfully marketed to enhance the interest in our flock. The timing is right.  Our FBA Annual Meeting 2001 will be held at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival next May.

Another aspect of raising Finnsheep that could be explored is the utilization of hides.  For the creative individual who has a direct market for lamb meat, the opportunity to buy back the skins for about $2.00 apiece could offer a unique niche.  The softness of baby Finn wool would surely attract customers to well designed items.

One thing I've learned about raising sheep is that they cannot market themselves.  They depend on us to develop their potential and then to extol their virtues.  The most successful flocks include those whose shepherds find ways to create a unique identity and then spread the word with good promotion.