About Us
Katahdin hair sheep, a sustainable land management solution!
Our story began in 2018 as we brainstormed ideas for sustainable land management options for additional purchased acreage. After researching different livestock options we were drawn to and decided upon Katahdin Hair Sheep for their:
- Ease of care (no shearing)
- Great mothering attributes
- Prolificacy rates
- Breed versatility
- Parasite resistance
- Hardiness
We were captivated!
We then purchased 10 middle-aged bred ewes from a central Kentucky FFA member. These ewes were experienced at lambing and great mothers which eased our learning curve as we began our Sonlight Ridge farm Katahdin Hair Sheep journey. In 2019 & 20 we added two smaller groups of ewes as well as continue to keep back the superior lambs from our own line for strategic genetic improvement. Since our original decision to raise Katahdins they have proven to be everything we desired for our farm and for us as shepherds.
Ewe management
We have deliberately grown our flock by keeping superior ewe lambs to meet our breeding and production standards. This is a slow process as we maintain a primarily closed flock, introducing rams when needed. This management practice is giving us great results as we strive for flock improvement.
Ram management
When we add a new ram to the flock we keep back replacement ewes. This process prevents inbreeding, which is breeding closely related sheep and reduces the number and compounding negative traits being added to the offspring. We are very deliberate in our evaluation of a new ram in regards to his correct structure, height, length, thickness, muscle and growth rates.
Pasture management
Sonlight Ridge Farm has roughly 6 acres in fence which are divided into smaller pastures and used in a rotational grazing program. This allows us to pasture our flock on a relatively small amount of acres per head. Fortunately, we had additional un-fenced pasture fields that were able to be temporarily fenced in the fall for fall stockpiling. This stockpile allowed the sheep to be on pasture and not need supplemental hay leading up to lambing. We are currently working on adding additional pastures that will allow for expansion of our flock.