The Layzee farmer llc
Icelandic, Clun Forest, Romney, Shetland sheep
Jennifer Herbold
Clear Lake, MN 55319
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-LayZee-Farmer-LLC-403708856929878/
Instagram: @thelayzeefarmerllc
Offering: raw fiber, roving, yarn, wool filled bedding, fiber pets, breeding stock, pelts, horns, skulls, meat, education
Our 40-acre farm is in Clear Lake Minnesota, about an hour NW of Minneapolis. We began our Shepherding adventure in 2016 with Icelandic Sheep, 1 ram and 4 ewes. When we purchased our farm, our goal was to raise livestock on a sustainable pasture-based system to decrease the negative impact on the environment while increasing the health benefits to the animal and consumer. Studies show animals raised without confinement and grain produce nutrient dense meat, milk and eggs. With this in mind Icelandic sheep were our first choice. They have been raised roaming the country side for centuries providing meat, milk and fiber to the Icelandic community. Icelandic sheep have amazing wool in a variety of colors. The fiber spins into a strong yarn that can be used to make sweater, shawls, and outwear and weaving. The raw fiber is excellent for felting projects. This breed lived up to its reputation and is now a flock of 40 ewes.
This past year we decided to add a threatened breed to the flock. The addition of Registered Clun Forest. As a hill breed, they are similar to Icelandic’s in their adaptability to various climates, hardiness, maternal instinct and their ability to thrive on grass and forage. There wool is like the down breeds, resilient, resists piling, hold shape, spins airy and bouncy, and takes dye well. The Clun’s are currently listed as threatened on the Livestock Conservancy List. My goal is help increase their numbers in the U.S through exposure in the fiber and sheep community. Since both breeds thrive on pasture they are rotationally grazed with portable fencing through the growing season. This helps keep parasite loads down and promotes animal and pasture health. Lambs are left with their mothers to be naturally weaned in the fall. During the winter months the sheep are housed in winter pastures and fed organic dairy grade baleage. This keeps them in the best condition during the frigid winter months in Minnesota.
I do need to give honorary mention to the small number of Shetland, Romney and Nadia; the single Leicester Longwool; who also reside here as part of the spinning flock.
