Elderberry Farm is a small holding in Eastern Ontario close to the banks of the Ottawa River. When we first purchased our farm, I was most impressed with the cedar walls of the stable and its red tin roof. I couldn’t wait to fill the box stalls with sheep. And fill it I did.

As a hand spinner, I wanted to have all of my favourite fibres grazing in my backyard. I soon learned that I had to select only a choice few. Having too many different breeds of sheep would be much too complicated if I were to avoid crosses and refrain from inbreeding. I also became aware of the possible extinction of certain breeds of sheep and, while keeping a close eye on fibre and temperament, I wanted to do my part in raising endangered sheep.

The sheep breeds that made the cut were: the endangered Jacob, the rare Olde English “Babydoll” Southdown and the newly recovered Shetland sheep. Added to this mix are Polwarth (not a recognized breed in Canada) and llamas for fibre and flock protection. If I am lucky, an alpaca might join our family, too.

We breed all of our animals with a focus on fibre and temperament. We register our sheep and we breed to standard except in the case of a couple of our Polwarths; here I play a bit with cross breeding in order to get what I think is the nicest and finest wool. Lambing season in May is an exciting time on the farm. We never know what delicious colours might appear or how many horns might pop up on a Jacob lamb. Each year we are eager to see what the proud new moms have to show us.