A Spring We Won't Forget

Fred just loaded our last two lambs on the hauler's trailer, heading to Georgia and I'm not sure I have the right words for this blog post, but I'm going to try.

This spring at Valais Blacknose of Lovers Lane was something we didn't see coming. From the first lamb born in February through the last one in April, we watched something really special unfold right here on Lovers Lane.

Mating Pair off to Georgia

Fred, as always, is the one making it happen. His knowledge of breeding, nutrition, lambing, and the day to day care of this flock is something that genuinely humbles us both. We had no bottle babies this season. Every single lamb came into this world healthy and thriving. For anyone who raises livestock, you know that isn't something you take for granted. We're incredibly grateful.

On my end, I was busy in a very different way. Emails, messages, phone calls, answering questions, building relationships with people who were just beginning to fall in love with this breed. There was one buyer I exchanged over 50 emails with. Fifty. And I would do it again in a heartbeat because that is the kind of conversation that tells you a buyer is serious, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in doing this right.

This season our Valais Blacknose sheep found homes from coast to coast. We sold 20+ lambs including our first mating pair, some great breeding rams, a F5 ewe lamb that we didn't even post (she's part of a special project) and lastly a beautiful fullblood Spitti ewe lamb named Oreo. It stops us in our tracks when we realize how many wonderful people we've met, doing something we love. People from all different walks of life, all different kinds of farms, all with one thing in common. They fell in love with this breed and we're fortunate enough to be the ones that were able to provide them with one or more Fullblood Valais Blacknose sheep, the cutest sheep in the world.

Behind every Valais Blacknose sheep we raise is a family, a farm, and a story. Here are just a few of the people who welcomed our fullblood Valais Blacknose sheep into their lives this year.

We sold our first mating pair to Charles and his family in Georgia. Charles and his wife Facetimed us and knew what they wanted. He sent photos of his amazing home with his beautiful family, horses and donkeys. We had no doubt his Valais Blacknose Sheep were going to fit right in.

Then there was Charles in California. Charles bought two beautiful fullblood ewes as a surprise for his wife. Wow, now that's a surprise! She was one happy lady. His wife Erin has sent me photos and the girls are quite comfy in their new home.

Sarah and Kevin bought a ram and I know by the photos Sarah has sent, he is one comfortable fella on their farm and I have no doubt he will get the job done for them.

Then there is John and Gen. I love how Gen reached out with lots of questions and I see photos often of the wonderful home they've created for all their animals not just the Valais from Lovers Lane.

Let me tell you about Sue and Gina. These two ladies flew in from Boston and were so excited and wanted to learn. Their passion and desire is second to none. I have never been so comfortable letting our sheep go to a home. I know how much they were going to be loved. When the ewe lamb she purchased damaged her horn before she left, we gave her the option to let her stay here so we could take care of her, or give her a full refund no questions asked. We wanted her to be comfortable with her decision. She wanted the ewe lamb and she left as scheduled. Just like I thought, they have taken great care of her and the two wethers that went with her. I never had a doubt. It makes me smile just thinking about Sue and Gina.

Fullblood Spitti Ewe Lamb | Oreo

Last but not least was our Fullblood Valais Blacknose Spitti Ewe. We actually didn't set a price for Oreo, instead we tried something different. We decided to accept private offers for her. We believed this created a comfortable, zero-pressure experience that put the buyer first. It allowed the buyer to evaluate Oreo and make an offer reflecting what she is genuinely worth to their program. This also allowed us as the seller, to be selective. We had multiple bids, and we could've accepted any of them because we were grateful for the amount of the offers. It was a really hard decision because a few of the offers were from individuals that we know have wonderful homes and are experienced Valais Blacknose Breeders. We actually didn't take the highest offer and instead took in to account what messages the individuals wrote. In the end, the kids won us over. So Oreo now resides on 50 acres on the West Coast with other animals and two young boys to help take care of her.

Those are just a few of the people we've met, being brought together for the love of this breed. There are many more and they are each special in their own way.

I'm not sharing this to impress anyone. I'm sharing it because we are two people on a small farm in Northeast Ohio who poured everything into this season and came out the other side genuinely amazed at what this breed continues to bring into our lives. The people, the animals, the connections across this country.

Fred and I are just grateful. Truly grateful. And we cannot wait to see what comes next.