A Ram for The Farmstead

This past weekend we added a ram to our flock of Katahdin Hair Sheep. We went back and forth for awhile about whether or not we should purchase or rent. We had even lined up a ram to rent...but, in a serendipitous turn of events, right before we were scheduled to pick him up for a month long visit to our farm, we got an e-mail. Turns out the poor guy was sterile. That put us thinking. The main reason we didn't want a ram is due to the fact that many times you can't have your male goats with your male sheep. If you've ever seen goats fight they get up and dance on their hind legs before coming down and butting heads. Rams on the other hand, well, they just ram...which means, while a goat is up dancing a ram can just drive straight into their chest and really hurt them.

But, our goal is to be sustainable.  A closed loop. The animals nourish the land, the land supports the animals and the people benefit from both. Our farm supports itself. The entire idea of renting a ram is contrary to this ideal.

We started doing some research and found KRK Katahdins in Canby, Oregon. Karen, is well known in the Katahdin circle for her beautiful, sturdy and yes, gentle sheep. Her rams range with her goats.

So, that was that. Done deal! Meet our newest handsome man, Cincinnatus. For those of you who don't know, Mr. Nick was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Most of his family is still there. But, did you know Cincinnatus was a real man?

Cincinnatus was a Roman farmer, dictator, and consul from the legendary period of Roman history. He gained fame as a model of Roman virtue. He was a farmer above all, but when called to serve his country he did so well, efficiently, and without question, even though a prolonged stay away from his farm could mean starvation for his family. When he served his country, he made his stint as dictator as brief as possible. He was also admired for his lack of ambition. Source.

We can only guess that by lack of ambition they mean lack of political ambition...because in our humble opinions, there's nothing more ambitious than growing and raising your own food. Which of course, our good man Cincy will help with <3