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Meet King and Duke! These two Babydoll Southdown sheep were a gift to Springmont from former Head of School, Jerri King. They are 8 months old, and yes, they are almost full-grown! This ancient breed originates from the South Downs of England where they were prized for their hardiness and wool. The breed arrived in the U.S. in 1803 but declined in popularity because they were too small and, in their native England, became extinct.

While they remain on the Rare Breeds registry, an intensive breeding program brought the breed back, and we fell in love with those adorable teddy bear faces all over again! Still prized for their wool (which, for you knitters out there, runs in the 19 to 22 microns range, putting it in the same class as cashmere) they are also known for having sweet temperaments. They are also popular as “organic weeders” in vineyards and orchards because they don’t damage the trunks or bark of the fruit trees, and of course, they fertilize as they go!

King and Duke are cared for by our Upper Elementary students who give them fresh hay and water daily while our Middle School students keep their paddock and barn clean using good old elbow grease and organic, non-chemical products. In the spring, students will have an opportunity to watch them get sheared, and we’ll have lessons on how to prepare the fleece for yarn making. I’m sure their wool will be put to good, creative use in the classrooms!

Please stop by and scratch their loveable faces; they love that!

In our next edition of On the Farm, you’ll meet the chickens who lay those beautiful eggs collected by Upper Elementary students daily and sold by the Middle School each Monday!