COLUMBIASHEEP

byAnneSammons

ofLEAFLIVESTOCK

Columbias are an #American made sheep breed. They are attentive mothers and they have some pretty sweet fiber. This is an outstanding breed to raise!

We started raising Columbias about 10 years ago when our natural coloreds needed great mothering qualities, and we wanted to breed to hopefully add attractive spotted up animals to the flock. What we didn’t know at the time was how excellent their wool was!

ANNESAMMONS

The Columbia breed was developed in the US Department of Agriculture in the early 1900s. The ram used in the original breeding project was a Lincoln. The ewe was a Rambouillet. Everybody knows those are two really great wool sheep. Their offspring was excellent as a range animal with beautiful durable woolandsuperiormotheringqualities.

Themothersareexcellent,theyraisetwins with ease. They are protective and attentivetothepointthattheystompand appear threatening when we get into the pen with their newborns. It’s believed that becausetheywerebredfortherange,the moms had to be super protective of the elements and predators. We have witnessed our curious dog be rammed by anewmotherprotectingherlamb.

The animals are rather large. Mature ewes weigh as much as 250 LBS and the rams weigh closer to 300-350 LBS! This hinders some people from being able to raise the breed, however. There are advantages of their size! Columbias have largerlambsforalargerprofitatmarket.Theyarealsoexpectedtohaveafleece weighing between 10 - 15 LBS of wool per adult shearing. It takes 2 of us to haul awayaColumbiafleeceonshearingday!Sometimesourshearerwillshearhalfof theanimalandallowustotakeawaythewool,andthenhe’llsheartherest.

Thewoolisevaluatedtohavebetween22and30microns.DidImentionthestaple length??Ourgalsproducefleecestapleofnolessthan4inches,oftenexceeding5 inches. The fiber has cool crimp from the Lincoln origin and has next to skin soft qualitiesfromtheRambouilletcontribution.Columbiawoolcanbebrownorgray. Sometimes that color gene pops and a natural colored lamb is born. Most of the Columbiaflocksarewhite,however!

Something really special about the Columbia breed is their association. They run their National Show in early June that is supportive and family friendly. The week feels more like a family reunion. There are activities for kids, a JR show, friendly competitions, fiber arts demos, a wool show and sale. Seriously friends, if you want to raise a new breed check into Columbias!

We started with 2 boys over 16 years ago. We now have a variety of color in our herd - solid white to solid black, patterns and shades of grey or brown! Our focus has been on fiber from the beginning. The ranch name comes from the miniature horses that we had prior to owning alpacas. We added an alpaca to update the logo. We’ve recently sold our miniature horses to concentrate on fiber, alpacas and llamas. We added Belfast Mill equipment to our ranch about 3 years ago, so now are able to make rug yarn as well as create batts and rovings. Dryer balls remain one of our hottest sellers - Larry makes abut 8,000 a year.

Knitspinisafamily-ownedbusinessthatsellshigh-qualityhanddyedfibersandhomespunyarn.AsanEtsyFounderbusiness, Knitspinhasbeenoutfittingcustomerswithfinefibersandyarn forover18years.Comeandvisitusthroughthefollowinglinks: www.knitspin.com.

Safeguarding Your Yarn and Fiber Tools: A Guide to Inventory for Insurance Coverage

For avid knitters, crocheters, and fiber enthusiasts, the value of a cherished yarn collection and essential fiber tools cannot be understated. However, unforeseen events like natural disasters or house fires can pose a significant risk to these valuable assets It is crucial to be prepared for such circumstances by creating a comprehensive inventory for insurance purposes. This article will guide you on how to inventory your yarn and fiber tools to ensure proper coverage from your insurance company in case of an unfortunate event.

Document Your Yarn Collection:

Begin by documenting your yarn collection thoroughly. Create a spreadsheet or use inventory management software to organize the information effectively Include the following details for each item: a. Yarn Name: Mention the brand, color, weight, and fiber content of the yarn. b Quantity: Specify the number of skeins or balls you possess for each type of yarn c. Purchase Information: Record the date of purchase, the price paid, and the store or online platform from which you acquired the yarn d. Special Details: Note any limited edition or discontinued yarn, as well as any sentimental or high-value items.

2 Inventory Your Fiber Tools:

In addition to yarn, it is essential to inventory your fiber tools, such as knitting needles, crochet hooks, looms, spinning wheels, and any other equipment you use for your fiber crafts Follow a similar approach as above: a. Tool Description: Clearly describe each tool, including the brand, type, size, and any distinguishing features. b Quantity: Note how many of each tool you own c. Purchase Information: Record the date of purchase, price, and where you obtained the tool d Accessories: Include any accessories or attachments that are relevant to the tools, such as interchangeable needle tips or different-sized weaving shuttles.

3. Take Photographs and Keep Receipts:

Accompany your inventory with clear photographs of your yarn collection and fiber tools Take pictures from multiple angles, capturing any unique characteristics or distinguishing marks Additionally, keep copies of the purchase receipts or invoices for your records, as they serve as proof of ownership and value.

4. Valuation and Appraisals:

To accurately determine the value of your yarn and fiber tools, consider seeking professional appraisals or obtaining estimates from reputable sources. This is particularly crucial for high-value or antique items Provide these valuations and appraisals to your insurance company, ensuring that you have the necessary documentation to support your claim in case of loss.

5 Off-Site Storage:

To safeguard your inventory documentation, photographs, and receipts, it is advisable to store digital copies in a secure location outside your home. Consider cloud storage or physical copies kept in a safe deposit box or with a trusted family member or friend Having backups ensures that you can access your inventory information even if your home is inaccessible or damaged

Taking the time to inventory your yarn and fiber tools f insurance coverage can save you considerable stress and financial burden in the event of a natural disaster house fire. By thoroughly documenting your collection keeping records of purchases, and obtaining valuation you provide your insurance company with the necessa information to process your claim efficiently Rememb to update your inventory regularly as you acquire new yarn or fiber tools Safeguard your passion for fiber crafts by ensuring you have the proper coverage to protect your cherished collection.

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