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Dramatic fall weather here at Pitchfork

You have arrived at the website of Pitchfork Ranch (est. 1986) located in Swartz Creek, MI, where we raise purebred Romneys, Bluefaced Leicesters and llamas. Happy browsing and thanks for visiting our site.

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Watch our new equipment shed take shape

by Margaret on January 17, 2012

in News

 

Having grown tired of shuffling equipment in and out of barns and replacing sheep-chewed wiring, we have decided to erect an equipment shed to house our various “little helpers.” We contracted with a local Amish building crew that works straight through the winter on such projects. With any luck it will be done before February 1. 

 Watch for updates as construction continues.

Progress after one day

  

Mid-afternoon of Day Two

 Posts are set.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beams installed and rear joists almost done. The front joists will be “sistered” in next to the rear ones.

 

Another Day Two view

 

One of the crew up top gives some scale to the photo. There will 5 bays, each one 12 feet wide, for an overall length of about 60 feet.

 

 

 

 

Day Three progress

 

 

In spite of high winds and low temps on day three, the crew managed to finish most of the carpentry work. The shed is ready for its sheet metal skin.

 

South end view, Day Three

  

 

The shed is 30 feet deep to accommodate a 25-foot trailer, among other things. It is 12 feet high in the back and 18 feet high at the front posts.

 

Mid-afternoon on Day Four

 

 

High winds and rain challenged the crew on Day 4, but they still managed to wrestle very long pieces of sheet metal into place and fasten them to the frame.

 

 

 

Day Four - North end gets covered

 

Part of the crew working on the north end.

Day Five

 

 

 

 

 

Day Five: shed is complete. Because the shed is located at on end of a pasture, we have hung gates to keep out the trouble-makers. We plan to hang roll-down curtains over each opening to keep the worst of the weather out.

 

Day Five - Ready for occupancy

From the date we contracted with the Amish crew to the day of completion was about six weeks. We are very happy with the workmanship.

 

 

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In mid-November, we received what looked  like just another email inquiry of  doubtful origin and sincerity, asking about

Natalia and her new BFL fleece

a certain BFL fleece we had posted on our site. This buyer claimed to be in the Ukraine and wanted to know how to to go about purchasing the fleece. “Yeah, right,” I thought, as I hit “delete”  and didn’t think about again until a second inquiry arrived about two weeks later.  This time,  I was bit more circumspect, and, at the risk of getting on yet another mass-spammer’s email list, decided to go ahead and answer. My correspondent turned out to be a real, live buyer who does indeed live in the Ukraine and was willing to pay a fairly hefty ($35 first class) shipping fee in addition to the charge for the fleece.  We exchanged a number of emails and I began look forward to reading her delightful version of  English. Though she may not conform to the highest standards of English grammar, she gets her point across quite well, and it it light-years ahead of my Ukrainian.  Natalia, if you are reading this, please accept my sincere apologies for ever doubting you. I “thanks you big.”

 

From December 13, 2011:

Dear, Margaret

Thanks for the answer. I searched for myself the Sheep of the Fleece, and have seen you on the Internet.

This is the fleece that caught Natalia's attention across 10 time zones.

At you very remarkable lambs.

It was pleasant to me.

I still want to buy this to a fleece. How I can pay? I can paypal.

Give the data for payment.

Regards, Natalia

 

From December 14, 2011

 Hi, Margaret and Cindy 

Thanks for your history. I was born and studied in Ukraine. My ancestors from Ukraine too. To us to a city there came the volunteer from America and I with pleasure visited its employment on English language.

Here so has a little learned. I am glad that we can to understand each other.

I will periodically enjoy yours website, to admire your lambs.And I will necessarily recheck in February. 

I have sent –$ Paypal.

Thanks. With impatience I wait the fleece

Regards, Natalia 

 

From December 17, 2011:

Hi,  Margaret and Cindy 

To me pleasantly your attention. 

 I with pleasure will comply with your request to photograph myself with (Ukrainian script here)  to send you a photo. To me it will be pleasant. 

 As soon as I will receive a package at once I will inform.

In Ukraine also now rainy weather. Very much we wait for winter and a snow cover. For now still warmly. I love snow winter also.

 Rregards Natalia 

 

From January 4, 2012

 Hi,  Margaret and Cindy 

Today has received the fleece. Such beautiful and soft. I am very happy. Thanks you big. Now I should be photographed and send you a photo. Don’t worry I will make one of these days. 

At us has now dropped out a lot of snow and a small frost.

Regards, Natalia 

From January 10, 2012

 Dear  Margaret and Cindy 

Excuse for a delay. I a little bit was ill, but now all is good. I send you a photo.

I will necessarily glance to you on a farm still to admire lambs and to buy still fleece.

Thanks you big.

Best regards, Natalia

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Fresh fleeces posted

December 31, 2011

We have just posted a number of freshly shorn fleeces, clean, sound and ready for your next project. Check them out on our Sheep Fleeces page under Wool and Products above.

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PFR 639 – For Sale

December 1, 2011

PFR 639 Single Ram lamb Born 3/11/2011 Sire: Springfield 4952 Willum Dam: Gavin 7013 TW Raylene   This ram lamb is straight and correctly built, with excellent  length of loin and spring of rib, standing on good bone.  He has distinct black points and good breed character. Fertility guaranteed.                [...]

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