About 12 years ago, Lynn, Margie and Meagan (their daughter) had difficulties with skunks moving into an unused barn on the property they rented for 14 years. After catching a skunk accidentally in a humane trap and having no way to deposit the skunk, the Smiths decided it was time to put some animals in the unused barn. That was the beginning of sheep-raising on their farm.

Over the years, the Smiths tried black-face sheep for their meat value and because black-faced sheep did well in the show ring. However, after throwing away the wool, which was beginning to become a significant amount with a herd of 10+ sheep, Smiths decided to try crossing Montadale sheep with a Hampshire ram. The lambs were of average quality, both for wool and meat. As time went on, the Smiths went to almost totally Montadale sheep, however, the wool was still not the quality they were trying to produce.

Next, the Smiths added Border Leister ewes and a BL ram. The lambs from the 2004 breeding season were by far the best they had produced. It was short-lived however, when the farm they were renting was sold and the Smiths had to move. With such short notice and not much on the market, the Smiths found a little peace of Heaven on two acres with a leased 3 acres next door. Having about 4 acres of pasture was not enough to support one horse and 10 sheep, so the Smiths kept their Border Leister ewes and ram and sold the Montadale ewes to a herd of other white-faced sheep. This was to the thanks of their livestock hauler, Mr. Bob Bishop who found a good home for the ewes.

At that point, the Smiths had a flock (if you can call it that!) of four sheep - three ewes and one ram! They co-existed on pasture with Margie's Racking horse, Topper, who is ever vigilant over HIS flock! Smiths have also found a spinner, who took the wool and created wonderful Christmas ornaments for decorating. All was well, except that the Smiths had to mow the pasture still. So, they added a Cheviot/Merino/BL cross and a Blue-Faced Leister to the flock. They also culled the older ram, added a natural color BL ram and kept 3 ewe lambs from the older BL ram. They now have 6 breeding ewes and one natural-color ram. Even with the drought, the Smiths still have to mow the pasture. However, 7 sheep is all their barn accommodations will support!