Beechtree Farm

Beechtrees 'Rossdale'

2011-10-18T10:08:00.002-04:00

Beechtrees 'Rossdale'

#26-green, Twin, codon: ARR/ARR

sire of the ewe lamb # 47-green listed in the online auction

*see the posts below

Online Auction: MSBA Bred Ewe Sale

2011-10-18T08:58:00.002-04:00

The Michigan Sheep Breeders Association is utilizing an online auction service to host it's Annual Fall Bred Ewe Sale.

Beechtree Farm has entered two ewes in the sale.

A white ewe lamb # 47-green, and a natural colored ewe lamb # 31-green.

To view the online auction go to:

http://www.maxanet.com/cgi-bin/mnlist.cgi?hunker3/category/BEECHTREE-FARM

bidding begins on Oct. 24th, and ends on Oct. 25th.

* see the posts below for photos and pedigree information on each ewe entry.

47-green 'Camomile'

2011-10-18T08:51:00.002-04:00

Beechtrees 'Camomile'

31-green 'NyteMist'

2011-10-18T08:42:00.002-04:00

Beechtrees 'NyteMist'

To view the Michigan Bred Ewe Sale online auction information visit:

www.breedersworldonlinesales.com

For Sale: In-lamb purebred Bluefaced Leicester Ewes

2011-02-28T16:54:00.002-05:00

For Sale: In-lamb purebred Registered Bluefaced Leicester Ewes

#48-orange 'MidnyteMist' BB (TRP) bred to 'Rochester' BB (TRP) $450
resulting lambs will be BB-natural colored.

#41-yellow 'Lilyburn' (TW) bred to 'Caber' BB (S) $450

#128-black 'Carradale' (TW) bred to 'Caber' BB (S) $450

#50-yellow ' NellysMoss' (TW) bred to 'Caber' BB (S) $450

#18-orange 'Truffle' BB (TW) bred to 'Rossdale' (TW) $450

#29-orange 'BeaWyched' BB (TW) bred to 'Rochester' BB (TRP) $450
resulting lambs will be BB-natural colored

Also Available: Several white 2010 ewes, almost yearlings $400

Blue Leicester Ewes ~ For Sale

2010-09-30T08:58:00.003-04:00

We have a lovely group of purebred Bluefaced Leicester adult and yearling ewes ~ For Sale.

These ewes represent our diverse UK genetics, and include white and natural colored Leicesters, as well as some of our past show Champions.

We are offering two different breeding groups, consisting of 5 ewes each, with an

unrelated ram (of your choice).

We also offer individual animals for those folks who are looking to add a specific

UK bloodline or trait to their flock.

email for more details: beechtrfrm@aol.com

For Sale:

Beechtrees 'Belhaven'

Three time Champion in 2007

Miss Ellie Mae

2010-09-21T14:33:00.000-04:00

Brierdens Miss Elderberry Blackfrost

Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival

2010-09-16T20:56:00.003-04:00

Here are a few photos of the my Bluefaced Leicesters that placed at the WSWF.

CH BFL Ewe ~ White Show

Beechtrees 'Paisley'

Judge: Glenn Shapiro 'HAZELWOOD FARM'

Beechtrees 'Paisley'
Rossiebank X3 daughter

CH BFL Ewe ~ Colored Show

Beechtrees 'Coelbren'
Rossiebank X3 daughter

CH BFL Ram ~ White Show

Beechtrees 'Kirkhope'
Cocklaw T1 x CarryHouse V2

Great Pyrenees ~ For Sale ~ Working LGD

2010-08-10T08:42:00.004-04:00

Beechtrees 'Jeni' is available as a working LGD.

Jeni is accustom to working with other LGD's, and has been around sheep, cats, chickens, and 'pet' dogs.

She is 2 1/2 years old, AKC Registered, and she can be neutered if requested.

SOLD

LGD pups at work

2010-08-03T12:31:00.002-04:00

Arthur & George

out in the pasture with the ewes and lambs

Desert Pyr ~ Cleo

2010-07-13T16:11:00.003-04:00

Here is a photo of the all white Great Pyrenees puppy #2 - female in here new home.

She is now living in AZ with my nephew as his companion dog. He was staying here for a few weeks with us and he was smitten with her personality.

Her name is:

Beechtrees Desert Guardian Cleopatra

(the Cleopatra goes along with his black cat named 'King Tut' )

Discount Available for w/o Papers

2010-07-09T11:38:00.003-04:00

The noted price of the 2010 ewe and ram lambs being offered on my 'For Sale' pages, and lists can be discounted by $50 per head if you would like to purchase them

without their Registration papers.

There are a few of the adult rams and ewes that I will make this offer on also.

I'll make note of which adults on the 'For Sale' lists can be sold with the $50 discount.

Bluefaced Leicester Sheep For Sale

2010-07-06T08:12:00.001-04:00

Beechtree Farm has an outstanding selection of purebred Bluefaced Leicester ewes, rams, and lambs available in both white and natural colored for your purebred and fleece flocks, as well as for commercial crossing sires. Our adult ewes are proven dams with progeny records available to prospective buyers. Our available rams are utilized in both our purebred, as well as our commercial 'Mule' flock with selection emphasis based on their ability to stamp their genetics on their progeny. We strive to produce purebred stock of the highest quality available in the USA, with rigid selection based on progeny performance and conforming to the breed standard.

Our goal is to preserve and produce purebred Bluefaced Leicesters which exhibit the outstanding qualities and traits which has made it the UK's # 1 sire of commercial ewes for prime grass fed lamb production. To this end Beechtree has elected not to follow the current USA trend of creating a sheep with greater range of fleece colors and patterns, or of increasing the fiber micron diameter and fleece weights. We are committed in our efforts to maintaining a purebred flock, and we will forego the use of the available crossbred domestic & imported bloodlines in our Bluefaced Leicester flock.

For complete lists of our available Bluefaced Leicester ewes, rams, and lambs, click on the page navigation buttons above.

Miss Ellie Mae Elderberry

2010-06-30T20:03:00.002-04:00

This is Miss Ellie Mae Elderberry

She is Mark's new companion dog. Ellie is a Border Terrier and she goes everywhere with Mark, to the office, on the tractor, doing chores, and running errands. Hopefully when she grows up she will be in charge of our over population of rabbits and small vermin.

Female Puppy # 8 Calls Wisconsin Home

2010-06-25T18:00:00.003-04:00

These are photos of the # 8 female puppy in her new home / farm, and learning the pasture boundries with her mentor 'Rio'.

It looks like she's fitting right into her new flock at FireFlyFields.

Male Great Pyrenees Puppy

2010-06-20T16:02:00.003-04:00

This is a new photo of the all white male, taken on 6-20-10.

He is a very loving puppy with an excellent temperament and a laid back personality.

He will make a great companion dog, or LGD prospect.

Male # 3

White

current weight: on June 20 ( 19 lbs: 12 oz)

Pyrenees Puppies 8 weeks old

2010-06-17T16:28:00.003-04:00

The puppies like to gang up on 'Raven' the Dutch Shepherd pup.

( I wonder if they think she is a black coyote? )

Big White Puppies ~ 6 weeks old

2010-06-06T16:32:00.004-04:00

The Great Pyrenees puppies are now 6 1/2 weeks old and have had their puppy exam, and found ok for heart, bites, umbilical area, etc... This also included updates on weights, and photos on June 6, 2010.

FEMALES

Female 2

11 lb: 5 oz

RESERVED

Female 4

11 lb: 6 oz

RESERVED

Female 6
10 lb: 6 oz

Female 8
12 lb: 9 oz

2010-06-06T16:16:00.007-04:00

MALES

RESERVED

Male 1

12 lb: 7 oz

Male 3

13 lb: 6 oz

RESERVED

Male 5
12 lb : 4 oz

RESERVED

Male 7

11 lb: 13 oz

Bluefaced Leicester Sires

2010-05-24T13:52:00.004-04:00

The lamb pictured below is the progeny of a Cocklaw F1 female bred to a Rossiebank F1 sire.

Our breeding goals are to produce Bluefaced Leicesters that conform to the breed standard and type, while exhibiting sound structure and excellent fleece traits that work for the purebred breeder, as well as the commercial Mule ewe producer.

2010 Lambs

2010-05-24T13:43:00.003-04:00

Lambing is finally finished and we have an excellent crop of Bluefaced Leicesters that represent some of the best genetics the UK has to offer.

We will have lambs and yearlings available that carry the Cocklaw T1, and the Rossiebank X3 bloodlines, as well as our previously imported lines, in both white & natural colored.

Sired by a CarryHouse V2 blend (on the left) and by a Rossiebank F1 ( on the right)

Sired by a Cocklaw F1

Raven ~ 5 1/2 Months

2010-05-21T08:38:00.003-04:00

Raven enjoying the summer weather, and frogging in the pond.

Pyrenees Puppies ~ Individual Photos

2010-05-20T16:22:00.007-04:00

Here are some individual pixs of some of the puppies.

Taken 5-20-10

Testing out my new Nikon D3000

Male1

all white Female 2 & Male 3

Male 1 - again
(just cuz he's such a cute pudge)

Female 8

Female 6 & Female 4

Male 5

Female 6

Pyrenees Puppies ~ 4 weeks old

2010-05-20T11:43:00.002-04:00

Some group photos of the puppies

taken: 5-20-2010

4 weeks old

Dutch Shepherd Puppy ~ For Sale

2010-05-13T09:30:00.004-04:00

This is 'Eva' a Dutch Shepherd female puppy, a rough haired type

(my 'Raven' is the 'long haired' type)

Eva is located in Michigan, and you can see more of her at: www.ruff-daykennels.blogspot.com

Pyrenees Puppies ~ Females

2010-05-10T15:51:00.001-04:00

Female Puppies

18 days old

May 10, 2010

2nd born

4th born

6th born

8th born

Pyrenees Puppies ~ Males

2010-05-10T15:45:00.002-04:00

Male Puppies

Photos taken on the 18th day

May 10th, 2010

1st born

3rd born

5th born

7th born

Day Twelve

2010-05-04T17:57:00.003-04:00

Feeding frenzy

Jeni with all 8 pups snuggled in. Can you find them all?

We smell the momma "Time for lunch"

Day 12

2010-05-04T17:54:00.000-04:00

Eyes are starting to open

Litter mates make great pillows!

Shhhhh, don't wake the babies

2010-05-04T17:50:00.001-04:00

7 little puppies all in a row

Sleeping (and growing) is hard work!

The Puppies Have Arrived

2010-04-23T10:57:00.005-04:00

The first puppy arrived at 7:30 pm on 4-22-10 , and the last arrived at 1:00 am 4-23-10.

Jeni and I both needed a good sleep afterwards.

This is a pix of 3 of the first 4 puppies born

This morning Jeni & pups are now rested, with full tummies, and nice and clean & dry.

Jeni making sure I don't muss with the order of her pups.

final count 8 puppies

4 females (1 white: 3 marked)

4 males (1 white: 3 marked)

1st photo's of Jeni's puppies

2010-04-17T12:55:00.002-04:00

These are the first photos of Jeni's litter of Great Pyrenees puppies.

Taken on 4-17-10

There seems to be 8 - 9 puppies that are due next week.

Lambs Due for Easter

2010-04-01T14:18:00.003-04:00

Oops! I guess no one told 'Bryn' about the lambing due date, and what the lambing chart said when her due date would be.

Nick the shearer was just packing up on Wednesday evening after doing our yearlings, and there was a strange nickering noise coming from the aged ewes pen. I came around that side of the barn just in time to see a ewe chase the LGD's out the door and then proceed to have her water bag break. Good thing I had the lambing area set up and waiting for this coming weekend.

' Bryn' w/ her twin ram lambs, sired by 'Chacewater'

our first F2 Rossiebanks

Jeni ~ Our 'expecting' Great Pyrenees

2010-03-29T17:10:00.002-04:00

This is Beechtrees 'Jeni'

The first 2 photos were taken this afternoon out in the pasture. She's got about 3 1/2 more weeks before she is due, and she is starting to slow up just a bit, and her appetite is increasing.
Jeni is out of Zora's 3rd litter, sired by our male 'Dan'.
(*Dan is pictured at the top of this blog page, guarding the Bluefaced Leicester ewe lambs)

This photo of Jeni was taken on the day that I picked her up after her stay with the owners of 'Lefty'. Lefty is the sire of this upcoming litter. (* see 'Lefty's photos in a previous post)

Great Pyrenees Litter Due

2010-03-14T14:10:00.004-04:00

Beechtrees Jeni

(Beechtrees FarOut Jack Daniels x Beechtrees Zora of Winrose)

Has been bred to

Ch. Charbonneau's Dark Roast (aka 'Lefty')

puppies are expected the week of April 20th, 2010

This mating should produce excellent working and companion temperaments,

along with nice pigment and markings.

*photos of sire below*

Ch. Charbonneau's Dark Roast

'Lefty'

OFA: excellent

Photos of the dam: Jeni will be posted in a later entry.

Raven's Education

2010-03-07T10:26:00.002-05:00

At the tender age of 13 weeks, Raven is learning about the various varmints she will be required to dispatch, such as skunks, fox, and raccoon.

Here she is learning a very important lesson. That if the humans are too busy, or if there happens to be a power failure, she now knows how to do the dishes. Yum!

Raven ~ 11 weeks old

2010-02-24T15:04:00.002-05:00

Dutch Masters Agnes Grey Blackfrost

aka 'Raven'

Raven loves her rawhide chewies and assorted toys!

New puppy at Beechtree

2010-02-16T08:28:00.004-05:00

The newest member of our 'pack' is a female Dutch Shepherd of the Long haired variety.

There are about 25 of the LH type of Dutch Shepherds in the USA, and it is considered a rare breed globally. The breed is known for is herding abilities as well as tracking, protection, and companion.

I flew down to Raleigh, NC to pick her up inbetween their unusual winter snow storms.

Her call name will be 'Raven'.

This is her Dutch Shepherd 'family'
Donja her mother, Ozzy her sire, and my female along with her 2 brothers.

The other members of her dog family are golden brindles, and Raven is a silver brindle.

Here she is checking out all the creatures at her new Farm.

Her first visit to Lake Michigan on Valentines Day.

For more updates and adventures on Raven, and our other dogs 'past & present'

I have started a blog for the dogs, it is: www.blackfrostshepherds.blogspot.com

'Cooper' heads for the U.P.

2010-02-10T20:37:00.003-05:00

Last summer one of our 'started' female Great Pyrenees LGD's "Kate' headed to the U.P. of Michigan to guard some Shetland's and Targhee's from the "local" predators up there. Her new owners knew that eventually with coyotes, bobcat, bear, and wolves in the area they would need a 2nd dog to assist 'Katie'. Well, Sunday morning I recieved an email from her owners that Katie had single handily kept out some type of canine invasion, but they were affraid that the 'pack' would be back.
So we made arrrangements that they would make a trip below the 'bridge' on Monday to pick up 'Cooper' a 8 month old Pyrenees male that was being mentored by Kate's sister (Jeni) and Kate's dam (Zora).
I got an email on Tuesday morning that Kate was "in heaven" to have a buddy, and this is the same pup that she started to break in last summer before she moved to the U.P.
We hope Katie and Cooper have a great life in the U.P. and that their owners can now rest peacefully at night knowing they've got two dogs to watch over their flock.

Beechtree's Cooper

1-28-2010

8 months old

Winter Water Wonderland

2010-01-21T09:53:00.003-05:00

A day playing on the sand dunes at Lake Michigan

'Jackson' with Michelle & Brian

Enjoying a walk in the fresh snow!
Michelle and 'Jackson'

Beechtrees 'Fernham'

2010-01-19T14:54:00.003-05:00

Beechtrees 'Fernham' ~ F1

11-green (TRP)

Cocklaw-Barlaes

Beechtrees 'Chacewater'

2010-01-12T15:02:00.002-05:00

Beechtrees 'Chacewater' ~ F1

10- blue (S)

Rossiebank X3- Barlaes

Beechtrees 'Rochester'

2010-01-12T12:11:00.002-05:00

Beechtrees 'Rochester' ~ F1

18-green (TRP)

Cocklaw - Titan

Ram lambs ~ Available

2010-01-11T09:24:00.003-05:00

Beechtrees 'Kirkhope'

47 orange (TRP)

Cocklaw-CHV2-Barlaes

on the left:

Beechtrees 'Rookhope'

45-orange (TRP)

Cocklaw-CHV2-Barlaes

on the right:

Beechtrees 'Fernham' F1

11-green (TRP)

Cocklaw-Barlaes

Beechtrees Hank

2010-01-01T09:31:00.002-05:00

Beechtrees Hank

aka. 'Hank'

Great Pyrenees

8/11/04

Piper

2010-01-01T09:27:00.001-05:00

Blackfrosts Kokopelli Spirit

aka. 'Piper'

11/6/96 - 1/23/07

Ruby

2010-01-01T09:08:00.002-05:00

Preludes Blackfrost Portrait

aka. 'Ruby'

Belgian Tervuren

11/8/94 - 7/8/06

October 6, 1996
The 'Blackfrost' litter

Mark's ~ Bird Dog

2010-01-01T09:03:00.002-05:00

Beechtrees Tip Top Doc

aka. 'Tip'

German Shorthaired Pointer

Buck ~ Our 1st LGD

2010-01-01T08:58:00.003-05:00

Beechtrees Ohio Buckeye

aka. 'Buck'

Maremma

5/29/94 - 12/ 27/08

Ursa

2009-12-22T09:59:00.005-05:00

Blackfrosts Midnight X Fire

aka. 'Ursa'

Belgian Groenendael

8 months old
1993

'Ursa' and John

October 1992

Not Sheep ! (continued)

2009-12-22T09:51:00.003-05:00

Maiala Lady Kelsey Beechtree

aka. 'Kelsey'

Australian Terrier

1991

Greta & Kelsey

Prince & Michelle
1990

Samara

aka. 'Sam'

Tara

2009-12-22T09:35:00.006-05:00

'Tara' sledding with the girls

1987

Dog Sledding on a frozen lake

CH Teraways Alcantara of Tacara

& Tacaras Alto of Blackfrost
1983

CH Teraways Alcantara of Tacara , CD

1982

Animals & Life ~ Before Sheep

2009-12-22T09:23:00.004-05:00

'Miss K Tee Leo'

aka. 'Kate'

Skijoring 'Quarter Horse Style' after a fresh snow.

1981

' Morgan'

My Irish Setter, and "my" first dog.

1978

Teraway's Alcantara of Tacara

aka. 'Tara'

7 1/2 weeks old

My first Belgian Tervuren

1979

Cocklaw & Rossiebank Progeny ~ For Sale

2009-12-09T10:14:00.002-05:00

For Sale: Bluefaced Leicesters

This is a rare opportunity to add the newest UK imported bloodlines in your Bluefaced Leicester flock, as well as several of my other UK imports. I have F1 and F2 progeny available of:

ROSSIEBANK X3
The Rossiebank progeny carry dense, well crimped and purled fleeces, good pigment, and great conformation.

Ewe lamb:
4-blue 'Rosebank' F1
white (S) Rossiebank x Titan-CHV2 $425

COCKLAW T1
The Cocklaw progeny have excellent conformation & breed type, and dense- lustrous fleeces.

Ewe lamb:
17-green 'Roslin' F1
white (TRP) Cocklaw x Titan F2 $ 425

Ram lambs:
11-green 'Fernham' F1
white (TRP) Cocklaw x Barlaes F1 $ 450

45-orange 'Rookhope' F2
black (TRP) Cocklaw F1 x CHV2-Barlaes-Titan $ 400

47-orange 'Kirkhope' F2
white (TRP) Cocklaw F1 x CHV2-Barlaes-Titan $ 425

117-black 'Burndale' F2
black (TRP) Cocklaw F1 x Barlaes F1 $ 425

Other bloodlines:

Ewe lambs:
34-orange 'GlenMaye' F2
white (TRP) CHV2 F1 x Barlaes F1 $400

48-ograne 'MidnyteMist'
black (TW) CHV2 F2 x Loyalty-Laird $ 400

Yearling rams:
24-orange 'Verteris' F2
black (TW) CHV2 F1 x Titan F2 $ 500
Stunning, long bodied, fine fleeced- good skin , excellent structure & disposition.
Champion NC BFL ram at WSWF 2009, CH NC LW Ram at MFF

Adult rams:
7-orange 'Haydon' F1
white (S) CarryHouseV2 x EbonyBoy $ 500
Haydon is a proven sire for purebred & mules, he has excellent conformation & breed type, sound feet & legs, and a good mouth. CH BFL ram at WSWF 2008, and CH Mule Progeny Group at WSWF 2008.

57-black 'Silverdale' F1
black (TW) Barlaes x EbonyBoy $450
To date, Silverdale has been our most consistent sire of purebred progeny, stamping his offspring with long bodies, good feet & legs, and stunning fleeces. Just about every ewe and ram in the flock carries him as its sire or grand sire.

Email me at: beechtrfrm@aol.com for more details.

Holiday Gift Ideas

2009-12-08T14:41:00.003-05:00

For the Bluefaced Leicester enthusiast we have a lovely selection of hard to come-by Bluefaced Leicester collectables for sale. For more information on any of the items listed below, please contact me at: beechtrfrm@ aol.com

The first item is a booklet about the History of the Bluefaced Leicester. This is an invaluable reference material to add to your Bluefaced Leicester library.

$ 23.00 w/ shipping

Perfect for sipping a hot cup of tea from, our next item is no longer in production and it was produced by Border Fine Arts, Studio collection. This 'Bluefaced Leicester' breed mug was approved and produced for the UK Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders' Association.

I have 2 of these available, priced at $ 28.00 each (plus s&h)

"Trick or Treat"

2009-10-31T18:51:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween Everyone

From: Beechtree's Blues

Handspun Yarns

2009-10-26T09:16:00.003-04:00

Below are 2 more photos of handspun yarns that I have available.

There are also several bobbins of white & natural colored Border Leicester waiting to be plied together, time permitting. They should each finish out to be around 1 lb. of each color.

Dark Hunter Green ~ English Medium-Fine Wool

2-ply (15.8 oz)

$ 3.00/ oz

*the photo is not representative of its true green

Wool - Mohair blend

Slub- singles

$ 3.50/ oz (1 lb: 15 oz)

Bluefaced Photographic History Tour

2009-10-22T08:42:00.004-04:00

During my recent visit with Glenn Shapiro at her Hazelwood Farm, I took the opportunity to take a few photographs of the Bluefaced Leicester photo collections that were throughout the house. These represent some of Hazelwood's finest Leicesters from the past and present.

Hand Spun Yarn ~ For Sale

2009-10-21T08:48:00.004-04:00

Teeswater

SOLD White Teeswater 2-ply

$ 3.50/ oz

Two lots: (1 lb: 2 oz ) and (15 oz)

Dyed ~ Wool-mohair blend 2-ply
$ 3.50/ oz

Two lots: (15 oz) and (14.8 oz)

Felted Hat

wool - mohair blend
$ 40.00

Lanark ~ Best Western

2009-10-18T17:00:00.003-04:00

Like my son said, this has to be one of the coolest looking 'Best Western' hotels, when he saw these photos of one of the hotels I stayed at during my recent UK trip.

The inside views didn't disappoint me either.

Cartland Bridge Hotel

Lanark, Scotland

and it even had 'WiFi' that worked.

Fall Flock Photos

2009-10-16T16:00:00.002-04:00

The replacement ewe lamb flock with

'Jack Daniels' (aka 'Dan')

A group of the adult Blue Leicester ewes

Beechtrees 'EdenVale'

2009-10-09T08:50:00.003-04:00

The sheep superintendent at the WSWF just sent me this photo that was taken of 'EdenVale'

just after being awarded the

Reserve Supreme Champion Ewe for the WSWF 2009.

Beechtrees 'EdenVale'

Now that her show days are behind her, its time she got down to the business of producing the next generation of Bluefaced Leicester progeny to follow in her footsteps.

Majestic Specimen Trees ~ Scotland

2009-10-04T15:16:00.006-04:00

Stately ~ Monkey Puzzle Tree

Wind twisted ~ Beech Tree

Ancient ~ English Oak Tree

Last of the Shetland photos

2009-09-30T19:14:00.002-04:00

just weaned group

Earlier weaned lambs

more of the early set of lambs

Some of the Ewe flock

More from Middletown Farm

2009-09-30T08:32:00.002-04:00

Robin with Squishy

The rams relaxing

Copper deficiency band in a colored lamb fleece

Middletown Farm's wool room

Shetland's at Middletown Farm

2009-09-30T08:28:00.003-04:00

Squarely standing ewe

Square ewe with a nice topline

Three older tups

Yearling tup

NSA Border & Wales Ram Sale ~ BFL's ring 1

2009-09-28T15:15:00.002-04:00

R. Harding 'Shrewbridge' putting his tups thru the sale's ring.
Judges: Neil Laing & Matt Drummond
With the Bluefaced Leicester ~ Builth Wells Ram Sale Champion
bred & exhibited by M. Roberts 'Myfyrian'

Great Lakes ~ Blues Show & WSWF

2009-09-14T09:29:00.003-04:00

Whew! What a weekend.

The Great Lakes ~ Bluefaced Leicester Show was a great success.

I have to thank John & Christine Stott for coming to Wisconsin, and for being such warm and charming guests. I know everyone was delighted to meet them, and to get the chance to chat with them and learn more from John about Bluefaced Leicesters, as well as Mules, and farming in the UK.

I would also like to thank all those who stepped in and offered their help before, during, and after the shows, and with the evenings "Meet the Stott's reception".

I could not have managed without their help. Everything was so well done!

We arrived home around 12:30 AM, unloaded about 1/2 the sheep into temporary pens set up in the yard, fed & watered them all, pulled the truck up to the house and crawled in for a few hours of shut eye before beginning today.

I will get the results of the shows posted later this week, after I unload the truck and locate them. I did upload a few pixs that Mark managed to take at the end of the day on Sunday, and more photos will follow as they arrive in from the other exhibitors.

I hope all who came to Wisconsin enjoyed themselves, and that everyone had a safe journey home.

Bluefaced Leicester Champion Ewe

2009 WSWF Reserve Supreme Champion Ewe

Beechtrees 'EdenVale'

Judge: John Stott 'LAUND FARM'

President ~ UK BFLSBA

MFF ~ Natural Colored Flock

2009-09-01T08:26:00.002-04:00

Many thanks to Betty Shetterly, the show superintendent, for taking this group photo of us in the ring at Michigan Fiber Festival.

Natural Colored Flock

(and thanks to those willing & unsuspecting folks who end up helping us hold and show sheep)

Haydon progeny

2009-08-24T11:13:00.003-04:00

Below are a few different lambs sired by Haydon.

Haydon (CHV2) x Sweethope (CLT1)

Haydon (CHV2) x MistyGrey (BLT5)

Haydon (CHV2) x Clarilaw (CLT1)

CarryHouse V2 ram

2009-08-24T09:14:00.004-04:00

I have just decided to make available 'For Sale' one of my F1 son's of CarryHouse V2.

The ram is Beechtrees 'Haydon'.
Haydon is a proven purebred sire, as well as crossing sire. He and his Mule daughters were selected last year as the Champion BFL & Progney pen at the WSWF,

under Scottish judge: David Cruikshank.

Haydon is a very strong bodied white ram, with excellent breed type, good mouth, sound on his feet and legs, and very good blue pigment. He produces progeny with great structure, very nice shoulders and neck, and very upright heads and ears. I will include photos of several of Haydon's progeny in my next posting.

contact me for more information and details:beechtrfrm@aol.com

Drought relief

2009-08-10T08:50:00.003-04:00

I thought that I would share this picturesque rainbow that occured last evening after some tremendous winds and rains blew thru our area. Hopefully it signaled the end to our dry spell, as well as the heat and humidity, it was in the 90's here yesterday.

But it did come with a cost, as there are numerous trees down, as well as powerlines. We were without power for about 8 hours last evening, and dinner happened to be McD's drive thru, and even their card swipe machine was on the fritz, so it was 'cash only' if the locals wanted dinner last night.

BFLBA ~ NAMSS Fundraiser

2009-08-04T09:37:00.004-04:00

Beechtree Farm has donated the following ewe lamb to the BFLBA ~ NAMSS Online Auction.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will help defray the cost of a UK judge at next month's 1st Great Lakes Bluefaced Leicester Show, and the 2nd Annual ~ Mule Sheep & Bluefaced Leicester Progeny Show, at the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival.
The show will feature the UK judge, John Stott, President UK-BFLSBA.

# 51- orange

Beechtrees 'MarriVale

(TW) 2009

MarriVales' fleece

(Verteris x Marriford)

to place your bid go to the: BFLBA ~ NAMSS Online Auction

Ram: #24-orange 'Verteris'

2009-08-04T09:05:00.003-04:00

#24-orange 'Verteris'

(S) 2008

$ 550

(Wallsend x Agate)

Ram: #23-orange 'Templeton'

2009-08-04T09:03:00.002-04:00

#23-orange 'Templeton'

(TRP) 2008

$ 475

(Haydon x FernGlen)

Ewe: # 108-black 'GlenLuce'

2009-08-04T08:59:00.002-04:00

# 108-black 'GlenLuce'

(S) 2008

$ 500

(GlenFiddich x BlackwaterDee)

Ewe: # 18-orange 'Truffle'

2009-08-04T08:54:00.003-04:00

# 18-orange 'Truffle'

(TW) 2008

$450

(Haydon x Marriford)

# 48-orange ~ ewe lamb

2009-08-03T15:57:00.003-04:00

This is Natural colored ewe lamb

# 48-orange 'MidnyteMist'

Triplet

$350

(Wallsend x BlueMist)

For Sale: Lamb List & Photos

2009-08-03T15:25:00.007-04:00

I have a group of younger and smaller Registered Bluefaced Leicester lambs, almost all twins or triplets, available with papers. They can be pick up at the farm, or delivery to MFF on Sunday Aug. 16th can be arranged, out of State Health Certificate is additional.

$ 200 @
41-orange TRP white ram:
42-orange TRP white ram:
45-orange TRP Natural colored ram:
46-orange TRP white ram: good blue, dense fleece w/ luster

$ 300 @
32-orange TW white ram : dense fleece, luster, good blue
34-orange TW white ewe: good blue, open luster fleece
125-black TRP white ram: good crimp and luster
127-black TW white ram: good blue, open fleece w/ luster

$ 350
47-orange TRP white ram: good blue, open luster fleece
48-orange TRP Natural colored ewe:
30-orange S white ram: excellent crossing sire prospect, thin skin, good blue, very long body.

$ 400
28-orange TW natural colored ewe: lovely lighter shades of silver and taupe.
120-black TW white ram: large ram lamb, excellent fleece and conformation.

We also have available, several yearling and adult ewes and rams, both white and natural colored.

Please email for more details. beechtrfrm @ aol.com

The first one pictured below is Ewe lamb

# 28-orange 'WychHazel'

Twin

$400

(Verteris x Starling)

and her fleece

BFLBA Online Auction

2009-08-03T11:16:00.004-04:00

The BFLBA and NAMSS are holding an Online Auction!
Welcome to the BFLBA ~ NAMSS Online Auction! Our auction features Bluefaced Leicester and other sheep related items. Click here to access the auction site.

Whether you're looking for actual livestock or a gift for a fiber enthusiast, the auction will no doubt be a great way to buy BFL/sheep related items!

Proceeds from this fundraiser will help defray the cost of a UK judge at next month's first Great Lakes Bluefaced Leicester Show and the 2nd Annual Mule Sheep & Bluefaced Leicester Progeny Show at the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival. The show will feature the UK judge, John Stott, President UK-BFLSBA.

The opportunity to have the president of the UK-BFLSBA judge our BFLs and Mules will greatly benefit so many areas--the U.S. BFL and Mule breeders and the surrounding communities where the BFLs play a role. John Stott's experience, insight, and knowledge of the breed will allow breeders to further promote the awareness and advancement of the Bluefaced Leicester sheep.

Place your bids!

Thank you for your support!

Norwood Loom ~ For Sale

2009-07-20T08:54:00.005-04:00

The Norwood Loom

Solid Cherry w/ oil finish

from Baldwin, Michigan

40 inch, 4 harness, 6 treadle, wire heddles.

With bench, reeds, and various bobbins, boat shuttles & sticks.

Excellent condition

$ 2,200.00

(pick-up only)

Puppy Tutoring 101

2009-07-16T15:11:00.005-04:00

I picked up a new Pyrenees puppy almost a week ago.

It didn't take him long to settle in to his new home and show that he was going to be a bit too forward with the lambs. He thought that their ears were just right for nipping, and that wool was for pulling. NOT!

So, I thought I'd try putting 'Kate' one of our younger LGD's in with him to mentor him, and wear him down a bit. He wasted no time in using her as his new personal chewy and 'flossing' toy.

Kate and the new pup

The lambs checking out this new mini 'Tasmanian' furball.

Cocklaw F1 ram lamb ~ For Sale

2009-07-14T08:47:00.002-04:00

A triplet born F1 ram lamb sired by the imported UK - Cocklaw T1 semen will be available this summer.

He is white with mottled (spotted) pigment, correct conformation, and has a very nice luster fleece.

Also under consideration 'For Sale' will be an F1 ram lamb from my newest semen import, the Rossiebank x3.

For further details contact: beechtrfrm@aol.com

UK Style Suffolks ~ For Sale

2009-07-14T08:19:00.004-04:00

We have two of our 50% UK Suffolk ram lambs available.

They are sired by UK ~ Suffolk ~ SRS Rams out of NZ x USA Suffolk ewes.

These terminal sires are selected for their ability to gain on grass with limited grain inputs, to complement your grass fed market lamb production schemes.

Contact: muleflock@aol.com for more information

An elusive Blue head

2009-07-08T18:04:00.004-04:00

This one is very camera shy, and doing his very best at keeping the other lambs between the camera and him.

Also, the flies are terrible today and everyone has their heads buried in the grass, or under another lamb.

# 127-black (TW)

Barlaes-Titan-CHV2

$400

Another ram lamb

2009-07-02T18:28:00.002-04:00

# 33-orange ~ TW

(CarryHouse V2- Barlaes- Titan)

$ 400

The First of the Ram lambs: For Sale

2009-07-02T17:07:00.002-04:00

# 129-black ~ TW

(Cocklaw-Barlaes-Titan)

$ 400

# 47-orange ~ TRP

(Cocklaw-Barlaes-Titan-CHV2)

$ 400

Shearing Time for the Big Guys

2009-06-26T09:21:00.002-04:00

I pulled the 'big boys' up to the barn from their pasture the other day to get them ready for their summer shearing, and the subsequent 'adjustment' period afterwards.

It's just been so hot that I delayed their summer buzz-cuts until it is slightly cooler, so hopefully they don't over heat when they are all put back together.

Beechtrees 'Wallsend'

(aka 'Wallis')

a natural colored CHV2 ~ F1

Hanging Out in the Barn

2009-06-25T11:41:00.003-04:00

With the hot days of summer already upon us, the lambs have decided that it is far better to hang out in the barn, in the shade, and enjoy the luxury of the breeze coming from the big drum fans, verses the alternative of glaring sun, heat, and swarms of bugs.

On The Road Again

2009-06-14T12:56:00.005-04:00

Beechtrees 'BenNevis' was selected as the founding sire for a recently established Bluefaced Leicester flock in Missouri. Three Bluefaced Leicester ewes were also selected to travel with him. Ben was the perfect gentlemen as he was inspected, shorn, weighed and wormed, before he was loaded up along with the girls for the long road trip today.

We look forward to hearing about his adjustment to his new farm and flock.

Summer 2009 ~ "For Sale" List

2009-05-21T09:30:00.003-04:00

With weaning now in progress, the 'For Sale' list of ewes, rams, and lambs is being compiled and is growing rapidly. To date there are 30 Bluefaced Leicesters on the list, with an additional group of ewe lambs still to be decided upon.
The listed sheep include several F1 progeny, and numerous F2's out of double F1 parents. We also offer both white and natural colored Blues, and many of our whites carry and produce colored. We offer show quality stock, crossing type sires, as well as excellent prospects for the discriminating fiber flock.
For an up to date list email me at: beechtrfrm@aol.com

Springtime at Beechtree

2009-05-12T15:22:00.003-04:00

Beechtree's 'Jeni' keeping a watchful eye on all the lambs out in the pasture.

A young 'Blue' fellow out looking for his mum, as he is in need of refreshment.

Maryland ~ Hard at work

2009-05-07T08:39:00.002-04:00

When you take 12 Blue Leicesters to a show there isn't much time for sitting back and relaxing during the weekend. Your time is spent either setting up, grooming, showing, feeding & watering, answering questions, or packing everything up to go home. Well we did manage to get in some social time in the evenings with our fellow shepherds.

This is one of the ram lambs getting his first grooming on the trim stand.

*note the pouring rain outside - it lasted all 5 days and didn't end until we got to Ohio.

Here is the same ram lamb, all tidied up and ready for tomorrow's show.

He actually didn't mind the trim stand because he was so entertained by all the people passing by, and by those who stopped to admire him and give him a chin scratch.

Ram photos ~ untrimmed

2009-04-16T11:42:00.008-04:00

Below are photos and prices of the yearling rams that we have available 'For Sale'.

Please excuse the untrimmed apperance and the winter grime.

They were just brought out of the field now that lambing isn't taking up all the barn space.

(* delivery fee & Veterinary Health Certificate ~ additional)

Beechtrees 'Marston'

# 21-orange (TRP) $ 500

Lovely fleece with good luster, excellent breed type stands four square, good wide loin and rear.

SOLD

Beechtrees 'Verteris'

# 24-orange (S) $ 500

Proven sire with 6 lambs already on the ground and more due next week.

Very finely fleeced, long bodied, sound structure.

Beechtrees 'GlenGrant'

# 103- black (TRP) $ 500

Heavy fleeced, excellent crimp and luster, good loin and body length.

SOLD

Beechtrees 'Thistleton'

# 27- orange (TW) $ 400

Lovely fleece with good density, he stands slightly toed out east-west on rear feet.

SOLD

Beechtrees 'Riecawr'

# 98- black (S) $ 400

fine fleeced ~ thin skinned, he is growing rapidly and he will be a very long ram by time he reaches 3 years old, his mouth is slightly over on the left side.

Maryland S&W ~ Delivery option

2009-04-13T09:08:00.005-04:00

With our impending trip to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival just around the corner, here is an opportunity for those of you who live out East, and who will be attending the Festival to take advantage of our ability to transport several extra Bluefaced Leicester's that way.

FOR SALE:

These 2009 lambs can be delivered to the MSWF

1 - White ram lamb:
sired by Silverdale (Barlaes F1) x Eskleydale (Beeston 'Titan' F1)

1 - Natural colored ram lamb: SOLD
sired by Silverdale (Barlaes F1) x Eclipse (Cocklaw F1)
* see colored ram lamb pictured on the March 25th (post below) 'Son of Eclipse'.

1 - White ewe lamb: SOLD
sired by Cragganmore (Barlaes x Beeston 'T85') x Chantilly (Ebony x Laird x Jamie)

Also, any of our previously listed 'FOR SALE' adult and yearling rams, and the yearling ewes, can be delivered to MSWF with pick up arrangements made for Thursday night (April 30th) or Friday morning (May 1st). * Due to the MSWF penning regulations.

For more information contact me at: beechtrfrm@aol.com

It's a big world out here!

2009-04-08T20:27:00.003-04:00

This handsome little fellow gets his first view of the big, bright world awaiting him outside the safe and comfortable confines of his lambing jug.

For Sale: Bluefaced Leicester Ewes

2009-03-30T09:02:00.006-04:00

We have a diverse group of yearling ewes for sale, ranging in quality for show, brood, or for the fiber flock.

The scan of the fleece sample pictured below is from ewe # 93-black 'Coal Ila', the samples taken from the mid-rib and the lower britch, this is her first shearing.

If I had to make a guess at the microns, the mid-rib would test out around 23 microns or less. Coal Ila has also lambed at 11 months of age: a 13 lbs single~natural colored ewe lamb, and she is a very good mother.

For Sale ~ Yearling Ewes

93-black 'Coal Ila' CHV2 x BLT5 $ 250
100-black 'Finola' Laird x BLT5 $ 200 SOLD
106-black 'Conniston' CHV2 x BLT5 $ 200 SOLD
110-black 'SilverFlowe' BLT5 x BTL5 $ 450
112-black 'BallieNicol' CHV2 x BLT5 $ 400 SOLD
17-orange 'Lyvennet' CHV2x BLT5 $ 400
26-orange 'TwistedThistle' CHV2 x BLT5 $ 400

Son of Eclipse

2009-03-25T09:17:00.003-04:00

Here is one of those 'double trouble' ram lambs enjoying being outdoors with some pals to romp with in the nursery mixing pen.

BLT5 x CLT1

Lamb shots

2009-03-22T17:25:00.003-04:00

Here is a ram lamb from a set of triplets, with his sister laying down in the background.

CLT1 x Barlaes

A spunky 16 pound single female

RBX3 x CHV2

Lambing time

2009-03-22T15:40:00.002-04:00

This weekend has been a bit busy keeping up with the ewes that are lambing the UK-AI progeny. All the jugs are currently full and there are still a few more ewes to go, so I guess I had better 'check out' a few of the sets and make ready for the next group of occupants.