Did you know that the first merino sheep imported to America, were brought to Vermont? I didn't.
In 1811, William Jarvis brought 3500 merino sheep to Weathersfield, VT. By 1837 their numbers had soared to more than one million. This boom became known as "merino mania".
As is still the case today, the high cost of farming in the northeast and a glutted market, soon put Vermont farmers into financial jeopardy. There is a short and interesting article about this at the Vermont Historical Society site.
Comments
7 responses to “when you think merino, do you think Vermont?”
I do – my sister called me last week to complain that she only has 4 pairs of handknit socks and did I want to make her more? (Of course.) Her favorite pair is made from your sock yarn (in blueberry) – she doesn’t believe me that it’s wool because she thinks it’s too soft. I’ll be back when I’m ready to start her next pair . . .
I reread the Little House books a couple months ago and was intrigued to learn that Almanzo’s father raised Merino sheep! In upstate New York. Because, yes, I was surprised, too.
No, I don’t. What a fascinating article. I never knew merinos had cleft lips. Great post!
Looks more like one of those wrinkly dogs.
I did not know that.
Great article–I liked the part that said they washed them before shearing 😉
My neighbor raises Finnlandrace..and tells me there are less than 242 registered in the US this year. Interesting to think about what a shepherd has to face in terms of the economy. Suppy and Demand…
Back in the mid-1800s, Massachusetts was 80% open land, primarily because of sheep. Nowadays, it’s 80% forested.