Gatesmtnshetlands.com
Title
Welcome to the Gates of the Mountains Shetland Sheep at the Hilger Hereford Ranch
Description
ABOUT MY RANCH
My ranch is on the east side of Montana's Continental Divide, south of the Gates of the Mountains wilderness area bordering the Missouri River, along the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail. I've been raising beef cattle at my ranch since 1986. More recently I've added Suffolk horses and, of course, my Shetland sheep. I'm interested in rare breeds or heritage farm animals and want to contribute to the preservation of their stock. While looking for a more natural way to control weeds in my mountainous pastures, I decided sheep seemed like a good solution.
I started with a few Rambouillet ewes bought from a neighboring ranch. I was introduced to Shetlands by a friend and was instantly attracted by their beautiful colors, hardiness and unique "personality." As my flock grew from my original six prize-winning ewes and rams to over one hundred sheep, I was faced with protecting them from predators as they grazed far from my ranch headquarters. I added two guard dogs: a Pyrennes and and Akbash (another rare breed). In 1998 I was able to hire Denis Casas Samaniego, a sheep herder from Peru. Under his care, my sheep travel safely over the range searching out noxious weeds to nibble.
I also have a guard llama which I use with my guard dogs. You aren't supposed to be able to mix the two types of guardians, but Denis and I found a way to make it work. Before you try it, contact me and I may be able to save you from searching for a lost llama.
Contact
- Campbell, Catherine
-
- Helena MT
- United States 59602
-
- (406) 458-5273
