News from Black Diamond Sheep as we start our Breeding Journey: Upstart activities

Sheep ranching is more than a job; it is a way of life shaped by the rhythms of nature and the care we give to our flock, as well as the bevy of animals on the property. Every day on the ranch brings new challenges and rewards, from the early morning routines to the quiet moments watching the livestock flourish under wide-open skies. This blog page hopes to share the heart of our sheep operation, the activities that keep our ranch thriving, and the deep connection we have with the land and animals.

These sheep are so peaceful and loving

Starting the Flock: How we got here

Jim Lattimore and Penny Smith have been Amador County friends for 5 plus years and have become more like "family". Jim and his wife, Cheryl, wanted to start a livestock operation acquired our 3 girls from Brandi McGrath of Black Sheep Ranch in Oakdale, CA. Our love became the "girls" and we added 2 Alpacas for guard animals. But, we needed more "know how" to grow our flock. Thus came Penny Smith of Penwinkle Farms to the mix.

We partnered with Penny who has decades of livestock experience and "always wanted to raise Valais Blacknose Sheep". She had the perfect ranch set up, so all the girls were moved. It has been a great transition and the are thriving with all the new friends in Penny's Southdown, Alpaca, Chicken, Goose, and even Emu family.

Jim says Penny is the experience and he is the Chief Wrangler/Ranch Hand. We have worked hard to get the ranch ready and built a new Ram pen for our new stud, Rocky. It really seems like home.

We had the 3 girls over to Black Sheep Ranch in Oakdale to be bred and it seems they all were successful. We are now just waiting on lambs and enjoying the "ranch life". It seems the story really has just begun...