Shetland 2000
by
Judy Colvin
When we
purchased our first Shetland sheep in 1991, I suddenly
became aware of the existence of their homeland, the
Shetland Islands. Immediately a desire began to grow to
visit the Shetland Islands to learn more about these hard
little sheep. When I first heard about Shetland Sheep 2000,
I knew this was an opportunity too good to pass up. Looking
back on the conference, I can only marvel at what an
outstanding job of organization it represented.
The speakers were excellent, and I was particularly
impressed with the historical information presented. Here
in North America a large percentage of our Shetland exhibit
a double coated fleece, and there were times in the past
when I questioned how our Shetlands could be so different
from the information that we received from the Shetland
Sheepbreeders Group in Great Britain. The historical
information provided at the conference laid those questions
to rest. It was interesting to note that there is a range
of opinions as to what a Shetland sheep should be in their
homeland, just as there is here in North America. We were
able to visit the farms of a number of Shetland breeders in
Scotland before returning home and found still more
opinions.
The exchange of information between Shetland breeders from
many different countries was incredibly interesting. I
think I may have noticed a raised eyebrow or two when I
stated that many breeders here in North America like the
double coated fleeces and that we actually have a good
market for them. Having had a chance to visit with some of
the gentlemen who were actually involved in the importation
of Shetland Sheep into Canada, I was told that all the
sheep selected for the importation were quite single
coated. Yet, by the time these first Shetlands came out of
quarantine in Canada and started being dispersed around the
United States, a large portion of them exhibited double
coated fleeces, quite similar to the lovely moorit fleece I
brought home from the Shetland Wool Brokers Ltd - great
color, quite long staple (7"+), straight and very double
coated. Oliver Henry, a wool grader at the Shetland Wool
Brokers for 35 years said that eighty (80%) of the colored
Shetlands have double coated fleeces similar to the one I
brought home. Mr. Henry went on to say this is the
traditional Shetland fleece.
It also seemed to me that some of the folks I met at
Shetland Sheep 2000 believe that the best wool is that
which is the finest and shows the most crimp. From my point
of view as a hand spinner, the best
wool is the wool that works best for any given final
project. So I consider a wide variety of wool types to be
the best.
Carol Christianson's paper, Shetland
Wool and Textiles: Evidence from the last
Millennium,was of
particular interest to me . I was also delighted to have a
chance to visit with Elizabeth, of the Spiders Web, a
spinning store in Lerwick, and listen to her describe
studying the various ways double coated Shetland fleeces
were used historically to produce the entire range of
garments needed.
I think the strongest message I brought home form the
conference relates to the diversity of the Shetland breed.
Dr. Adalsteinsson quoted Prof. D. P. Sponenberg as follows:
"Selection can also produce uniqueness. Breeders want to
select for or against specific characteristics, such as
size, color, horns, wool types, etc. but the wishes of
breeders will vary. The varied attitude of breeders tends
however, to conserve variation." It seemed that each of the
speakers assembled for the conference expanded on this
topic.
From what I've seen here in the United States, we are
certainly going a number of different directions with our
Shetlands. One lady from the U.K. advised us she doesn't
select for handspinning fleeces but rather for the breed
itself. Another breeder from Scotland told me he selects
solely for the show ring. The Shetland Flock Book folk seem
to have a clear idea of what they feel is the ideal
Shetlands. So it appears we are well on our way to
conserving variation in the Shetland breed.
I believe 21 people attended the conference from North
America, and I'm sure each one of us would have a slightly
different view point on the information we received. As we
learn to respect each other's right to hold a different
view point, we will be well on our way to preserving our
wonderfully diverse Shetlands.
I must add that I was overwhelmed by the hospitality we
were shown everywhere in Shetland. From our arrival the
first day when we were greeted by the kind Rotary club
members who ferried us to our respective lodgings, to the
bus drivers who transpor5ted us from one end of the
mainland to the other, and the many folk who brought sheep
to Walls and Voe for our viewing, our days at the
conference were packed full of friendly people, and we have
many warm memories.
I can't wait until I can return to Shetland and enjoy more
of their hospitality.
Judy Colvin