News

For the Society's Centennial, Merino sheep are back on Mutton Hill!

Thanks to Alison Graham of the Chaotic Farm, seven Merino ewes have been on the grounds all summer. You can recognize this unique breed by their multiple "chins" along with their soft wool. During the 1840s and 1850s, John Brown was a shepherd on the Perkins farm where he and his oldests sons cared for 1300-1500 Merino Saxony sheep, the largest such farm east of the Mississippi River.

Merino wool is used for most smart wool products like gloves, hats, scarfs and socks.

Graham shows her Merino sheep at the Ohio State Fair and one, name Tiramisu, won the top prize a few years ago. Alison Graham has been raising sheep for since 1991 and Merino sheep since 2003. She grew up on a farm in Medina County and her numerous awards tell the story of the prized sheep and wool at her aptly named Chaotic Farm. With her Merino flock, Graham has won "Best Merino Fleece" and "Best Fine Wool Spinning Fleece" at the Ohio State Fair and the North American International Livestock Expo. Her Lincoln flock fleeces won "National Champion" and "Reserve National Champion" and "Grand Champion" at the Ohio State Fair. In 2025, Graham will open the Dahlia Lane Educational Farm allowing guests a farm experience while extending her services. Lamby Joanne, bottle fed as a baby, has been the leader. Where she goes, the other ewes will follow. The staff and volunteers on Mutton Hill have learned that the sheep enjoy maple leaves. Think about how sweet maple syrup is and that will give you an indication for their preference of this treat.

Due to amazing volunteers (shepherdess Edie, Christopher, Gina, Emily & Heather) the sheep are well taken care of and they are herded by amazing working dogs: Lincoln, Brooklyn, Dyna, Owen, Bruce, Kiku, Cloud, Erie and Harold.