LOCAL CHOICES

Emily Lindsey grew up on a farm in Merced California with dedicated parents Stewart and Susanne Sorensen raising grass fed sheep. She participated in 4-H and FFA for many years showing and breeding, improving the quality of their flock over the years. After graduating from the University of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Emily and her husband Robert returned to Merced, to continue the family tradition of breeding sheep. They are the next generation along with their children Steven and Morgan and have focused their efforts on raising pure bred Romney Sheep.

The Romney traces it beginnings to the marshy area of Kent in England. Known for their delicate taste, this high quality lean meat is fine, tender, low in fat, high in beta carotene and antioxidants. For century’s it has been the the main meat in the Mediterranean Diet along with fish. Romneys produce a strong-wooled heavey fleece ideal for hand-spinners and weavers. Lanolin is also derived from sheeps wool and can be used as a topical ointment.

Our tour of the Sorensen Farm began with an introduction to Melek, the family Anatolian Shepherd Dog. This intelligent breed originates from Anatolia (central Turkey), bred for guarding flocks of sheep. Melek takes her responsibility very seriously, spending all her time with her sheep protecting them from wild dogs, coyotes and other predators.

As we walked out to the pasture with the sheep, Melek and the family, the pride and commitment they have in natural farming is evident. The grass is green and rich in nutrients. The sheep are healthy animals that are occasionally supplemented with organic feed when needed and never forced to lamb out of season. Their belief is all natural all the time… because they wanted good clean lamb for themselves, their friends and to supply their local community and restaurants such as Cafe Sol in Merced.

We had a great time learning about Romney sheep, Melek and the entire family. They are gracious and willing to share their knowledge and passion with anyone who is interested in learning, so visit Merced County Fair, the theme this year is “Rock the Flock” and Emily will be providing shearing demonstrations at the Old MacDonalds Farm.

Sorensen Farm is another example of what true farming is all about. Loving what they do, doing it for the right reasons and sharing good clean healthy food with their community….