​4-H Youth Tour Sheep & Cattle Farm

Diane DuMont, 4-H Program Educator

Cornell Cooperative Extension Franklin County

On a warm Saturday morning recently 4-H youth, parents and leaders visited White Stone farm in Chateaugay NY owned by Kim and Kimberly Richey. The Richeys guided visitors on a tour of their operation. White Stone farm raises sheep and Highland cattle.

Kimberly introduced the 4-Hers to her long wool sheep. She has three breeds of long wool sheep in her flock. The Wensleydale, and Coopworth make soft yarn from their processed fleece. She also has the Cotswold breed, who have wool like mohair. It is soft and hairy with long fibers that makes soft yarn.

The sheep lamb or give birth each spring in Richey’s sheep barn. They also are sheared in the spring. The young people had fun making friends with Olaf and Paris, two of Kim’s favorites. The sheep are raised for wool and meat.

Kim enjoyed sharing the background of their Highland cattle. The Highland breed originated in Scotland and are very hardy. The breed has a shaggy hair coat of red, blond or silver color and distinctive long horns that curve. Kimberly’s brother started the family line more than 25 years ago in New Hampshire. He started with flushed embryos directly from Scotland. Their herd of 40 plus stems back to 3 original cows and one bull.

The young people met Elsa a yearling who had been bottle-fed in 2014. The rest of the herd was in the pasture and came to meet the visitors out of curiosity. There were 3 baby calves with their Dams and many more to be born. This herd grazes through several grass paddocks during the year and is fed hay during the winter. The beef is totally grass finished. Grass fed beef is leaner and is high in Omega 3. The Richey’s sell their beef and wool products at the Keene Farmers Market and directly from their home.

The 4-H members left with a greater understanding of these unique beef and sheep breeds. They appreciated the dedication that this family has for raising quality animals on a safe and environmentally friendly farm. 

Last updated June 1, 2015