Grass Hill Farm is a small, one-woman farm in Connecticut’s Quiet Corner. We are one of a handful of farms in the USA raising American Herdwick Sheep. Considered a conservation breed, these are the sheep made famous by Beatrice Potter and they continue to entertain us with their cheeky behavior and big personalities.

Originally from the Lake District in the UK, Herdwick ram genetics were imported in 2007 and crossed primarily with Icelandic ewes to produce the American Herdwick we have today. With the recent help of top breeders in the UK we are continuing anew the upbreeding program with a close eye on insuring sound genetics while aiming for traditional Herdwick traits. All our sheep are tested OPP and Johnes free.

Herdwick fleece is composed of wool, kemp, and a downy layer that combine to make the fleece especially suited to the harsh winters of New England. The fiber makes excellent rugs and outer wear, while the downy layer is next-to-skin soft and super warm. Our fleece is processed locally (Still River Mill). We sell roving, batts, dehaired roving (that downy layer), and core spun. In the spring we offer raw fleece from sheep that have been professionally sheared. Occasionally we have sheep for sale.

Besides providing fiber, our sheep have participated in an animal facilitated mindfulness and trust workshop offered by the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck NY.