Artist as Work Series: Michelle Lane of Kellane Sheep Farm

In this edition of our Artist at Work interview series, I sat down and talked to Michelle Lane of Kellane Farms. Michelle owns a sheep farm in Wisconsin, and I found her story to be so interesting, mainly because she did not grow up rearing any type of animal, and her decision to breed sheep was based on her own love of fiber. Michelle's farm is growing, and I am hoping that one day we will carry her wool in our store. For now, here is a taste of what it looks like to run a full-time sheep farm

1.. What made you decide to begin raising sheep?

Initially the focus of Kellane Farm was to breed Miniature Mediterranean donkeys and Gypsy Vanner horses. However, after discovering the donkey market is flooded I realized it would be unethical to breed my two jennets – Rita and Sweet Pea. I’d still planned on breeding my Gypsy Vanner horse – Kiara, but this dream also changed when I finally realized that our property isn’t suitable for horses (we live on the top of a steep hill surrounded by decades old trees that we cannot bring ourselves to cut down). During this time I came across an article about Babydoll Southdown sheep in “Hobby Farms” magazine. After reading the article I just knew this was the perfect animal for Kellane Farm – it had wool to fuel my fiber passion; it didn’t bother trees; was an “easy keeper”; and was incredibly cute! Thus, the search for a small flock began…and ended when I found 4 ewes, 1 ram, and a whether for sale in Denmark, WI.

2. Did you grow up on a farm?

I grew up in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky – a small town just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. My family loved animals and we always had small pets, but nothing bigger than a dog.

3. What did you do prior beginning the farm?

Prior to beginning the farm I was a full-time mom and part-time substitute teacher. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, which I put to use on occasion. However, I enjoy being a caretaker – so becoming a farmer was a natural step for me.



4. Explain a typical day on your farm..

A typical day on my farm begins at 7:00 a.m. with feeding the animals (I don’t’ need an alarm clock – the noise of the animals clamoring for their food awakens me every day).. As I feed the hay I check their water and minerals, as well as eyeball each animal to make sure he or she is physically healthy. My three dogs like to make the rounds with me and Scout (a Rat Terrier) will even sniff each ewe as if to make sure they are okay! The dogs and I then come inside for breakfast and coffee. I’ll then knit or spin in between doing housework until the afternoon. That’s when I clean the pens or do any animal care such as vaccinations, picking up a load of hay, worming, grooming, etc. I pretty much do all of the animal care by myself. My husband is a family physician so he doesn’t have the time and I don’t make the kids help me because they aren’t as animal crazy as their mother. The farm day ends with the final feeding at 6:00 p.m.

5. What kind of animals do you raise?

Kellane Farm proudly raises registered Babydoll Southdown sheep. Babydoll sheep originated in England, where they were prized for their meat and wool. Their wool is in the same class as cashmere, with a count reported between 19 and 22 microns.

6. Do you sell your wool?

Not yet! I didn’t purchase my flock until after shearing time last year. I’m hoping to increase the size of my flock so that I can have enough wool to sell, as well as for personal use. Before purchasing my flock I went online and found some Babydoll roving to spin…in order to make sure I was purchasing the right breed of sheep (something I’d recommend to anyone interested in breeding a specific type of sheep). Spinning Babydoll wool is heavenly and it creates a wonderfully soft and springy yarn!!




7. I noticed that you are a spinner, do you spin from the wool, and if so, can you show us some of your yarn?

I have not yet had the pleasure of spinning wool from my own sheep. Hopefully I will be able to soon!

8. How long have you been knitting, and how has raising sheep effected how you knit?

I have been knitting for about five years. What started as a hobby has now become an obsession. I think about knitting all of the time and my house shows it – there are knitting books and magazines scattered throughout every room, baskets of yarn setting about, and knitting projects by my place on the couch. Raising sheep has definitely affected my knitting, as it has made me a “wool snob.” I will look at “other yarns” (such as cotton, alpaca, etc.), but I prefer the look, smell, and feel of wool!

6. If you could fulfill all of your dreams about this farm, what would that look like?



I never thought that I’d give up on my dream of breeding horses, but it’s funny how a little thing like knitting – and a passion for all things related to fiber – can make a person change. My sheep are a blessing to me and I am deeply attached to them. As my first lambing season approaches I am filled with hope and excitement for the future of Kellane Farm as a producer of high quality wool for the fiber community, as well as excellent stock in order to improve and continue the Babydoll Southdown breed..

Thank you Michelle for talking to us about the joys of raising such beautiful sheep.

To learn about Michelle and Kellane Farm, please visit their website