To Everything There Is A Season . . .

First, the big/good news. We recently ultrasounded our seven (F4) ewes as well as our one (F3) ewe — and our 100% (++) conception rate streak continues! We’re so pleased that all of our girls are pregnant (big shout-out to Hoosier Embryo for the LAI) with babies from the excellent Parkdale, Heartland, and Stratheden lines. We’re expecting at least nine (F5) “American/Domestic Purebred” lambs and two (F4) lambs in late April/Early May. It has been our dream to breed-up to domestic purebred status (96.88% VBN). As any shepherd of Valais Blacknose Sheep will attest, the breed-up road is a labor and journey of love, filled with surprises and joy, and mingled with occasions of heartache and disappointment. But with grit and a whole lot of grace, we’ve reached our goal at All Saints Valais.

The second announcement we’d like to share is that having reached this milestone, we’ve taken more than a few moments to ponder and pray about where we go from here. We’ve come to the realization that we’re ready to move on and embrace a new season of travel and adventure — one that typically belongs to those in the “autumn” of life. I guess that’s where you could say we are right now . . . a couple of kids at heart who still have a few places to see and things to do (hopefully somewhere warmer than Tennessee right now!).

We’re blessed and elated that we have found one big, beautiful new farm for all our adult ewes. They will be leaving for northern pastures in late summer, and when I say that they will be loved, cared for, and spoiled beyond measure, I’m not exaggerating! Their new home and new shepherds couldn’t be more perfect for them and we know it will be their forever-happy-place. We are resting easy in our decision, having invested and poured out so much time, love, and care for them ourselves.

That said, we will be selling all of our 2026 Spring ewe lambs and ram lambs. They will be available to go to new farms near the end of July. We do not maintain a waiting list, but if you’d like to reaffirm your earnest interest in purchasing one or more lambs from us, please do reach out. This is an opportunity for serious investors in the breed and we will be selective in choosing only the best homes for them!

Thank you to all of you who have supported us through the years and walked with us through this “season” of knowing, loving, and raising Valais Blacknose Sheep. It takes a village to do it well and our fellow breeders have encouraged and inspired us along the way. We have striven to give our highest and best to our flock, to the Valais community, and to our buyers, many of whom have become part of our extended “farmily.” We will always be here for you! ❤️

Thanks to being a shepherdess (and Ed, a shepherd) of these truly wonderful, lovely, sweet, affectionate creatures of God, to quote one of my favorite poets, Mary Oliver:

“I do know how to pay attention,

how to fall down

into the grass, how to kneel in the grass,

how to be idle and blessed, how to

stroll through the fields,

which is what I have I have been doing

all day.

Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

With your one wild and precious

life?”

As for us, we will continue to ask, pray, and trust that God will direct our feet according to His holy and perfect will. Thank you all for traveling this wild, woolly, and wonder-filled road with us. We can’t wait to see what is around the bend!

Be blessed, y’all!

Ed & Andie