Veterans of the Army, my husband and I were a military family, moving every 2-3 years. I left active service after the birth of our daughters while in Germany, staying reserve for 5 more years. My husband, Ross, 20 years active. His final post took us to Virginia and
we bought our "forever home" with 7 acres to raise a few chickens and a garden in retirement. We decided to buy a few sheep and go
ats, built a small barn...And we were hooked. Autumn Rayne Acres was established deciding
an Icelandic and Finn sheep flock was our goal....and a few pet goats. Ross had two years left to retirement and our small flock grew. His final days in sight and we had outgrown our little homestead. And the Virginia climate was not kind to sheep. So last fall we said goodbye to Virginia and returned to my family's farm in Vermont. No longer a working dairy farm, big barns, acres of pasture, and a better sheep climate, it was an easy decision. With the help of family and friends, 25 sheep, 5 goats, 2 dogs, 2 cats, a small tractor, household goods and barn supplies loaded on 4 vehicles, we made it home to Vermont. Our goal is to fully establish a flock of Registered Icelandic and Finn Sheep for meat and wool, continuing the market we had started in Virginia here in Vermont. We plan to attend select farmers markets as well as market from the farm. As our plans solidify, we will let everyone know. And it's nice to be home.
