Santiam Valley Soay Farm is a small operation located just seven miles east of Salem, Oregon.
We have between eight and sixteen animals depending on the time of year. Our mission is to help
preserve this rare and very special breed of sheep. In addition, we aim to have a minimal impact
on the environment. Therefore, we do not use pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers on our
pasture. Also, because of their small stature, Soay sheep cause very little erosion.
Soay lambs
We started raising Soay in 2001. We were looking for a fun, different solution to the problem of
keeping two acres of pasture cleared of brush and Blackberries. Over the years we have come to
see these animals as more than solar powered fertilizers and lawnmowers. They also produce
wool and meat (Let’s see your Toro do that). Truly, we have come to enjoy and appreciate these
animals and see them as something special.
Ethan, Madison and Lamb
While most of the routine chores fall to Scott, the entire family gets involved as needed.
Madison, our three year old daughter, loves spotting newborn lambs and helping with
vaccinations. She harvests dandelions and feeds them through the fence to her favorite animals.
Ethan, our one year old son, has enjoyed suggesting names for newborn lambs. However, you
can only have so many sheep named "Baa-Baa". On the occasion that we have a bummer lamb,
volunteers are pretty easy to come by at feeding time.
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