Board of Directors

 President-  2023

Gwenyth Glynn Longwools

Sellersburg, IN

 gwenythglynn@yahoo.com 

I have been raising Wensleydale sheep since 2005 using semen from several UK rams to

start my breeding program. Since then, I am proud to say we have seen some lovely

examples of the breed in our US flocks. I helped break the ice for the breed in many

sheep shows the the East and Midwest showing the lambs from AI and helping others get flocks started. My background and passion as a weaver, spinner, dyer, knitter, fiber artist has influenced the development of my flock focusing on the best fleeces for my product line at Gwenyth Glynn. The Wensleydale fleece is truly outstanding in its multiple applications for hancrafters and artists. I am dedicated to sharing my experience raising these sheep, working with their wool, and helping guide the direction of our association into the future .

 Vice President  2023

Blakesley Creek Farm

 Philomath, OR  

 lolund@peak.org 

 I have been a member of NAWSA since it began and have raised Wensleydales since the first 50% lambs hit the ground. At one point, I had 80 Wensleydales in my fields, but lately run only a few dozen as I get older, smarter and crankier. I sell fleeces, roving and yarn through my fiber business, teach fiber art classes on my farm and in the local schools. I offer free field trips to share about our lovely sheep and run a sheepherder wagon Airbnb where I give quick lessons about fiber to anyone willing to listen. I was previously NAWSA treasurer for several years. I would be honored to rejoin the board, but this time as a general member. 

Co-Secretary 2023

Wild Rose Farm

Oak Harbor, WA

 NAN@NANLEAMAN.COM 

 I am a fiber artist working primarily in wool and silk using various surface design techniques including botanical printing, creating one of a kind wearables  and art pieces.  I am the mother of 4 daughters and 5 grand children. My husband, a veterinarian, and I have owned and operated a veterinary clinic for 40 years, having sheep this entire time. 12 years ago we got started with Wensleydales. We have strived through up breeding, both with AI and natural breeding to establish a really lovely flock. We raise both natural colored and white Wensleydales.
 We also raise Teeswaters and have dipped our toes into the Swiss Valais as well.

I live on Whidbey Island in  the Puget Sound area of Washington state.    

Aniroonz Shepp Company

Moscow, ID

aniroonz13@gmail.com

In 2004 she started ANIROONZ Sheep Company and brought in seven rare wool breeds of sheep including the Wensleydale. In 2016 she “retired” from Colorado State and moved her flock to Idaho where she promptly joined the faculty at Washington State University. At WSU she is happily still teaching nutrition as a Comparative Nutritionist. She is a member of the Washington

State Sheep Association and is active in all things wool and fiber. She and her husband still work with their flock of rare wool sheep – now Wensleydale, Karakul, and a few Awassi and Lincolns -and she is often found in the barn working with the animals.  Nancy has been working with the NAWSA Board on the pilot Moorit Wensleydale project. As an animal scientist she has been

working on the genetics of this amazing color that has not been seen in the Wensleydale breed since1924 in New Zealand. She has an army of students helping with the animals and using the genetics for their research projects – OR – to just learn about sheep and shepherding!! It is never boring at her

house, as she believes fervently that you NEVER stop learning!

Brambling Rose Ranch

Ogilvie, MN

mjmckennan@gmail.com

I have had the privilege of owning and breeding Wensleydales for about six years.  In that time, I have learned a lot about the needs of our beloved sheep.  I currently have a flock of 18, 4 rams and 14 ewes, 9 of which were bred with the new semen import in December.  I am vested in improving my flock in any way that I can. 

First, it is my vision that we get Wensleydales on the Livestock Conservancy as a breed in need of services that agency provides.  I have recently been in contact with a company that is interested in doing genetic testing for sheep, and would include Wensleydales in that project.  Issues that would be addressed, besides testing for fleece, etc, would include parasite resistance.  In my opinion, this is the next step for our breed.  Over the last few years, we have imported new genetics, and this effort will only ensure that Wensleydales stay strong and viable as a breed.  

Shoot the Moon vineyard & farm

Mount Vernon, WA

kilby@shootthemoonvineyard.com

My husband and I took the leap into full-time farming about five years ago, and welcomed our first ever flock of sheep, Wensleydales, soon after. While we primarily use the sheep to manage and fertilize our vineyard and orchards we also sell yarn, roving, fleeces, and various products made with our flocks tallow. By demonstrating the multifaceted benefits of sheep, especially a triple-purpose breed like the Wensleydale, we hope to inspire new farmers to integrate sheep into their own operations.

Our farm is located in the Puget Sound region of Washington state.  

Treasurer

 Wendy hugged her first sheep in the fall of 2003 and the rest is history. She and her husband, Chris now raise 39 breeds of fiber animals (including the elegant and magnificent Wensleydale) just for their fleeces. Wendy focuses her effort on the promotion of the less-known and rare breeds of sheep and goats to anyone who will listen and sells their fiber products up and down the west coast of the US