Thompson Romneys
Thompson Romneys and Blackberry Patch Farms are passionate about what they do. Randy and Elaine have raised purebred Romney sheep for 20+ years and have always strived for the best. They chose Romney sheep due to their survivability and ruggedness in the wet climate of Washington, their beautiful wool ideal for all kinds of crafts, and their sweet temperaments and natural adorableness.
Who We Are
Elaine
Elaine loves her sheep dearly and all that they produce. She is largely responsible for all of their names and is quick to tell you about all of their little personality quirks. Her main focus is the fiber side of the business: Blackberry Patch Farms.
Elaine skirts fleeces for handspinners as well as to send fleeces to the mill to make gorgeous roving and yarn. She also spins, knits, and dyes her own yarn and roving! She is also passionate about education and passing on her knowledge. She volunteers time at Fort Nisqually’s living history museum, small farm festivals and at local schools to teach about how cool sheep and wool are.
Elaine wears many hats to make the sheep business work (barn cleaner, head artist, chief photographer, social media officer, show fitter, etc.) but all of it is worth it to grow such beautiful and well loved animals.
Randy
Randy runs the technical side of the operation: Thompson Romneys. His focus is largely on creating the best Romney possible in the USA through selective breeding and the importation of quality ram semen from New Zealand.
If you have a question about Romney genetics, Randy is your go-to guy! Thompson Romneys originally raised both white and colored Romneys but in recent years have focused on raising the best white Romneys they can. Some of his greatest accomplishments have come from importing New Zealand genetics to create structurally sound, beautifully fleeced animals with exemplary breed type.
Randy loves participating in shows and is a huge supporter of youth getting involved in sheep. He believes that the mentoring of new shepherds is critical to the success and survival of the Romney breed. He served several years on the board of directors for one of the oldest Romney associations in the US helping to promote Romneys.
Randy is very interested in sustainable farming practices which include: working with his local conservation district, no till pasture management, solar power and the raising of Mason Bees. He sells grass seed to other local farmers to enhance the natural forage in their pastures. He also raises and sells Mason Bees which are highly productive native pollinators.
