The Full Story
About
The tradition of American Sheepman is a great example of the American West and the things that exhibit the true grit, determination and passion of American Agriculture. I was privileged as a youngster to hear stories of the old sheepman that came to Northwest Colorado and made a life for themselves, but the one that has shaped my dedication to the Sheep Industry is the one of my own family.
Harrison Wilber Wellman from Lawrence, Kansas came to Thornburgh, Colorado in 1912 and purchased a ranch that was primarily hay ground and later expanding by homesteading a small neighboring piece. Later, he took a risk, taking the advice of an friend, bought 500 Rambouillet ewes with the neighbor. Their partnership grew, and when Harrison left the ranch, they were running a few bands of sheep on prime Colorado range and forest ground.
For several years the ranch was leased to that same neighbor that was his partner. Later his grandson, Douglas Wellman, came back to manage the ranch with his own herd of 500 Rambouillet ewes. He learned from the traditions of his surrounding neighbors, relied on his Degree in Animal Husbandry to be progressive in managing and expanding and put the hours, sweat and love to make a place for his family. All things he taught his youngest son who developed a love for working with the Sheep and the land.
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John Wellman, started his own flock of registered Corriedales, in 1976 when we purchased 5 ewe lambs from Savery, Wyoming. Since that time he have grown and developed a flock that is focused on outstanding productive traits and beautiful fleeces.
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Eric Wellman, from the time he was able to join 4-H has developed his own flock of Corriedales, specifically focusing on the naturally colored ewes. In the Winter of 2002, Eric purchased his first Corriedale/ Bond ram from Joanna Gleason and continued to add Bond genetics from Joanna, to where he currently runs a flock of 20 high Bond influenced ewes. Additionally, Eric added Romneys to the flock in 2019.
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The stories of the American Sheep man is not full of stories of riches and glory, but what kind of life all Americans should strive for and wish for. A life filled with joy, love and a passion to leave a mark on the world that doesn’t require a thank you but the simple idea that what they are doing is providing and propelling the world to a better place. I have been blessed to experience this in my home but also the community that raised me.
Mission
Our mission is to produce high quality Corriedales, Bonds and Romneys that produce elite fleeces, quality productive sheep that thrive in any sector of the sheep industry.
Vision
Our vision is to be a leader in bridging the gap between the different types of wool sheep producers by providing high quality livestock that enhance producers, artist and sheep enthusiasts experiences.