Ashley Gouge

Ashley Gouge raises Lincoln longwool sheep in Newark, Delaware, in New Castle County and the Brandywine Valley near Wilmington. Over several seasons she has refined breeding records to track maternal lines and wool characteristics, pairing ewes and rams for both temperament and staple length. Her careful health monitoring and collaboration with local veterinarians ensure that each lamb meets breed standards and thrives in a heritage-focused flock.

The sheep graze in rotational pastures, moving between fields to maintain pasture health and reduce parasite risk, and they retreat to well-ventilated barns during harsh weather. Daily handling from birth helps lambs develop calm temperaments suited to small-scale homesteads and fiber studios. Each spring’s shearing yields lustrous fleeces favored by handspinners for long staple length and natural sheen. Feedback from fiber artists highlights the consistency of dye uptake and soft handle, reflecting the flock’s adaptability and Gouge’s hands-on approach.