El Jireh Farm

El Jireh Farm Shetland sheep East Jordan, MI, is nestled in Antrim County near Traverse City and benefits from the cool, lakeside climate. Kathy Belville has bred Shetland sheep for over a decade, maintaining rigorous health testing for parasites and genetic disorders while following breed society guidelines. The small flock grazes on managed pastures, receives daily handling to encourage gentle temperaments and produces fleeces prized for their fine texture and natural color range.

Operating on a family homestead, they practice seasonal pasture rotation and sustainable grazing to support strong, hardy lambs with good mothering instincts. They collaborate with breed associations to stay current on breeding improvements, ensuring each lamb carries the hardy characteristics and fleece quality prized by fiber artisans.

Visitors note a calm, well-socialized flock and praise the farm’s long-standing commitment to animal welfare and responsible husbandry practices. Their emphasis on transparency and detailed lineage records gives buyers confidence in the authenticity and health of each animal.