Junior Member

Junior Member is a breeder of Leicester longwool sheep in Tyrone, PA, serving Blair County and the Altoona area near Altoona. Its breeding program includes over a decade of careful record-keeping, annual health screenings and follows guidelines from recognized sheep breeding organizations.

The sheep graze on rotational pastures and receive daily social interaction to support their well-being. Each lamb is raised alongside adult sheep to encourage natural herd behaviors and gentle handling from lambing to shearing. Leicester longwool from this flock is noted for its lustrous fleece suited to handspinning and fine textiles.

Rya Kelly’s attentive approach reflects a decades-long appreciation for heritage breeds and small-scale farming traditions. This farm’s quiet setting and consistent routines help maintain calm livestock and support strong community ties among local shepherds. One local artisan praised the consistency and softness of the fleece in a recent review.