Bleat the System
PNW Pasture Raised Lamb • Fibre •Microtannery
We are a woman owned and operated sheep ranch nestled in North Bellingham, Washington.
Our flock is a little different than most: a diverse mix of Icelandic, Gotland and Jacob sheep: each bringing its own character, fleece and flavour to our land. We love this diversity - it keeps our products genuinely unique.
Alongside our lamb, we run our own hide micro tannery: transforming an often thrown away part of the animal into gorgeous heirloom sheepskins. We tan using natural processes because caring for the land means caring about what goes back into it. It’s slow work, done by hand with deep respect for the animals who make it possible.
From pasture to product, everything we do is rooted in care - for the land, the flock and the community we are proud to feed and outfit.
Meet the Shepherd: Marley Roane
I am the shepherd behind this flock and a third generation rancher. I grew up on a farm in Northern Canada and cut my teeth helping move cows to community pasture, branding days, sitting around marred dining room tables listening to farmers stories and under the feet of women in warm kitchens with peeling linoleum floors. At the time, I wasn’t aware of the socioeconomic status of the area I grew up in because we were so rich in community and care.
I am passionate about helping people connect to the source of their food and sharing the many gifts the flock has to offer. I bark tan the hides from my flock as well as source other hides destined for the compost from local farmers and butchers. I take great satisfaction in taking something seen as disposable and with time and labor, turning it into heirloom textiles for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
After all, the wool of a black sheep is just as warm.
Ernest Lehman
Have questions about our flock, grazing, custom tanning, farm fresh meat or fibre products? Don’t hesitate to reach out and we will get back to you as soon as the sheep allow us.