MEET US
The Shepherdess
Laurie Morris was born in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and grew up in North Vancouver’s Lynn Valley. She was raised with horses in the backyard as a kid, making her “a country city kid” of sorts. Laurie studied to become an Animal Health Care Technologist in Fairview, Alberta, and pursued a career working with horses on breeding farms and racetracks. When she returned to British Columbia, she continued her work with the BC Racing Commission taking blood and running tests through a blood gas analyzer.
The Ranch
Through it all, Laurie never lost sight of her dream – to own property. It’s something she feels she inherited from her mother’s Saskatchewan genes. So when the opportunity arose to purchase land along the North Thompson River, she jumped at the chance.
The property was initially a hog farm, and Laurie started by raising a few Berkshire pigs. She also completed the provincial Environmental Farm Plan that supports farm operations in completing agri-environmental risk assessments. She purchased two Great Pyrenees dogs soon after, and the rescue of Josh the Jack Russell came next.
The Livestock
Laurie, however, found her passion with sheep husbandry and concentrated her efforts towards raising dual-purpose sheep to grow her fine wool. Her flock began with orphan Corriedales, and, not surprisingly, the Corriedales multiplied.
Shortly thereafter, Laurie added white and coloured Romney ewes and a Romney ram to the flock. They also multiplied.
One special addition to the flock was a CVM/Romeldale ram whose fibre won 1st prize in his category at the 2013 All-Canadian Classic Sheep Show held in Barriere, BC. Most definitely more CVM/Romeldale sheep multiplied!
The Dogs
Laurie continues to raise Great Pyrenees dogs that assist in guarding the sheep as well as Border Collies that are essential in moving her flock.
For updates on what is going on at Disdero Ranch, have a look at our Facebook page.
