The Shepherdess
Laurie Morris was born in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and grew up in North Vancouver’s Lynn Valley. As a kid, she grew up with horses in the backyard, making her “a country city kid” of sorts. Laurie completed her diploma in Animal Health Technology in Fairview, Alberta, and pursued a career working with horses on breeding farms and racetracks. She eventually returned to British Columbia to work with the BC Racing Commission as a Blood Gas Analysis Technician.
A New Beginning
One of Laurie's dreams was 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. She completed the provincial Environmental Farm Plan and started small by raising a few Berkshire pigs. Two Great Pyrenees dogs soon joined the ranch, and the rescue of Josh the Jack Russell came next.
The Ranch
Laurie purchased a small flock of orphan Corriedales, and she quickly discovered her passion in sheep husbandry. She added white and coloured Romney ewes and a Romney ram to the flock and concentrated her efforts towards raising dual-purpose sheep to grow her fine wool. Then one fine day a special addition joined the flock. It was JJ, the CVM/Romeldale ram. His fleece was entered into the 2013 All-Canadian Classic Sheep Show held in Barriere, BC... and won 1st prize in his category. This opened the doors to all things sheep, fleece, fibre, and yarn, and Disdero Ranch was officially established.
For updates on what is going on at Disdero Ranch, have a look at our Facebook page.
