Ramblin’ Vewe Sheep Farm to open doors for NH Maple Weekend

GILFORD — Ramblin‘ Vewe Sheep Farm in Gilford will host visitors for NH Maple Weekend on March 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as other days throughout the season. Farmstand Shepherd’s Hut Market will be open, and Jeff Keyser will have his sugar shack open as he is able.  

Jeff Keyser has been farm manager and head shepherd for 38 years.  He is the person who not only keeps the sheep, but grows and sells hay, raises chickens, and this time of year, collects and boils sap into wonderful maple syrup.  While it is not a huge maple operation, he will discuss the maple production with you during your visit.

His wife Joyce opened Shepherd’s Hut Market in 2013 and it has become the place to go for fresh farm eggs, lamb, needle felting equipment and wool, 100% wool yarn and handspun yarn, maple syrup, and a variety of other food items.  She is a vendor at NH Sheep and Wool Festival in May and before Christmas does local and regional fairs selling a line of potholders, oven mitts, heating pads and more hand sewn items.  She is also the chief egg boxer and marketer at home.

This year the store will be open not only NH Maple Weekend, but also Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. She will also open by appointment during the week.

“It’s exciting to meet and greet our visitors at the farm and Shepherd’s Hut Market.  Every year we look forward to welcoming maple lovers to the farm. The energy expended during this time of year — with lambs being born and sap running is one of the busiest times for Jeff,”  she said. “The most enjoyable times are the ones when we can chat with our customers and friends that stop by.  I think people appreciate not just the beauty of this farm, but the joy of seeing how it operates.  The lambs are also a big hit.”  

Ramblin’ Vewe Sheep Farm and Shepherd’s Hut Market are located at 637 Morrill St. in Gilford.  For more information, contact Joyce Keyser at 603-393-4696.