Lamb
The first sheep arrived on Randle Farms in the early 1980s. The flock has grown over the past 20 years to approximately 300 head, with a commercial ewe base of Finn x Dorset. We have also experimented with the heritage breed Tunis.
Breeding takes place from the first of May to the first of October. Our breeds are selected for their ability to breed out of season to avoid the summer heat. Gestation lasts an average of 147 days.
Lambing typically begins the last week of September and continues through March. Shearing is done in April and May. We finish our lambs on rye grass and crimson clover pastures. We are a forage-based operation, meaning that we only use grain feeding to provide sufficient energy to flush ewes during breeding and as a supplement for lambs during nursing in winter.
Our lamb is available seasonally, typically from the end of March through July or August. You can purchase lamb through our farm store during you-pick blueberry season or by making an appointment to visit the farm.
Blueberries
Mr. Frank and Mrs. Pat planted the first acre of blueberries in 1976 while working on a project with Dr. Booker T. Whatley from Tuskegee University. We now have about 10 acres producing 13 different varieties.
Blueberry season lasts from June to August. You can buy our blueberries pre-picked, or you can pick them yourself. As the season nears an end, we will notify customers of changing hours and the last days to come pick.
While our you-pick prices have not changed in a few seasons, our pre-picked and out-of-season prices vary depending on cost of labor, supply, and demand. To get the best prices and the best product, come early and often throughout the season.