Sae Farm
Seminar on European Learning Network on Functional AgroBiodiversity (ELN-FAB) in Baltic Sea Region RAKVERE, ESTONIA, AUGUST 25-26, 2010
Imbi and Taavi Jäetma are the owners of the Sae farm. Taavi family has owned the farm over 200 years. The farm is located on the banks of river Pärlijõgi in the Western part of Lahemaa National Park, Kuusalu rural municipality. The area of the land of the farm is 28.79 ha including forest and semi-natural habitats. The main mission of the farm is to contribute to the preservation of the Estonian Native Sheep breed and semi-natural habitats as a part of the cultural heritage in a functioning farm.
Estonian rural development plan axis II supports in 2010 : • Support for animal welfare (37 sheep) • Support for the maintenance of semi-natural habitats (7.15 ha) • Natura 2000 support for private forest land (18,6 ha)
The following Natura habitats are subject to the support for the maintenance of semi-natural habitats:
Natura habitat 6270 - *Fennoscandian lowland species- rich dry to mesic grassland; Natura habitat 6210 - Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco- Brometalia) (important orchid sites); Natura habitat 9070 – Fennoscandian wooded pastures; Natura habitat 6510 – Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis ).
• In 2005 the first colored sheep arrived at the farm and now there are sheep from the islands of Kihnu, Ruhnu, Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and from South and West Estonia in their flock. • In 2006 with the help of UNESCO and the Estonian Fund for Nature genetic tests were carried out throughout Estonia to identify Estonian Native Sheep. As a result, 143 out of 212 sheep tested proved to be pure native sheep. The owners are happy to have sheep from all four bloodlines tested (Kihnu, Ruhnu, Saare and Hiiu) on their farm. • Estonian Native Sheep is defined as sheep of Estonian origin corresponding to the historic description and with traits of the native sheep of the neighbouring Baltic Sea countries (North European short-tail sheep) as long as the Estonian Native Sheep is formally approved.
Division of Estonian Native Sheep into four populations according to the origin. Light and dark pink stand for cultural breeds and native sheep breeds of other regions. Figure: Urmas Saarma
The following products are produced in the farm: wool of various colour, felted seats, soaps, sheepskin seatbelt pads, sheepskins, neck pillows, sheepskin slippers etc.
This flock gives at least 8 different colors of wool Photos: www.lahemaalammas.ee