The Schafpate-project started in 2008 and can be split into two parts: The sheep sponsorship and the wool project. Both parts are closely linked.
The sheep-sponsorship
Everybody has the possibility to start a sheep sponsorship and to give “their” sheep its own name. The sponsorship costs 60 € per year and the sponsor gets back a gift in value of 20 € each year they sponsor a sheep. 25 € is allocated to an additional account. This money ensures fast and unbureaucratic help is readily available to the sheep farmers which take part in this project (see declaration). With your sheep sponsorship you support the migratory sheep farming and the preservation of the unique landscape of the Wacholderheiden on the Swabian Alb. It is also our goal to increase the quality of the wool from the german merinolandsheep, for example, by buying suitable breeding stock.
The wool project
Because of the already increased quality of the wool, the sheep farmers gain more money with the shorn wool. We, as a yarn manufacturer, buy some of the wool and process it into our beautiful printed Opal sweater and sock wool, which is sold all over the world. With this project we keep jobs in Germany, the sheep farmers are supported, and in addition to this, active environmental and nature conservation is continually being pursued. The Schafpate badge documents the path from the sheep farmer to the consumer. The sheep farm of the family Smietana takes care of the Schafpate sheep. Every year there is a meeting at their sheep farm, where all the sponsors can visit their sheep and get to know the work of a sheep farmer.
The Sheep Pats Meeting
Dear sheep sponsors, dear friends of transhumance,
Saturday, 24.08.2024, the 13th sheep sponsor meeting took place at the Smietana farm in Steinheim am Albuch. We were able to spend a wonderful summer day at the sheep farm with almost 90 sponsors.
A big thank you to all the sheep sponsors who were there with us.
We would like to give a short review for those sheep sponsors who were unable to attend this year's meeting:
After arriving at the Smietana sheep farm, we had a small and delicious breakfast. We then set off on our circular walk across the Steinheimer Heide. We were officially welcomed by Andrea Smietana at the first beautiful shady spot after we had seen the sheep, which had been tethered during the night, leave their pen. Among other things, Andrea Smietana talked about the varied everyday life of a transhumance sheep farm and the shepherd's profession. She reported on the exciting days of the lamb births, which are coming up again in September. After a short ascent with a wonderful view, Mr. Wolfgang Schwarz was invited to speak. He himself is a sheep sponsor, hiking guide and NABU representative and gave us valuable information about the unique cultural landscape due to sheep grazing, as well as a few typical landscape features of the local vegetation with its diversity.
He also raved about the almost 160 km long Alb Shepherd's Trail in the Swabian Alb, whose different parts of the landscape have their own special charm.
A little further along the circular route and there it was at last - our flock of sponsored sheep, herded by shepherd Franz and his two dogs. Everyone was visibly delighted by the idyllic sight of the herd of sheep. We were then able to see the herding dogs in action, talk to Franz and enjoy our time with the sheep. Everyone could stay with their sponsored flock for as long as they wanted.
Back at the sheep farm, there was coffee and cake organized for the benefit of the local Lebenshilfe charity, refreshing drinks and tasty treats from the barbecue. All sponsors were able to take part in a quiz, which was solved at the end of the day. There were 10 lucky winners who were delighted to receive 8 wool packages, a sheepskin seat cushion and a pair of socks.
The lamb shearing demonstration by Charly Smietana was also a highlight. The lambs and rams could be admired in the sheepfold. The lambs were later also let out to pasture. The rams are only allowed into the herd during mating season.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Smietana family and all the helpers for the successful event and the excellent organization.
We are already looking forward to the next Sheep Patent Meeting in 2025, which we are planning for the first half of September.
Smietana sheep farm
Our flock of sheep is looked after by the Smietana sheep farm, where the annual sponsorship meeting is held. At this day, all sponsors and interested people can get to know the sheep and the daily work of a sheep farm.
Discover the current collection Opal Schafpate 16 - Porträääh!
Eight beautiful colors with wool from German sheep.