McFarland Creek Lamb Ranch

Located on the site of an old hydro power plant, the ranch has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it supplied electricity to the local schoolhouse. Bill Tackman, a third-generation rancher, purchased the farm in 1996 and started his flock of sheep, later joined by Katie Haven, a retired Merchant Mariner. Together, they have cultivated a thriving ranch known for its high-quality wool and meat products.

The ranch employs humane and minimally invasive methods, rotating the flock through several irrigated pastures to ensure grass restoration and parasite control. In winter, the sheep feed on locally grown alfalfa hay. Weeds are hand-pulled to avoid herbicides, and antibiotics are used only in life-threatening situations. Predators are managed through secure fencing and Livestock Guardian Dogs, adhering to a live-and-let-live philosophy. Wool is hand-washed and dyed with natural dyes, some grown on the ranch, and processed at a small family-run mill.

The ranch offers direct market meat sales, with delivery available to the greater Seattle area or local pick-up. Each fleece is processed separately, allowing customers to trace their yarn back to individual sheep. The ranch's yarn and fiber products are available online and at select local stores. The owners maintain a blog to share insights into ranch life and welcome customer feedback.