Rancho Relaxo is a boutique sheep farm nestled in Oregon’s Hood River Valley, dedicated to breeding exceptional Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep and crafting heirloom-quality wool products from our flock. Our mission is rooted in purpose and provenance—raising healthy, high-conformation sheep with calm, social temperaments and producing fiber that honors both animal and land.

We didn’t start out as farmers. Ed and Jeri came from creative and corporate backgrounds—Pennsylvania and Illinois natives who built careers in design, business, and athletics. But when we met in Hood River and started building a life together, something shifted. The land called. The sheep arrived. And the rest began to fall into place.

What began with a few fiber sheep quickly grew into a focused Valais Blacknose breeding program. These rare sheep, originally from the Swiss Alps, require attentive management, ethical breeding, and environmental conditions that mimic their ancestral home. Our farm sits just under 2,000 feet in elevation—higher than most—and some of our flock rotate seasonally to a hillside therapy farm with double mountain views of both Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. The varied terrain, fresh forage, and exposure to travel, people, and handling builds resilient sheep with strong structure, balanced personalities, and versatile wool.

Our program is now in its fourth year of upgrading. We are proud to own two purebred rams—PV Captain Fantastic and HoneyGlass Jeb—and to have produced lambs that are placing nationally, including Grand Champion ewe and ram at this year’s Black Sheep Gathering.

Jeri’s shepherding journey has included shearing school, lambing clinics, hands-on work with veterinarians, and mentorship from respected breeders in the U.S. and Europe. This fall, she heads to Switzerland to study Valais grading and judging firsthand. Every chapter of this journey strengthens our commitment to breed stewardship, community, and education.

Our flock’s wool is sheared twice a year and either sold raw to fiber artists or transformed into felted fleece rugs, seat pads, and more—each one crafted with the same care that begins in the barn. From pasture to product, nothing is rushed. Everything we do is small-batch, ethical, and done with intention.

We believe great sheep are built from the ground up—literally. Healthy feet, strong pasterns, balanced structure, and good wool density are as important as charm and curb appeal. We also believe in supporting our buyers for the long haul. Whether you’re here for breeding stock, pasture pets, or a bit of wool to cozy up your home, we’re honored to be part of your flock journey.

Thank you for finding us.
— Jeri + Ed