Island View Farm
Matt and Eden welcome your call or find their
fine products at farmers markets including
Island View Farm is Matt and Eden Ertel’s traditional sheep farm southeast of Cheriton, home to a small flock of pasture raised heritage Hog Island and Suffolk sheep. The Ertels sell lamb and mutton (often in the form of half or quarter sheep portions), woolen art-work, artichokes, figs, and other produce when in season.
Hog Island sheep are descended from hardy sheep indigenous and once pastured on the barrier islands, especially Hog Island. Unlike most varieties of sheep, they are capable of eating salty vegetation.
Shearing is as much art as science. Island View shearers still use the old method, removing the fleece with a blade shears, rather than mechanical devices. The farm frequently offers educational days devoted to traditional sheep farming, pasture management
lambing, shearing, fiber processing, and the history of sheep farming on the Eastern Shore and barrier islands. Eden Ertel often offers natural fibers and fiber art locally at the Cape Charles Farmers Market.
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