Neither Jeri nor Ed set out to be farmers, but somehow, that’s exactly where they ended up.

Ed grew up in Pennsylvania, and Jeri was raised in Illinois—both farming communities at heart. Yet, their careers took them in different directions. They both built careers in the athletic and outdoor industries in corporate America—Ed in business and procurement, and Jeri in graphic design. For years, they followed those corporate tracks, never expecting that one day, they’d meet in a small town in Oregon and eventually find themselves embracing the aspects of farming that had surrounded them in childhood.

When Jeri and Ed met in Hood River, she was running The Power Station, her own gym. Together, they have opened many ventures—Chalk School of Movement, Rancho Relaxo, Paddle Point Pickleball, and most recently, Heritage Woolworks. Their passions for all of their projects run deep, but the farm is their home, and the sheep are a part of their family.

Their introduction to sheep began with Swedish Gotlands, a breed known for its beautiful fleece. As Jeri continued learning about fiber and wool production, she discovered Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep—and the moment she met them, she knew they were the breed for them.

Raising Valais is no small task. These sheep, originally from the Swiss Alps, require careful management, protection, and a deep understanding of their needs to thrive in their environment. The challenges with this breed deepened Jeri’s shepherding passion, leading her to immerse herself in every aspect of their care and breeding. She attended shearing school, lambing school, and worked alongside experienced breeders and veterinarians, determined to produce the healthiest, happiest sheep possible.

Keeping them safe is a full-time job in itself. Living in deep forested land with abundant predators, Jeri and Ed rely on their incredible team of working dogs—not just as guardians, but as valued family members. A skilled Border Collie helps with daily sheep management, while a trio of livestock guardian dogs stand watch day and night, ensuring the safety and well-being of the flock. Their presence is essential, allowing the sheep to graze and roam peacefully, just as they were meant to.

As a shepherdess, Jeri was incredibly fortunate to learn from world-renowned breeders, veterinarians, and fiber experts, and she has been among a select few invited to attend exclusive seminars dedicated to this breed. Her journey has taken her across the world—from training with world-renowned breeders in Sweden to studying felted fleece techniques with an exceptional fiber artist there. Her next stop is Switzerland, where she will study breed standards firsthand. Every step has deepened her understanding of these sheep, from wool quality and structure to ethical breeding practices and optimal flock management.

The Swiss Valais Blacknose breeding program in the U.S. is still young, built through careful upbreeding. Each year, the Rancho Relaxo flock inches closer to the coveted American Purebred Valais Blacknose Sheep standard. It’s a slow, meticulous process, but one they are deeply committed to.

At Rancho Relaxo, Jeri focuses on breeding healthy, well-socialized Valais Blacknose for both pets and breeding stock. These sheep have captured her heart, and she loves sharing them with others who appreciate their charm, wool, and gentle nature. Meanwhile, Ed is always working behind the scenes—building and improving the spaces that make managing the flock easier and more low-stress. From barns to feeding systems, his eye for design and efficiency ensures that both the sheep and the shepherds have an environment that works in harmony. His love of woodworking carries through to his handcrafted wooden boards and wares, blending form and function, much like the thoughtful approach they take to their farm.

From this love of fiber and craftsmanship, Heritage Woolworks was born. Through this venture, Jeri offers raw wool from their flock, beautifully felted fleece home furnishings, and carefully curated wool products from other small businesses who share the same dedication to quality and sustainability. Ed brings his own craftsmanship into the shop as well, creating beautiful wooden boards and handcrafted wares, adding another layer of artistry to their work.

In many ways, Heritage Woolworks has allowed Jeri to return to her original passion—design—but in a way that feels richer and more meaningful than ever before. This time, the design begins long before the final product. It starts with breeding and raising sheep for their beautiful wool, continues with careful shearing and fiber processing, and finally transforms into organic, cozy pieces for people’s homes—each carrying the story of happy sheep living their best lives.

At the heart of it all is a love for the land, the animals, and the craftsmanship that comes from working with your hands. Whether through breeding, fiber arts, or simply sharing these incredible sheep with others, they are honored to be part of the Swiss Valais Blacknose story.

Thank you for being part of this journey.