Our Farm – Vines & Animals in Natural Balance

Compton Family Farms is a 17-acre homestead in Philomath, Oregon. Ten acres of vineyard on the property supply grapes for Compton Family Wines. The guiding principle of our farm is the health of our family and of the land. We practice regenerative agriculture, which is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to farming and food systems. For us this includes minimal handling in the vineyard, dry farming, and incorporating animals.

Regenerative Agriculture

Katahdin sheep and KuneKune pigs graze in the vineyard while pasture raised chickens dig and scratch the soil. Two Maremma livestock guardian dogs sit on the hill protecting their herd and the land. The property also has two ponds with a few ducks who keep us company and eat pests. The animals on our farm are great companions, add nutrients to the system, help with topsoil regeneration, increase biodiversity, and reduce the water needs of the vineyard.

Compton Family Farms
Maremma Sheepdog Puppies

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MAREMMA SHEEP DOGS

A proven working pair for sheep dogs help on the farm “Lady Luna and Milo”. They are a breeding pair that are due to have puppies in March of 2022. Luna and Milo spend the days with the Katahdin sheep. The Dogs stay up most of the night keeping a sharp eye out for predators and they do like to sleep in the sun during the day. The dogs can also be seen playing during the day but most of the day is spent resting or walking the property line with one of the Compton teenagers. More info about upcoming litter contact: tabitha@comptonwine.com

About the Breed: The nature of Maremma Sheepdog is without a doubt a serious and independent one, marked by great courage and a strong sense of duty. The origins of the breed go back to ancient times, when the dog was an integral part of the social-economic background of the Italian sheep farms.
The Maremma Sheepdog is a perfectly even-tempered and reliable dog, the pride of the Italian dog breeding tradition exported all over the world. A truly incredible dog, the fruit of thousands of years of hard work carried out by the shepherds and the breeders alike.

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KATAHDIN HAIR SHEEP

Katahdin sheep spend about 7 months of the year in the vineyard grazing helping to develop the overall soil health. When the vines start to produce grapes, the sheep are moved to other places on the 7 acres of the homestead. We breed the sheep, and we sell whole or half lambs for meat.

About the Breed: Katahdin sheep are a breed of hair sheep developed in the United States. Katahdin Sheep work very well in a variety of production situations. The sheep provide a low-maintenance option to producers who are primarily interested in raising a meat animal, with great lamb vigor, mothering ability and do not want to shear the sheep.

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