The Schafpate-project started in 2008 and can be split into two parts: The sheep sponsorship and the wool project. Both parts are closely linked.
The sheep-sponsorship
Everybody has the possibility to start a sheep sponsorship and to give “their” sheep its own name. The sponsorship costs 60 € per year and the sponsor gets back a gift in value of 20 € each year they sponsor a sheep. 25 € is allocated to an additional account. This money ensures fast and unbureaucratic help is readily available to the sheep farmers which take part in this project (see declaration). With your sheep sponsorship you support the migratory sheep farming and the preservation of the unique landscape of the Wacholderheiden on the Swabian Alb. It is also our goal to increase the quality of the wool from the german merinolandsheep, for example, by buying suitable breeding stock.
The wool project
Because of the already increased quality of the wool, the sheep farmers gain more money with the shorn wool. We, as a yarn manufacturer, buy some of the wool and process it into our beautiful printed Opal sweater and sock wool, which is sold all over the world. With this project we keep jobs in Germany, the sheep farmers are supported, and in addition to this, active environmental and nature conservation is continually being pursued. The Schafpate badge documents the path from the sheep farmer to the consumer. The sheep farm of the family Smietana takes care of the Schafpate sheep. Every year there is a meeting at their sheep farm, where all the sponsors can visit their sheep and get to know the work of a sheep farmer.
The Sheep Pats Meeting 2025
Dear sheep sponsors, dear friends of transhumance,
What an unforgettable 14th sponsors' meeting we had on Saturday, 13 September in Steinheim.
We were delighted that so many of you came and spent this beautiful late summer's day with us. The weather was perfect, allowing us to enjoy sunny and pleasant hours with almost 90 sponsors.
For all those who were unfortunately unable to attend this year's sheep sponsor meeting, we would like to share our experiences and memories with you today:
After arriving at the Smietana sheep farm, we enjoyed a small, delicious breakfast followed by a welcome from Andrea Smietana and Henrike Zwerger. We then set off on our circular walk across the Steinheim Heath. Andreas Kühnhöfer, nature conservation officer and forester in Steinheim, accompanied us on the tour and explained the special features of the region. We made our first short stop on a shady, slightly uphill forest path, next to a small spruce forest. Here, he talked about the bark beetle, which is not only considered an enemy of nature, but also a natural part of the ecosystem and therefore plays an important role in the decomposition of weakened or dead trees.
This beautiful cultural landscape is strongly influenced and preserved by the grazing of our sponsored sheep. Andrea Smietana asked us why sheep are referred to as taxis. Our sponsored sheep not only transport seeds on their travels, but also small animals such as beetles, spiders and even lizards. These get caught in their wool and can reach new locations through transport, which contributes to biodiversity and connects certain habitats.
When we arrived at the heights of the Steinheimer Heide, we were eagerly welcomed by our large flock of sponsored sheep and shepherd Franz with his two dogs. It was an unforgettable atmosphere – you could really feel how comfortable the sheep were here, enjoying both the sun and the shade. One or two sheep ventured closer and came over for a little cuddle.
After our impressive hike, we returned to the sheep farm, where we were treated to coffee, delicious cakes and sausages, and grilled cheese. It was particularly impressive that several new lambs had apparently been born during our hike. Colourful ribbons on the pens indicate the exact age of the lambs.
For anyone interested, there was a small sheep shearing demonstration in the barn. Three sheep were freed from their woolly coats.
All sponsors were also able to take part in a quiz, which was solved at the end of the day. Sixteen delighted winners were able to enjoy various prizes.
Smietana sheep farm
Our flock of sheep is looked after by the Smietana sheep farm, where the annual sponsorship meeting is held. At this day, all sponsors and interested people can get to know the sheep and the daily work of a sheep farm.
Discover the current collection Opal Schafpate 16 - Porträääh!
Eight beautiful colors with wool from German sheep.