How it all started......
Sunrise Sheep Company was started 30 years ago by Diane and Gary Keene. In the beginning they raised purebred Suffolks. After they had their three children Matt, Calder and I, they began raising Purebred Hampshires and eventually Wethersires. As my brothers and I grew old enough to show we did just that. Starting at Stanislaus County Fair we exhibited many market lambs and breeding sheep over the years and were very successful. Later on we began jackpotting and showing at lager shows like Cow Palace and the California State Fair. Eventually we were attending National show and sales like the Reno All American. After having a very successful run in the show ring as members of 4-H and FFA we were eventually too old for the junior shows. These days we are attending open show and sales, and selling lambs off the ranch privately.
The heart and sole of Sunrise Sheep Company is my mother Diane. Her world revolved around the sheep. As a stay at home mom she was given the opportunity to work with the flock every day of her life, and she loved it. She was constantly looking for the right sheep that would put us ahead, and she was never afraid to raise her hand at a Bianchi sale. As not only neighbors but good friends to the Bianchi family, my mom continued to look to Leonard Bianchi for his advice and support regarding the sheep and life in general. Many of her decisions were based on the long conversations she had with the person she referred to as her "mentor", Leonard.
Sadly during the spring of 2006 my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Many who knew my mom understood just how tough and stubborn she was. She underwent major surgery about two weeks before the Reno show in June. Against doctors orders she went to Reno any way and made sure to hit all the slot machines. When we returned home she began chemotherapy. The treatment was supposed to continue through the middle of October. Any one who has undergone cancer treatments or had a family member going through it knows just how difficult it is. After about the fourth treatment my mom's immune system failed her and she lost her battle against cancer on September 12, 2006.
My mother Diane Keene will forever be remembered as one the most diverse, unique people known to the sheep industry. Dedicated not only to her family but to her passion sheep, her memory lives in us all.
Our family plans to continue the tradition that my mom dedicated herself to, raising quality sheep. Currently we have approximately 120 head ewes. My father Gary, brother Calder and I have been working extremely hard to promote the flock and provide quality lambs and breeding stock to the public. We encourage anyone interested to give us a call or stop by to see the sheep.
Sincerely,
Gypsy Keene