Sheep have been an important part of the Caskey family for many generations. Mike's great-grandfather, grandfather, and father all raised commercial sheep.  Then, in 1962, the family also moved into the purebred business when Mike's dad, John, purchased the Hultein Hampshire sheep flock. Soon Mike along with his brothers and sisters were showing Hampshire sheep for 4-H projects.

       Mike took over the sheep and moved them to Pipestone in 1975. Along with the Hampshires, we raise purebred Dorsets (added in 1985) and also run a large commercial Polypay type ewes.

       Mike and Carrie moved to a larger farm in the spring of 1978. Since then they have replaced or rebuilt nearly every building on the farm. They have four children: Irene, Jason, Kelly and Kyle, all of whom were very active in   4-H and FFA projects.

       As we mark 58 years in the purebred sheep business, Pine Lawn Farms is proud to have produced well over one hundred state fair champions and 21 National Champion and Reserve Champion sheep. But more importantly, we have never wavered from our commitment to producing genetically consistent, performance oriented sheep that work for both the commercial producer as well as the show ring enthusiast. We require that our sheep milk and grow...or to market they go!

       At Pine Lawn Farms we also take great pride in the fact that about 80% of our annual sales are to repeat customers. This customer satisfaction is the result of the performance, success and integrity of our breeding program.

       We believe in the sheep industry and feel a responsibility to making it better for everyone involved. Over the years, we have hosted dozens of sheep producer tours, college student field trips and livestock judging team practices on our farm. We are always willing to share how we raise sheep with others.

       Mike's professional career includes 42 years as Coordinator of the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program and serving in numerous leadership positions in the sheep industry including:

• Chairman, National Sheep Industry Development Board (SID)
• President, American Hampshire Sheep Association
• President, National Sheep Association
• President, Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Association
• President, Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association
• Plus, both Mike and Carrie have volunteered to lead numerous local agricultural, community and church activities.

In addition, Mike continues to judge multiple state, regional and national shows and speaks on many sheep programs annually. We were honored when Mike was inducted into the prestigious Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame in 1994, the Pipestone Sheep Hall of Fame in 2017, and received the American Sheep Industry's Camptender Award in 2020.

Currently sons Jason and Kyle are also actively involved in the management of our flock.