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Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep
Continuing the Legacy of Outstanding St. Croix Genetics
History
Why St. Croix Hair Sheep Continue to Gain in Popularity
Michael Piel of Maine is credited for having imported the first St. Croix Hair Sheep (two ewes and one ram) from the Caribbean region into the United States in 1957. Next, Dr. Warren Foote imported twenty-two ewes and three rams in 1975, and it was from this group that the St. Croix Hair Sheep breed was first established in the United States.
Since St. Croix Hair Sheep flocks were established in the United States, and initial research conducted, interest in the St. Croix Hair Sheep breed has grown. Today, St. Croix Hair Sheep are found in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Phillipines. St. Croix registration is on the rise. St. Croix Hair Sheep continue to gain in popularity due to their genetic dominance, resistance to parasites, and how easy they are to care for and breed, especially for senior citizens like myself.
Visit www.stcroixhairsheep.org for more information about the St. Croix Hair Sheep breed.
Why Breed St. Croix
The St. Croix Hair Sheep International Association (www.stcroixhairsheep.org) states that there are sixteen reasons for breeding St. Croix Hair Sheep. As the owner of Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep, I can vouch for every one of them, but here are some of my personal reasons for choosing to breed St. Croix Hair Sheep:
Parasite-resistance is part of the St. Croix Hair Sheep's genetic advantage over other breeds and it's a real plus for me. Without having a constant need to treat my ewes, rams, and lambs for parasites, I simply have more time and energy to spend increasing the size of my flock.
Parasite-resistance is an overwhelmingly beneficial genetic characteristic, and Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep is dedicated to continuing the legacy of outstanding St. Croix genetics from one generation of St. Croix Hair Sheep to the next.
St. Croix Hair Sheep have docile dispositions, are easy to manage, don't need to be sheared, and have strong flocking instincts which make St. Croix Hair Sheep a great choice for individuals who don't want to struggle with getting their animals in and out of the barn. St. Croix Hair Sheep aren't picky eaters; they graze on just about any kind of grass that we grow around here, process coarse fodder easily and efficiently (compared to other sheep varieties), and they prefer to eat weeds!
St. Croix Hair Sheep thrive in all variety of climates -- hot, cold, humid and dry. For this reason, the St. Croix Hair Sheep are perfectly suited to the Shenandoah Valley where we have all variety of weather conditions during the four seasons of the year.
St. Croix Hair Sheep reach puberty early and have high lambing percentages. St. Croix Hair Sheep ewes make excellent mothers, they bond naturally with their lambs, and they produce good milk.
In fact, St. Croix Hair Sheep ewes are gaining acceptance among cheese producers because their milk is plentiful and high in butter and fat content.
A reputation for high lamb survivability makes St. Croix Hair Sheep attractive to breeders across North America in general. Adding to their appeal, St. Croix Hair Sheep produce a mild, tender, and juicy lean meat, which has made St. Croix Hair Sheep lamb a popular choice among consumers of all ages, and especially millennials.
From Our Farm to Yours
"Maternity Ward" -- See all about the latest additions we've had at Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep!
Happy Mother's Day and Blessings to All of Ewes from Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep! While waiting for the ewe that is HUGE, a first time Mom had twin girls!
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Sunday "maternity ward" tour at Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep.
Talking about Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep -- and one mama ewe is due any time!
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Slept in the barn last night waiting on Big Mama to have (perhaps) triplets.
Visit our blog for more posts like these!
- Sunday "maternity ward" tour at Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep
- Slept in the barn last night waiting on Big Mama to have perhaps triplets
- Talking about Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep -- and one mama ewe is due any time!
- Happy Mother's Day and Blessings to All of Ewes from Dominion Farm St. Croix Hair Sheep!