Sheep

Heritage breeds of sheep bring many favorable traits to the farm.

They are hardy and easy to keep, not requiring expensive housing or feeds. They birth easily and are disease resistant. Their high milk production makes them excellent mothers with young that have good early gains.

The heritage breeds are suitable for many organic and sustainable agriculture approaches such as rotational grazing and natural, outdoor livestock housing, and complement small homestead settings. They can be equally successful commercially when niche markets are developed.

There are many breeds to choose from. Canada’s Livestock and Poultry Conservation List 2009 lists 21 breeds at risk–14 in the critical category. All breeds are in need of support.
Canada’s only native breed of sheep is the Newfoundland Local sheep. Many of the sheep native to Newfoundland were kept in the closed communities, on islands and out ports where unique strains developed. The Exploits Island flock for instance, has been bred pure by the Wells family for over a hundred years. These native Canadian sheep have much to offer to breeders, consumers and researchers alike.

Read more about the Exploits Island Sheep
News of the Wells’ Newfoundland Local Sheep Flock on Exploits Island