Sheep

Finnish Landrace

Finnsheep are considered one of the oldest sheep breeds in Europe. Some have suggested that the breed can be traced back 3,700 years. Ancient sheep! Ancient or not, Finns, as a breed, are at least several centuries old. With that kind of track record, they have more than demonstrated the resilience of heritage genetics.

A multipurpose breed, Finnsheep produce lovely wool, as well as lots of lambs, milk, and tender meat. Friendly, hornless and of a generally docile disposition, they are easy keepers. On our ranch, they have proved surprisingly adaptable to the vicissitudes of a recovering-pasture diet. Finns are not adverse to a bit of browse in addition to their grass/forb staple. They are tolerant of a greater range of heat and cold than their more common domestic brethren.

With wool-less heads and bellies, short undocked tails, and admirable resistance to parasites, the Finnish Landrace is a low-maintenance ruminant: ideal for the inexperienced smallholder, capable for experienced, larger-scale outfits.

Lambs

The Finnish Landrace produces vigorous, fast growing lambs. On the ranch we’ve observed our lambs to be eager to begin grazing. They are quick to learn from their mothers what’s edible, what’s not, and what’s delectable! We allow our lambs to self-ween, and will not permit purchase until they are self-sustaining.

Maturing early, Finnsheep ewes lamb by twelve months, rams breed by four to eight. Finns can be bred twice per season. However, we only breed once per season, timing pasture turn-out with increased lactation-demand.

These little guys are cute. They will be as social as you want them to be…sometimes much more than you thought you wanted! Among the joys of life, the trusting curiosity of a lamb and the gentle friendliness of a yearling are precious indeed.

Availability

Lambs will be arriving March-April. Contact us to reserve yours today.

First-come-first-served!

We are proud members of the Finnsheep Breeders’ Association (FBA). Our Rams, Ewes and yearling Ewes are of papered, registered pedigree. We strive to uphold the breed standard through responsible, intentional management.