We raise Icelandic sheep.  All of our flock is registered through the Canadian Sheep Breeders' Association.  Each was selected for its excellent conformation, wonderful fleece, and superb genetics.  We are members of ISBONA (Icelandic Sheep Breeders Association of North America).  We are enrolled in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program (enrollment date May 31, 2005).

We are approaching year 5 with our flock and it is time to assess our initial goals, as well as our goals for the future.  When we decided to raise these beautiful creatures, we set a goal of 5 years to make a profit.  We will achieve that goal this year.  It has taken that long to get our land cleared, begin pasture improvements, set up paddock rotation, and get our equipment in place.

So what about our goals for the future? We know that heat and parasite resistance is critical.  We are also very interested in breeding for the absolute best fleece quality possible.  We will work toward these goals over the next 5-10 years with selective breeding and strict culling.  We review our animal health records regularly and base our culling/breeding decisions on the history of the individual animal.  In addition, we know that we must give great attention to pasture improvements and vitamin/mineral balance.  We will begin seeding pasture again this fall to include Sericea Lespedeza and Chicory.  Both are considered helpful with parasites and general animal health.  We are learning all possible about more natural solutions for treating sheep and recognize the importance of reducing the use of chemical dewormers long term.

Over the past 5 years, we have come to love the fiber aspect of this breed and want to establish ourselves strongly in this segment of the Icelandic market.  With our first yarn back from the woolen mill, we are realizing great potential for all we can produce.  We would also like to consider possibly setting up a co-op for other Icelandic producers who do not have time/interest in the fiber.

There is much work still to be done, but oh, we’ve come a long way.

Why Icelandics?

After almost a year of research, we came full circle to the breed we were initially drawn to in the beginning. Of all the sheep breeds, Icelandics have the most striking appearance and the variety of colors intrigued us. We looked at many different breeds, talked with numerous breeders locally and around the U.S. and read all we could get our hands on. At the end of our search, we could find nothing but positives on this old breed (over 1100 years!) and felt strongly that Icelandics were the right choice for our farm. Below are the major reasons for our decision.

• 17 different color patterns (truly beautiful animals)
• Multipurpose with unlimited marketing potential (breeding stock, meat, wool, milk, horns)
• Foragers—no supplemental grain required
• Excellent fertility with multiple births (twins) common and triplets frequent
• Easy lambing (lambs are up and nursing within minutes)
• Wonderful mothering instincts
• Rapid growth rate, reaching maturity in only 4-5 months on pasture
• Beautiful multipurpose fiber
• No docking of tails
• Delicate flavored meat

With all these attributes, the choice was easy.

MMD B1H 093U

Scrapie # ARBAF 076

Black ewe lamb born May 4, 2008. Single.

Sire: SRX BH 804S (Soloman) Dam: MMD M5H 024S (Cocoa)

Excellent conformation, nice horn set and good parasite resistance.  (1, NB, NB)

Icelandic Sheep History & Facts

Icelandic sheep have a very long history, dating back over 1,100 years, and they still account for more than 25% of Iceland’s agricultural output.  This makes them one of the oldest and purest breeds in the world today. They are a mid-sized breed and an excellent choice for small or large farm operations.  Ewes typically average between 130 and 150 pounds, with rams weighing in between 175 and 200 pounds.  They have wonderful conformation and their stocky build makes them a great selection for meat, milk and wool production.

Wool

Icelandic wool is known worldwide and presents fantastic opportunities for niche markets.  They have a dual coated fleece with the outer coat (tog) reaching up to 15 inches.  This is truly a delightful fiber.  The inner coat (thel) is shorter and very soft.

Icelandic fleeces are loved by hand spinners.  Beautiful roving and yarns can be made with this wonderful fiber.  Finished products are unlimited with the different colors and yarn variations. Icelandic garments are some of the warmest available. Lopi has been popular for many years. The natural colors of the fleece set it apart from other breeds and it’s a favorite of many to work into beautiful yarn. Felting is becoming very popular and the Icelandic wool is one of the best for this craft.  Numerous markets are available for Icelandic wool, which is shorn in the fall and again in the spring.

Color Patterns

Colors include black, moorit (browns), white, gray with solid, spotted, badgerface and mouflon patterns. The variations within these colors and patterns are endless. Icelandics can carry up to 17 different color and pattern combinations. The genetics of this breed are another whole education and we have much to learn. There is a great deal of information available and we’ll include a resource list on our site for those interested in learning more along with us!

Fertility & Reproduction

The ewes come into heat in late October and cycle through May, if they are not bred. Rams can begin breeding at 5-6 months of age.  Ewes begin breeding at 6-7 months and can lamb before they are a year old!  This is a very rapid return on investment.

• Gestation ranges from 142-144 days.
• Rams are mature by 6 months and can service 20 ewes.
• The Icelandics are excellent mothers with lots of milk and will nurse triplets without assistance.
• Icelandics have been known to be productive until 12-13 years of age.
• They have a good prolificacy rate, averaging 175-225%.
• Lambs reach market size in 4-5 months on good pasture.

Size

Mature weight of the ewes is up to 150 pounds with rams reaching up to 200.  They are considered a mid-size sheep.  The size of the Icelandics appealed to us as they are a easier to handle.

Easy Lambing

Another strong factor in our choice of Icelandics was their ability to lamb unassisted.  Again, labor must be a consideration.  The lambs are up and nursing within a few minutes of birth.  Lambs grow rapidly off of milky mothers and good pasture.

The Icelandics have clean faces and legs. Their tails are naturally short and require no docking.

Good Mothers

Icelandics make wonderful mothers and take great care of their young. With an abundance of milk, the lambs are well fed and running around quickly.  The ability to nurse up to three lambs is a great asset.

Foragers

The benefits of this characteristic are many!  Grain is added cost and labor.  Icelandics have roamed their home country for years through the summers with no intervention from their shepherds.  Hay during the winter will keep them happy.  This foraging capability was a big plus for Icelandics when we looked at different breeds.

Icelandics have survived for over a thousand years on pasture and hay.  Lambs can reach finish weight within 3 to 4 months on good pasture.  With the high cost of grain supplements, this is a definite advantage for this rugged, old breed.

A Multi-Purpose Animal

Icelandics are raised for breeding stock, meat, wool, milk, pelts and horns. They offer many options for the farmer including a small dairy, fleeces, roving, yarn, felt, knitted goods, and crafted items. Truly the only limitations are your imagination and energy!

Resources

Magazines

Black Sheep Newsletter , 25455 NW Dixie Mountain Rd., Scappoose Oregon 97056
Countryside and Small Stock Journal,  S 1156 Hwy 64 Withee, WI 54498
Sheep!  P.O. Box 10, Lake Mills, WI 53551
Spin Off Magazine (907) 669-7672
The Shepherd, 5696 Johnston Rd, New Washington, Ohio 44854
The Stockman Grass Farmer, PO Box 2300   Ridgeland , MS  39158, 1-800-748-9808

Books

The Icelandic Fleece: a Fiber for all Reasons, by Beth Abbott
Managing Your Ewe and Her Newborn Lambs, by Laura Lawson
Lamb Problems: Detecting Diagnosing Treating, by Laura Lawson   
Raising Sheep the Modern Way, by Paula Simmons
Turning Wool Into A Cottage Industry, by Paula Simmons
Sheep Production Handbook, by The American Sheep Industry Association
Spring Pasture Lambing, by Janet McNally
Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep, by Paula Simmons & Carol Ekarius
The Merck Veterinary Manual

Other

ISBONA (Icelandic Sheep Breeders of North America)

Jeffers (supply catalog)  800-533-3377

Premier (supply catalog)   800-346-7992

QC Supply