Breeding Stock

Learn more about our beloved
Swedish Gotland sheep.

ORIGINS OF THE BREED

Gotland Sheep were first established on the Swedish island of Gotland by the Vikings.  Besides being great seafarers, the Vikings were great sheep farmers. They brought Karakul and Romanov breeds back from their expeditions in Russia and crossed them with their native Landrace sheep. 

HISTORY OF THE BREED IN THE U.S.

In 2003, Gotland sheep were established in the U.S. via an "upgrading" program where straws of semen from Swedish rams were used on "foundation" sheep in this country, and the outcome of multiple generations over the last several years has resulted in lambs having a "percentage" in the 90s. When a ram's percentage achieves 96.5% or higher, they are considered 100% American Gotlands.

Our Gotland Sheep

We have lambs that range from 92.75% up to 98.44%, however, percentage is only one factor to consider, but should never be overshadowed by 4-5 other body conformation points.

Martin Dally, who helped establish Gotlands in this country and the source of my flock, stresses that percentage is important, but is not to overshadow the following. It's just one of the factors in selecting your sheep.

·  Fleece that is in spiral curls with no cross webbing

·  A smooth, straight top-line running the length of their back with no break or dip at the shoulder line

·  Color — all shades of silver, and charcoal to black only; no other color variation meets the Swedish standards. No distinct color patterns or body spots. White spots are allowed only on the head - not on the body. Lambs are generally born black and then sliver out with age.

·  Ears that angle upward

·  Black face and legs 

Package Pricing

We have two separate lines of genetics that allow one to put a proven ram or ram lamb with a few ewe lambs.  To be helpful to those starting out with their first flock,  we offer Package Pricing consisting of 3-4 ewe lambs and a ram. Debra recommends a wether as a buddy for your ram when breeding season has passed.

Interested in learning more about purchasing our breeding stock?