Sheep at Iron Horse Farm

The other type is "improved" usually a single cost with some crimp consistency in the wool. The farm has both types in the flock. the micron count can range from 22 to 31. This breed's wool will "roo" (naturally shed) in the spring. If patient, the shepard, can actually pluck the wool instead of shearing. The sheep are sheared in the spring. After shearing, the fleeces have all the debris removed, then each fleece is selected for handspinners or sent to be processed into fine wool in natural color. Once back at the farm some is also hand dyed.

The sheep weight range is from 70 to 100 pounds for the ewes and 90 to 125 pounds for the rams. Their temperament is calm and loving. They are a hardy breed needing minimal veterinarian care. Iron Horse Farm is not interested in the sheep for meat or wall mountings, but Shetlands are known for their lean, tender, tasty meat. Shetland pelts are beautiful and the horns have been used for mounting and buttons. Occasionally horn buttons are available through the farm gift store after the animal has passed on.

Jacob Sheep

Jacob sheep were added to the rare breed flock in 1999. The starter flock was brought from Washington state and have been a winning addition to our little flock. This breed really attracted our attention for it's unique fleece. The hand of the wool has a little more "springiness" and lanolin than that of the Shetland. The spotted fleece, with two main colors, also encourages flexibility in preparing the fiber. The wool can be separated according to colors and gives the spinner two distinct colors, or the two colors can be blended for one consistent color. The wool is considered a medium soft wool, with a micron count around 34.

The ewes weigh 80 to 120 pounds, the rams weigh 100 to 180 pounds. They are often bred in their first year, lambing at 11 to 12 months of age. Some breeders prefer to leave the tails long, some of the tails here are docks and some are not. They are usually docked for hygienic reasons. Their temperament is good, always alert, and they mothering traits are excellent.

Jacob Sheep History

Jacob sheep are considered a rare, primitive, small to medium sized, horned, piebald sheep. They originated in Syria over 3,000 years ago and are referred to in the Bible. They were imported to North America at the turn of the 20th century and were first seen in many zoos and animal parks. They are characterized by horns on both rams and ewes. They have two to six horns, but two to four horns are the most common.

Their spotted fleeces are white and black, or sometimes lilac, with color variations from black to brown to lilac. Lilac is a light gray color. The ideal color patterning is 60% white and 40% black. Jacobs need to be at least 15% black or lilac to be registered. The markings typically are noted around the eyes and the muzzle with spots found on the necks, ears, knees, pasterns and hocks. Each individual sheep has its own random pattern that makes them "one of a kind". Their carcasses are lean and flavorful with a minimal amount of waste. Again, the tanned hides and buttons from the horns add another benefit from these sheep. There are two organizations for registration of the Jacob sheep, JBSA (Jacob Sheep Breeders Association) and JSC (Jacob Sheep Conservatory).