Our philosophy and breeding goals



USA0001 Elion winter 2007
photo by Steve Werblow

Soay sheep conservation breeding project in the USA

Southern Oregon Soay Farms is committed to the conservation of this unique breed of sheep which we imported into the US a decade ago. Our project is based on the understanding that the British Soay's value is not its rarity, but its history and its diversity. Our goal is to preserve the unbroken continuity of this ancient breed as an undiluted core flock for future farmers; a breed they can turn back to if the need arises as agricultural whims and practices change with time. Saving and now expanding through artificial insemination, as much of the Soay's phenotypic and genetic variety as we can is the focus of our breeding program.  After an eight year effort  we were able to import semen from the UK and through its use hope to introduce important characteristics seen on St. Kilda but missing here:  polling, scurring and self color. All of our sheep are recognized as reciprocal by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust as true Soay and are registered in its Combined Flock Book. 

                                                                          Photo by Steve Werblow

Sales

Placing sheep on other farms is critical to the success of any preservation project. Each autumn when we plan the following spring’s lamb crop we make every effort to select our breeding groups in such a way that  we will be able to combine starter flocks of unrelated sheep for others. Further, we try to place genetics on different farms so that those farms can later work together on building a national flock. Our sales are done on a first come first served basis. To reserve a lamb we do require a deposit, which will be refunded promptly if an order cannot be filled. Soay sheep are easy to care for and are ideal for people who have little experience with sheep but who are interested in joining an exciting and rewarding international conservation program. We encourage anyone who thinks they may have such an interest to contact us.

If you wish to learn more about the Soay sheep (or the availability our British Soay Sheep) we love to talk about these wonderful little creatures and are always eager to answer any questions we can. Please feel free to email us or call  541-955-8171

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