"Wild Heart"

Genetic Excellence

The flock which numbers 40 ewes has been built on some of the finest bloodlines in the US and Canada. We have selected heavily for strong maternal traits and feel our excellent ewe flock has led to our success.

We have utilized some of the finest genetics in the industry through the use of artificial insemination. This has allowed us to make tremendous progress and gain recognition for our relatively small flock. Brenda obtained her Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Technology in 1989 with the focus of her research on the emerging technology of AI in sheep.

Our genetics have been well received by our customers with many repeat buyers. One of our top rams is at work in the Michigan State University flock.

We have been leader in producing sheep with genetic resistance to scrapie. We have invested in DNA testing for both rams and ewes since 1994. The current research documents the value of these efforts. Please visit with us if you would like to purchase sheep with the "R" gene. All breeding stock we sell carries at least one "R" at Codon 171.

All of our sheep are guaranteed to test NN and be free of the spider gene. We feel there is no place in the industry for sheep carrying the spider gene.

Production

We set high production standards for the sheep. We have emphasized prolificacy and milking ability in our ewe selection and retention. Our mothers are expected to successfully rear triplets. Raising a 200% lambcrop is our goal and is one that is often exceeded.

Production records are available to prospective buyers who are interested in utilizing production records when selecting breeding stock. We also enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program in 2001 and have NSIP data available.

Who is "Wild Heart?"

"Wild Heart" is the ewe that put us on the map. Home raised out of Westridge 28A and "Tuxedo" a Buckham ram her genetics became the foundation for the flock. She was truly the queen mother, excelling in the show ring and as a top producing brood ewe. Her performance is unrivaled raising a 285% lambcrop over her lifetime. She raised a set of quads unassisted to a total weaning weight of 302 pounds. These genetics have been passed on to her daughters and granddaughters who have averaged raising a 225% lampcrop which is far above the norm for Suffolk ewes.

Sheep from the "Wild Heart" family are always in demand. Rams out of this ewe family are sought after to produce spectacular replacement ewes.

Health

A strong management program is essential for good health. The sheep receive ongoing preventative treatments to ensure optimal health.

Our flock has always been foot rot free and we maintain strict standards to prevent this problem that plagues the industry. There is nothing that is more unpleasant and labor intensive for a shepherd than a flock of sheep with foot rot.