Why Targhee Sheep?

You may not of heard of the Targhee breed of sheep, and may be wondering what are it’s advantages are over a more common breed like the Suffolk, Hampshire, Merino, or any other breed. Here is why we chose the Targhee:

The Targhee breed was developed in 1926 at the sheep station in Dubois, Idaho, and they were named after the nearby Targhee National forest the flock grazed in Summer. These sheep were bred to meet the demand for a hardy dual-purpose breed that does well on range pasture, but still produces meaty market lambs, and high quality fine wool. Being range bred, they are very easy to herd, and require very little maintenance, being good mothers.

Personally, I’ve never had to pull a lamb, never had a “bum” lamb, and my lambs usually reach 100 pounds or more on grass alone at 5 months! They normally have twins, but last year one of my ewes had triplets which she raised all by herself (normally you’d have to bottle feed one)!

Lots O’ Lambs!

A Targhee ewe usually yields about 10lbs of wool, which once washed is a lovely white.The locks are about 3-5 inches long, and are very soft, fine, and crimpy- great for spinning!

Lovely Crimp!

The first year we had sheep we got Icelandics, which got into way more trouble than the Targhees. Once they ran off and we spent the rest of the day looking for them! Also, whenever we tried to herd them to new pasture, they would scatter, not having the herd-ability of the Targhees, which naturally bunch together and are very easy to herd. I have even trained my ewes to come to calling and grain. 🙂 The Icelandics had a mischievous nature, where the Targhee are simply happy to graze their grass, and lay in their favorite spots.

We have enjoyed this breed. If you have too please comment below!

For more reading take a look at these links:

Click to access History_of_Targhee_Sheep.pdf

http://www.ustargheesheep.org/standards.html