Award- Winning, American Herdwick-Bred Sheep for Sale... Updated 11/6/2024
Please check back for updates on available sheep during November/ December 2024.
Helder~Herdwyck Farm is the leading breeder of the largest flock of Herdwick-bred sheep in North America. Home to Champion Herdwick bred sheep and as of March 2021, the only fully documented flock in the U.S.! We are proud to announce that with communication with the owner/breeder of the first two Herdwick rams whose genetics America's sheep are bred from, we have received U.K. Identification of both rams, and our flock pedigrees and history are now fully documented from my newest lambs all the way to England. We continue to work to breed the highest quality Herdwick bred sheep in North America, working hard toward a purebred line and quality, registered and documented animals true to the original, U.K. Breed Standard.
PLEASE SEE OUR SALE POLICY, BELOW FOR PURCHASE GUIDELINES
We have a selection of animals available at this time, of varying age and Herdwick genetic percentage. Please contact us for details or to see animals available. Thank you for your patience while we photograph individuals
and upload information here.
We have a selection of animals available at this time, of varying age and Herdwick genetic percentage. Please contact us for details or to see animals available. Thank you for your patience while we photograph individuals
and upload information here.
FOR SALE - Registered and Unregistered Herdwick bred sheep: (50% deposit required, $150 is non-refundable). Pricing as shown.
After over 12 years of breeding, we have stock available for you to add the hardy Herdwick genetics to your flock! We will be continuing to update as individuals are sold, or chosen for sale. Please contact us directly to discuss your plans and question. The first consultation is free. We have experienced many "tire kickers", which takes valuable time away from work and so have had to implement a consultation fee for additional consultations and guidance. If you are a serious buyer and consultations result in a purchase, the fees will be credited toward your purchase.
Please NOTE:
After over 12 years of breeding, we have stock available for you to add the hardy Herdwick genetics to your flock! We will be continuing to update as individuals are sold, or chosen for sale. Please contact us directly to discuss your plans and question. The first consultation is free. We have experienced many "tire kickers", which takes valuable time away from work and so have had to implement a consultation fee for additional consultations and guidance. If you are a serious buyer and consultations result in a purchase, the fees will be credited toward your purchase.
Please NOTE:
- There are NO purebred Herdwick sheep in North America yet. Genetics are in the 90%+ Herdwick.
- Herdwick evolved over centuries in the highest mountains of England, located in the north west part of the U.K., at about Latitude 45 degree. They are prepared for cooler climates or at higher elevations around 1,000 to nearly 3,000 ft above sea-level. It is best if they can graze at night during warmer weather.
- We do occasionally offer rams for sale at this time. It is important to purchase stock from a documented flock to ensure you will not have serious genetic issues. Most smaller flocks in the U.S. do not have pedigrees. Our flock, to our knowledge, is the only documented flock derived from Ryescott Ranch, the original breeder. As of 2024, there are some smaller flocks that are documented.
- However, frozen Herdwick ram semen is available for purchase now. As of Spring 2021, Helder-Herdwyck Farm began the process to test several farms rams to locate any with the USDA required highest scrapie resistant genetics of ARR scrapie codon. As a result of this expensive effort, 3 of 6 rams were collected for import to the U.S. and to Canada in 2022. This was the first such import of purebred genetics to occur in 12 years! Please contact us for more information on purchasing frozen semen. Straws are $125 each.
- What can you do with frozen semen?
- If you already have sheep, you can bolster their hardiness, sustainability and sturdiness by adding Herdwick genetics into your flock via laparoscopic artificial insemination.
- If you have purebred, registered sheep* such as Icelandic, Finn, Scottish Blackface or North Country Cheviot, you can begin your own breeding up program, toward a purebred flock of Herdwick who's resulting sheep will be eligible for registration in the Herdwick Sheep Breeder's Association of North America registry.
- You can purchase breeding stock ewes from Helder-Herdwyck Farm to artificially inseminate with the purebred semen.
- If you love Herdwick sheep and our mission, consider donating to Helder~Herdwyck Farm so that we may order additional straws and get the straws collected over here.
- We do not sell lambs as breeding stock. As we are carefully selecting individuals to breed for expression of proper Herdwick breed type in body size and characteristics, we keep all ewe lambs for a minimum of one year - with very rare exception - to monitor growth, conformation and expression of traits. Occasionally we do find ourselves with one or two that we know will not have anything to contribute to our program, and will offer them for sale. They will be posted below once such determination is made. However, we do NOT sell any lambs under 3 months of age.
- A comment on our pricing: These animals are rare - no-one else raises them as we do, outside England; currently no other flock is pedigreed in the U.S. - no other Herdwick bred sheep in the U.S. have documented lineage; and as market animals, they are worth and valued at $900 by whole animal to over $3,000 sold by the cut, as they ARE the best lamb you will ever eat. Our sales go to help with breeding costs as we work toward creating a purebred flock here in the United States. It is an expensive and time consuming project to arrange for import of genetics and breed carefully selected ewes via artificial insemination. Helder~Herdwyck Farm personally spearheaded and backed the 2021 collection and import of new genetics from 3 U.K. rams. The importer dropped the ball on registrations, however the Herdwick Association UK has provided certifications. This importer will NOT be used in future, and products imported by them will not be accepted by the Registry without registration and/or 4 generation pedigrees.
- If you have no other sheep, a minimum purchase of 2 is REQUIRED for the least stressful transition possible. If you have sheep, we still strongly recommend a minimum of 2. Quarantine in a separate pen away from your flock is requested, for 14 days while they adjust to their new surroundings and routine. Due to the unique, valuable and highly sustainable traits of this breed, we would be pleased to discuss your planned feeding regimen, as part of our mission in introducing this breed to the U.S. is to maintain it's hardiness and sustainability, to thrive on forage alone.
- Health papers - are at additional cost and are Required for Out of State sales - cost for health papers and any vaccines or tests required by your State are at additional cost and to be paid by the buyer. Once sales of rams are made available again, all Tests/expenses on rams considered for export to Canada are additional and subject to approval within export/import laws. Ewes cannot be exported at this time.
- Registrations - Some unregistered animals may or may not be registerable, depending on traits, but could potentially throw offspring which may be registerable. Registrations are currently with the NCWGA, until the Herdwick Sheep Breeders' Assoc. of North America REGISTRY is finalized in 2024/2024 . Animals will be eligible for registration in HSBANA according to the Association ByLaws and Registry specifications. Registration with NCWGA does not guarantee eligibility for registration with HSBANA.
- DEPOSIT OF 50% OF THE TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE PLUS ESTIMATED VET FEE IS REQUIRED TO HOLD YOUR SHEEP and is due prior to the vet being scheduled for health certificates to be obtained. *$150 of total deposit(s) is non-refundable should a transaction be cancelled by a prospective buyer. Payment options available - subject to approval and at our discretion. Total balance, including vet and health certificate fees, is due prior to pickup. Health certificates are valid for 30 days from issue. Failure to complete payments/pickup within those 30 days will require a second vet fee/certificate, at buyer's expense.
- If applicable, deposits received on ewes AFTER they have lambed - ewes are available for transport when lambs are weaned naturally, at approximately 3 to 4 months of age.
- Please review our Sales Policy below to proceed.
Herdwick Bred Sheep For Sale:
Ewes For Sale:
"Delilah" Tag HH#1020 PENDING
Born 5/1/2016 - Heaf/Natalie
71.9% Herdwick
$400.00
Registered
Born 5/1/2016 - Heaf/Natalie
71.9% Herdwick
$400.00
Registered
ADDITIONAL EWES WILL BE LISTED AS AVAILABLE
Two Year Old Ewes
Special Sale Offering...
"Afleecia" - RETIRED from breeding.
Tag HH#1002, Born 3/5/2013 Crook/Alysia
68.8% Herdwick genetics
Afleecia is one of our very first Herdwick bred lambs to be born here at our farm. Unfortunately she experienced a severe case of mastitis in 2018 and as a result, she can no longer produce milk to feed lambs, so we have retired her from production. We are offering her as pet or companion, grass mower or simply a fiber producer. She is priced at above slaughter price to keep her out of that circuit. ~ $400.00
Tag HH#1002, Born 3/5/2013 Crook/Alysia
68.8% Herdwick genetics
Afleecia is one of our very first Herdwick bred lambs to be born here at our farm. Unfortunately she experienced a severe case of mastitis in 2018 and as a result, she can no longer produce milk to feed lambs, so we have retired her from production. We are offering her as pet or companion, grass mower or simply a fiber producer. She is priced at above slaughter price to keep her out of that circuit. ~ $400.00
"Hazel" - RETIRED
Tag HH1031, Born 5/18/2016 Heaf/Hestia
71.9% Herdwick genetics
Hazel is a big girl, but carries good Herdwick traits. Her fleece is mottled black/brown and white. She has the classic Herdwick smile. We are offering her as a partner with Afleecia. A few years back, Hazel dislocated a hip. This does not seem to slow her down, but renders her "imperfect"for sales. She is a good mum if you were to choose to breed her.
Certified Registered
Hazel made the "cut list" with difficulty, but we simply must reduce our numbers. ~ $400.00
Tag HH1031, Born 5/18/2016 Heaf/Hestia
71.9% Herdwick genetics
Hazel is a big girl, but carries good Herdwick traits. Her fleece is mottled black/brown and white. She has the classic Herdwick smile. We are offering her as a partner with Afleecia. A few years back, Hazel dislocated a hip. This does not seem to slow her down, but renders her "imperfect"for sales. She is a good mum if you were to choose to breed her.
Certified Registered
Hazel made the "cut list" with difficulty, but we simply must reduce our numbers. ~ $400.00
James Rebanks, aka "@herdyshepherd1" on Twitter, meets and approves of our Herdwick bred Sheep. Connecticut, 2016.
James is author of "The Shepherd's Life", "The Shepherd's View" and now, "Pastoral Song: A Farmer's Journey".*
All are available at our online store!
*The Farmer's Wife, by Helen Rebanks is also now available.
A note about coloring...
Not so sure about the girls that look "white" in these pics? Don't let that stop you! These girls were born marbled. As they grew, the fleece lightened. Underneath, they are actually a silver to dark grey, as pictured below. Upon shearing, they will have a beautiful blue-grey body with the striking white face and legs indicative of their Herdwick genetics.
A couple of our base ewes carry Moorit (brown) coloring from their non-Herdwick genetics. Many of our lambs/yearlings express this trait, regardless of percentage. We are aiming for true Herdwick conformation, size and structure in our breeding program, and the color will take care of itself in future.
A couple of our base ewes carry Moorit (brown) coloring from their non-Herdwick genetics. Many of our lambs/yearlings express this trait, regardless of percentage. We are aiming for true Herdwick conformation, size and structure in our breeding program, and the color will take care of itself in future.
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Sale Policy:
Our sale policy includes, but may not be limited to, the following.
We don't blame you for falling in love with the "smiling sheep", but we place the welfare of the sheep ahead of any superficial ownership desire. Sufficient facilities - housing, fencing and safety, as well as the knowledge of or desire to acquire such knowledge, of care and the responsibility of keeping primitive sheep needs to be demonstrated prior to the sale being finalized. It is always best for the animals when the owners and grounds are fully set up and prepared prior to the sheep arriving on site. Therefore, to ensure you, as purchaser, will stand the best and rewarding experience as you take on your ownership, the following may apply for those looking to take on a breeding project. For those purchasing retired stock, or non-breeders, these inquiries may or may not apply.
Due to the rarity of Herdwick bred sheep in the U.S., and the value of our sheep, potential buyers may be asked:
We don't blame you for falling in love with the "smiling sheep", but we place the welfare of the sheep ahead of any superficial ownership desire. Sufficient facilities - housing, fencing and safety, as well as the knowledge of or desire to acquire such knowledge, of care and the responsibility of keeping primitive sheep needs to be demonstrated prior to the sale being finalized. It is always best for the animals when the owners and grounds are fully set up and prepared prior to the sheep arriving on site. Therefore, to ensure you, as purchaser, will stand the best and rewarding experience as you take on your ownership, the following may apply for those looking to take on a breeding project. For those purchasing retired stock, or non-breeders, these inquiries may or may not apply.
Due to the rarity of Herdwick bred sheep in the U.S., and the value of our sheep, potential buyers may be asked:
- to provide information regarding knowledge and/or resources and consultants for feeding, housing, handling and general health care management of primitive breed sheep and those animals to be acquired by them
- if new to keeping sheep - what education you are currently seeking, mentors, resources, etc.
- to provide photos/documentation of the proposed facilities for housing the sheep
- to provide details regarding proposed pasture - acreage, type of fencing and safety of the sheep. If you already have sheep, a review performed by your local NRCS or Soil & Water office stating the forage quality and stocking rate to ensure your pasture is sufficient for the resulting total number of sheep and potential lambs should you be breeding.
- to provide the name and contact information of the Veterinarian to be used.
- for information regarding transport, (Helder~Herdwyck Farm can not provide transport at this time).
- to provide documentation of any zoning approvals and/or permits or easements possibly required for potential location and/or grazing of the sheep
- Helder~Herdwyck Farm reserves the right to:
- recommend to the potential buyer an alternative purchase option if we feel breeding is not in the buyer's best interest
- deny sale to any individual, group or entity who does not illustrate sufficient acknowledgement of the responsibilities of ownership, or does not demonstrate a willingness to obtain adequate knowledge, guidance and assistance in the care, housing and management of the sheep, all of which is in the best interest of the animal.
- deny sale to any individual, group or entity if we do not feel our sheep are a good fit for them
- deny sale to any individual, group or entity which has exhibited dishonesty.
2019 & 2021 Best of Show, Meat Breeds, Altamont Fair
Haylie, Aged Ewe
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2019 Reserve Champion Ram AOB Meat
Maynard, born May, 2019
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2018 Champion Ram, AOB Meat
Altamont Fair
Gunnar
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2nd Place Ram, Natural Colored Long
2018 Gunnar
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For your Emails!