They grow a thick wool coat during the cold winter temperatures, and their hair coat lets them to tolerate the heat. Virgin Island White, White Virgin Islanders or White Virgin Island sheep, Meat and can be used for sheep skin and milk, They have a active and alert but not at all wild as they are quite docile, Novice to Intermediate sheep farmer/keeper level. These include sheep that are grown primarily for wool, that are grown primarily for meat production and even sheep without wool. Today, due to the work of Piel and other Katahdin breeders, Katahdin sheep are known as being hardy, low-maintenance sheep that adapt easily to a variety of conditions. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. These sheep were the basis of the present St. Croix breed in the U.S. And they are also fly strike resistant due to their shedding ability. There have been taste tests done on the St. Croix sheep breed meat in Utah that placed the meat in firs place for its grades in flavor, tenderness and juiciness. Their coat sheds water. They will join the other USDA-certified butcher who can process and … Today, they are raised primarily for meat production. . Larger flocks focused on meat production have also begun to look at using St. Croix-influenced ewes and rams in their breeding flocks. We regularly offer St. Croix rams for sale, and annually have St. Croix ewes available. On the Island of St. Croix, they come in shades of brown, white and black. Later, the breed was further improved upon by Paul and Margaret Jepson of Vermont, who crossed their Katahdins with St. Croix sheep for additional hair characteristics. The St. Croix sheep proliferated as subsistence livestock, and they were also valued for the manure critical to sugar cane production. A whole lamb will yield 40-55 lbs of meat and sell for $5.75/lb. There are many different breeds of sheep. A few more interesting facts to know about the breed, They are pretty docile but very active and vigorous as such no child should be left unsupervised around them. By buying and selling in bulk and avoiding retail markups, sellers can ask for a higher price, while the buyer still saves compared to retail prices. To place an ad, click the Place Ad link below. We have introduced Dorper into our St. Croix herd in hopes to add a little more meat on our St. Croix but we are still experimenting trying to make the “perfect sheep”. St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders, Inc. 337 likes. The St Croix are mainly a meat sheep, and are well adapted to the East Texas heat and humidity. And today the breed is raised mainly for meat production. They can live and adapt themselves in a wide variety of climates. We currently maintain two separate flocks, carrying two distinctly different bloodlines. The St Croix (Saint 'Croy') is a breed of domestic sheep native to the U.S. Virgin Islands and named for the island of Saint Croix. The St. Croix breed can easily be raised at the rate of 6 adult sheep on the land required for a single cow. There is no fee for posting an ad. We are happy to now be in a position to provide St Croix SHEEP breeding stock. The pure bred lamb meat … However, review full breed profile of this breed in the chart below. SCHSB is a registry & resource for purebred St. Croix Hair Sheep. People who love lamb, rave that St. Croix is among the best they have ever eaten. We are avid fans of St. Croix Hair Sheep, and support the advancement of this excellent breed. The result is a meat sheep cross that does well in hot, humid condition. They are called as ‘Virgin Island White‘ because they were imported into North America and were selected for their white coloration. By Yates Colby & Bill Marion. Depending on whether cow, goats, sheep or pigs are being processed, Nelson said around 20 animals can be slaughtered a day when the facility is fully functional. St. Croix sheep are a hardy breed that is known for being parasite resistant and naturally polled. We are taking deposits on whole and half-lamb orders, and then depending on what is left, we'll sell individual cuts at the prices on the Meat Price List. They also show resistance to hoof rot. Our St Croix are virtually CAREFREE, and they are wonderfully G ENTLE and F RIENDLY. These are an especially LARGE STRAIN of St. Croix and make S UPERB MEAT she e p. (See Slow Food's "Ark of Taste" write-up here). The size of the ewes in the U.S. averages 119 pounds, while the rams average 163 pounds. Average birth weight of the St. Croix sheep is around 2.7 to 3.1 kg. Ag Commissioner Positive Nelson hopes to get the doors of the St. Croix abattoir open later this month. Im very new here currently living in Virginia. Our St Croix are virtually CAREFREE, and they are wonderfully G ENTLE and F RIENDLY. People who normally don't care for lamb can't believe that is what they are eating when they taste St. Croix. We promote the many productive qualities of St. Croix Sheep and their crossbreds. They are not selective eaters and they have been used for weed control due to their preference for weeds. St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders, Inc. 337 likes. 2005. Your ad must be approved by an administrator before it will be visible on the website. They are also highly valued for breeding because they are so easy and rewarding to raise! St. Croix The St. Croix is a descendant of the West African hair sheep, but some people believe they could be crossed between Wiltshire White and Criollos heep. My daughters will not allow me to cull them out of the flock, because they are cute :) Their rugged toughness reminds me of the Boz and Kangals, which is something I admire. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. St. Croix sheep tend to conjure images of warm Caribbean islands and sandy beaches. It is a very lean meat with a flavor similar to that of whitetail with no mutton taste. On the Island of St. Croix, they come in shades of brown, white and black. Meet some of the heritage meat sheep breeds that might be right for you. The primary purpose for this breed is for meat. St. Croix are a North American heritage breed of hair sheep. Only ads about St. Croix sheep or related items (herding/LGD dogs, equipment, etc.) Their toes will grow long sometimes but most of the time they break off on their own. They are typically raised for meat, which is marketable at top dollar for its widely-acclaimed fine texture and mild flavor. Ewes are excellent mothers and require minimal assistance. The St. Croix sheep are a very hardy breed of domestic sheep. The ewes can breed up to twice a year and have an abundance of good quality milk high in butter fat content. It is native to the U.S Virgin Islands and named for the island of Saint Croix. Photo and info from Wikipedia. In the meantime, animals to be slaughtered will be transported from St. Thomas to St. Croix. They are non-selective grazers and can help manage difficult terrain and have few hoof problems. The lamb placed first for flavor, juiciness and tenderness in taste tests conducted by Utah State University. The St. Croix sheep (Saint ‘Croy’) is a breed of domestic sheep which is also known as White Virgin Islander, White Virgin Island and Virgin Island White. While Joyce’s family had experience with both beef cattle and wool sheep, she preferred the smaller size of sheep. Mature size of sheep ranges from 50 lbs to 500 lbs depending on breed. St. Croix sheep have well-documented parasite resistance, far superior to that found in most other sheep breeds. Bunch, T.D., S. Wang and K.E. Well... lambing season came early this year and we welcome four new lambs to the fold. St. Croix sheep are a hardy breed that is known for being parasite resistant and naturally polled. Average live body weight of the mature rams is around 90 kg. We are only selling to diversify genetics. $150 each OBO.St. The primary purpose for this breed is for meat. The St Croix is a breed of domestic sheep native to the U.S. Virgin Islands and named for the island of Saint Croix.They are often also called Virgin Island White because those that were imported into North America were selected for white coloration. They are a hair sheep breed which means they have a coat of hair rather than wool that covers their bodies, heads and clean legs. Some breeders have crossbred the St. Croix with other sheep breeds for imparting these important traits into their bloodlines. Unregistered St. Croix, though the original sheep in the flock were registered. Primarily of interest is their reproductive characteristics that include: early puberty, year round breeding, ability to breed back soon after lambing, and a high lambing rate. We feel that our time must be used where it will improve our operation, rather than maintaining status quo. These sheep have never been supplemented with grain, and were hay fed only in times of deep snow. We have chickens and would like to get some sheep. The rams have a large throat ruff. Sheep on the friendlier side would be a bonus. However, these animals are very hardy tropical breed which are known for their parasite resistance. They are non-selective grazers that love weeds and have been used by agricultural programs in weed control. The ewes are good milkers and produce ample quantities of milk which is high in butterfat. St. Augustine sheep are a cross between Dorper and St. Croix sheep. The flavor is mild. When St. Croix are crossed with a heavier, faster growing breed of sheep, the offspring generally take on the market characteristics of the other breed but maintain the excellent maternal traits and a good … These animals are calm in terms of temperament and they are very easy to handle. But they come in shades of black, brown and white on the Island of St. Croix. Status: Critical Believed to be descendants of sheep brought to the Americas in the 1500s by French and Spanish explorers, Gulf Coast sheep are a remnant of the “Golden Age” of exploration. St. Croix ewe's lambs show high fertility at 6-7 months of age. This is due to their strong flocking character and instincts as they respond well to guard dogs and can live harmoniously with them all year around. We will likely be able to meet your needs, even if you have purchased stock from us before. American Heritage Farm is one of the few producers and sellers of grass-fed St. Croix lamb in the mid-Michigan area. People who love lamb, rave that St. Croix is among the best they have ever eaten. Croix are a rare breed of hair sheep native to America. The St. Croix breed can easily be raised at the rate of 6 adult sheep on the land required for a single cow. It is a very lean meat with a flavor similar to that of whitetail with no mutton taste. The St Croix are mainly a meat sheep, and are well adapted to the East Texas heat and humidity. They are both good browsers and grazers. To place an ad, click the Place Ad link below. We promote the many productive qualities of St. Croix Sheep and their crossbreds. They are raised primarily for meat and have a docile temperament. We want sheep for meat and lawn mowing. I have 3 St. Croix and am new to sheep, having raised poultry for some years, but never a ruminant, except a few months years ago when I babysat some goats. They are 3 years old. They should be very active without showing signs of being wild or flighty. They were imported into the United States in 1975 from the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Croix … The meat has a mild flavor, good grain and produce a lean meat. These sheep have been used for weed control due to their preference for weeds. 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Taste tests conducted at Utah State University and published in articles in 2004 placed the meat quality of pure bred St. Croix in first place for the grades in flavor, juiciness and tenderness (shear force). St. Croix sheep is a meat sheep breed. The St. Croix sheep breed is believed to have descended from the African sheep that were brought to the Caribbean on slave ships during the beginning of the 1600s. Ads for other sheep breeds are not allowed. Your email address will not be published. St. Croix Sheep For Sale. Origin: Developed in the Virgin Islands for crosses of West African hair sheep and Wiltshire Horn. If it wasn't foot rot, it was prolapse, or sheer stupidity (let's lay … Ag Commissioner Positive Nelson hopes to get the doors of the St. Croix abattoir open later this month. St. Croix has been used as the foundation stock for multiple other breeds, including Katahdin and Royal White. St. Croix sheep is a meat sheep breed. The meat has a mild flavor, good grain and produce a lean meat. Dec 9, 2014 - RaisingSheep.net provides useful information about the If you're a former "wooly" producer, you might be hesitant about getting back into any kind of sheep.I finally got fed up with the labor-intensiveness of my wool breeds. The breeds of hair sheep that are of importance in Florida include Katahdin, St. Croix, American Blackbelly, and Barbados Blackbelly. Ewes are excellent mothers and require minimal assistance. Photo courtesy of: Susan Schoenian . While at Mother Earth News Fair in Albany, Oregon this past week. The breed is an excellent choice for a small farm with just a few sheep or large scale meat production. It is raised mainly for meat production. We offer farm fresh, naturally raised heritage lamb … Gulf Coast Sheep. Therefore, they produce a lean meat without the tallow taste associated with lanolin wool sheep. Kid skin leather products such as shoes, car seats, fine leather coats, gloves, etc. The St. Croix sheep are a hair sheep breed which means they grow a fine coat of hair in the autumn to winter months rather wool and it is shed each spring time. St. Croix sheep are both grazers and browsers. Only ads about St. Croix sheep or related items (herding/LGD dogs, equipment, etc.) Smaller size does not require as much space or as much food and easier to handle. The St Croix sheep have minimal feeding requirements which make them ideal for small farming and production of grass fed meat. Classifieds Menu. Their toes will grow long sometimes but most of the time they break off on their own. Medium sized, fine textured and alert at the sides of their head. Priced at $200 each. Your ad must be approved by an administrator before it will be visible on the website. BREEDING RAMS. Interest is growing in MILK ING them a s well. will be allowed. There is a new director and two new butchers waiting for reopening. ST. CROIX. Their fine grained, low fat meat is mild and superior in texture and flavor. A few of our St Croix have some Dorper blood, and carry some black. St. Croix sheep possess many traits that are highly desirable to the modern sheep industry. They also have an active but easily managed personality. Both rams and ewes are usually polled, that means they have no horns. SHEEP MEAT PRODUCTION INFORMATION; The St. Croix sheep breed has a good taste that does not have the flavor from the lanolin that is produced by wool sheep. They are able to survive in both hot and cold climates. Place Ad; Edit Ad ; Browse Ads; Search Ads; Ad Category. The St. Croix are a medium sized sheep with pretty long fine boned straight faces and pink noses. SCHSB is a registry & resource for purebred St. Croix Hair Sheep. Thinking about raising St. Croix hair sheep? My daughters will not allow me to cull them out of the flock, because they are cute :) Their rugged toughness reminds me of the Boz and Kangals, which is something I admire. This means the female only cycles and accepts the male during times of shortening day length. St. Croix has been used as the foundation stock for … Fine Grained Low Fat Meat – St. Croix sheep do not deposit fat within the muscles. Lambing rate varies from 150 - 200% with two lambings a year not uncommon. We have a two mature proven St. Croix cross breeding rams for sale or trade. After attending a free class at the University of Kentucky which introduced her to different sheep breeds, she decided on the Saint Croix, a small meat breed with hair rather than wool, known for its resistance to the parasite problems that often plague other breeds. The St. Croix sheep breed has a good taste that does not have the flavor from the lanolin that is produced by wool sheep. They also have an active but easily managed personality. Our 100% grass-fed lamb is from our flock of St. Croix sheep. Never given dewormer.Because of the labor involved in bringing animals from pasture to the corral, minimum sale of 10 animals. They are typically raised for meat, which is marketable at top dollar for its widely-acclaimed fine texture and mild flavor. These breeding rams are $300.00 each. Also Known As: Virgin Island White, White Virgin Islander, White Virgin Island The Virgin Island White breed is found in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. The St Croix hair sheep out performed the Western White-faced wool sheep with 23% more of the ewes lambing, which makes them a good choice in a three times every two year breeding schedule. There have been taste tests done on the St. Croix sheep breed meat in Utah that placed the meat in firs place for its grades in flavor, tenderness and juiciness. For … The breed is small, with ewes averaging 120 pounds and rams 165 pounds. Their fine grained, low fat meat is mild and superior in texture and flavor. They are great breeders. These sheep almost never need their feet trimmed. If you are looking for manageable, high-yield livestock to raise on limited acreage, you should seriously consider St. Croix hair sheep. Ive been doing some research and have narrowed the breeds down to Katahdin, Dorper, or St. Croix. The St. Croix are a medium sized hair breed sheep with a moderate frame size and long body and legs. will be allowed. They are often also called Virgin Island White because those that were imported into North America were selected for white coloration. For example, we consider time spent worming, shearing, docking and trimming hooves as merely maintaining an operation.If this same time is spent building homestead fencing, water systems, improving lambing or handling facilities, it’s improving an operation. Classified ads may be posted by SCHSIA members only. St. Croix has been used as the foundation stock for multiple other breeds, including Katahdin and Royal White. I'm especially interested in St. Croix sheep because that's what I have, but welcome advice from anyone with similar breeds. Add to Favorites . Panter. (Source photo by Linda Morland) As America focuses on COVID-19 and possible meat shortages, local farmers and others are getting nervous that the Virgin Islands abattoirs have been closed for months and there is no other way to process USDA certified beef, pork, sheep and goats. The St. Croix abattoir is a red meat production establishment that receives cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs for slaughter. St. Croix are a hair sheep, raised for tender, mild flavored meat. A few of our St Croix have some Dorper blood, and carry some black. They are also highly valued for breeding because they are so easy and rewarding to raise! Mature rams weight around 90 kg, and average live body weight of the mature ewes is around 68 kg. On our farm, we raise St. Croix, a hair sheep breed. We are happy to now be in a position to provide St Croix SHEEP breeding stock. Their ancestors were West African hair sheep that were brought to the Caribbean Islands in the 1600s. Interest is growing in MILK ING them a s well. And the mature ewes on average weight around 68 kg. Publications. This breed is also the foundation breed for Royal white and Katahdin sheep breeds. Uses for Katahdin Sheep . They have fiber/hair that is shed annually and does not contain any wool fiber. They can be used for the sheep skin which has a good quality to it. The St. Croix are used to train working dogs and are used in sheep dog trials. St. Croix, sheep have superior mothering abilities, parasite resistance, and hardiness; while Dorpers are larger and have a heavily-muscled frame. 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