St. Croix Sheep

 It is believed that hair sheep originated from Western Africa. During the 1500’s, they were brought to the Caribbean on slave ships as a source of food. They are thought to be a cross between the native Criollo and Wiltshire Horn. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy lists the St. Croix Sheep as “threatened” meaning the global population is fewer than 5000 and fewer than 1000 in the United States.St. Croix hair sheep are a white, medium sized, hornless, hardy sheep. They naturally shed their coat, making shearing unnecessary. In the summer their coat is smooth and in the winter nice and fluffy.

They demonstrate greater resistance to internal parasites than do both wool sheep and most other hair sheep breeds.  The ewes can breed back one month after lambing, and ewes can produce two lamb crops per year.  Ewes usually bear twins, with some singles, frequent triplets, and occasional quadruplets.

The meat has been described as tender with a mild flavor. The St Croix has slower growth rates than many meat breeds, which have been selected for rapid growth and large body size.

Interest in hair sheep has risen since the loss of the Federal wool subsidy.  Caribbean hair sheep, such as the St. Croix, are prolific and breed throughout the year and thus are of value to the U.S. sheep industry.  With no shearing costs, strong parasite resistance, no fly strike, high lamb survivability, good mothering instincts and good flocking, the St. Croix Sheep has a lot to offer.

The most recent good news on our farm is that we became Animal Welfare Approved in our lamb production. We were very pleased to meet the program's high standards. 

Our lamb is available to the public in our farm store. Call Allison Schaum at 864-991-9839 for pricing and availability.