Why Icelandic Sheep?
Choosing what fits best for your farm or homestead can be as simple as a free critter from a guy in a rural king parking lot, those oh so tempting cheep-cheeps at your local feed store, or long deliberation and thousands of miles transporting exactly the right bloodline to your farm. For us when we started it came down simply to space. What animal would allow us to accomplish the absolute most with our limited space. When we very first started this looked like some rabbits and poultry in little rented yards… and then when we finally bought our first acreage it was Icelandic sheep.
This old world breed is a jack of all trades offering wool, meat and milk. A way to feed and sustain ourselves off our relatively tiny property. They’re a fairly small breed of sheep with adult animals ranging between 150-250lbs. So for a small or less fit individual with little to no infrastructure and the desire to do majority of care this was also ideal. With both horned and polled stock available you can choose which you’re most comfortable with.
How do Icelandics fit into a business model? We’ve had quiet a few years of raising Icelandics both in the name of sustainability and self reliance as well as transitioning into something that can pay the bills. For which I am forever grateful we chose the sheep we did. They allow for a diversified portfolio of products for you to offer to your customers. Their wool is lovely and varied coming in the many different shades and colors of the breed. It takes well to dye for a rainbow of choices. It can be tricky to spin for a beginner and their are challenges to finding the perfect mill. But when done right it’s a nice value added product. And if yarn or roving isn’t up your alley raw wool sales can allow for a quick turnaround of fleece.
Icelandic meat- a product of Iceland is world renowned for its soft texture and mild flavor. American grown Icelandics benefit from these genetics and the breed overall has some of the best meat on the market. If you don't like lamb you’ll love Icelandic.
Milking Sheep and Icelandics in genreral can be a trial in patience and definitely not something they can do without external inputs and management. However if you put the time and tears into it you' will be well rewarded with delicious dairy that can be turned into a variety of wonderful goodies.
Horned skulls, and bones have a niche market of artisans, collectors, curio shelf fillers, Ren Faire and Norse Fest enthusiasts or those just looking for that piece de resistance to their decor. It has been a surprisingly fun and prolific market of folks and the better you are at processing, mounting, or making your mark on these “waste” parts the more you will generate a lucrative following.
In much the same line of interest are tanned sheepskin pelts, or leathers. Something that you can accomplish yourself or hire out this product will open up opportunities to add many new and varied product to your farm.
Besides the many wonderful things these sheep can produce for your farm and family… Icelandics are just a joy to raise. Their personalities are so distinct to the breed. With a certain level of wariness, spirit and tenacity they’re quiet lovely to handle once you’ve gained their trust. Being an Icelandic’s shepherd is truly an experience I think more than any other sheep or livestock.
