Icelandic Sheep are one of the oldest and purest breeds of
sheep, that were brought to Iceland by the Vikings. This is a
triple purpose breed that will not only produce wool, but meat
and milk as well.
Their fleece is dual coated, which gives them the protection they
need to withstand cold and wet weather. The undercoat is called
the thel, it is fine and soft. The outer coat is much coarser and
called the tog. The wool is sought after by hand spinners and is
a dream for felting. Icelandics come in a variety of colors and
patterns, and can be both polled and horned.
In Iceland the sheep are raised mostly for their meat, which is
very mild, and sweet. Their sweet tasting meat is considered by
many to be of gourmet quality. Lambs can finish in 3 -5 months
on good pasture. The ewes are excellent mothers they most often
have twins but many are able to raise triplets without assistance.
This breed has been used for centuries in Iceland for their milk
production, and they are now becoming popular in the states not
only for milk production but for the gourmet cheese that can be
made from their milk.
This is a wonderful breed for the small farmer such as we are.
Our sheep provide us with a wonderful bounty of treasures. We
enjoy every aspect of owning this primitive breed. Over the
years they have greatly improved our pastures.
They have given us so much and asked for so little in return.
sheep, that were brought to Iceland by the Vikings. This is a
triple purpose breed that will not only produce wool, but meat
and milk as well.
Their fleece is dual coated, which gives them the protection they
need to withstand cold and wet weather. The undercoat is called
the thel, it is fine and soft. The outer coat is much coarser and
called the tog. The wool is sought after by hand spinners and is
a dream for felting. Icelandics come in a variety of colors and
patterns, and can be both polled and horned.
In Iceland the sheep are raised mostly for their meat, which is
very mild, and sweet. Their sweet tasting meat is considered by
many to be of gourmet quality. Lambs can finish in 3 -5 months
on good pasture. The ewes are excellent mothers they most often
have twins but many are able to raise triplets without assistance.
This breed has been used for centuries in Iceland for their milk
production, and they are now becoming popular in the states not
only for milk production but for the gourmet cheese that can be
made from their milk.
This is a wonderful breed for the small farmer such as we are.
Our sheep provide us with a wonderful bounty of treasures. We
enjoy every aspect of owning this primitive breed. Over the
years they have greatly improved our pastures.
They have given us so much and asked for so little in return.
| Spring 2006 Photos |
| Icelandic Sheep |
