[Jacob-list] Question......

[Shannon Phifer]

Part of what makes a jacob a jacob are all of the traits you can't see.  Good 
mothering ability, good foraging ability, hardiness, few lambing problems, 
overall they 'need' little intervention from us.  There are few modern breeds of 
sheep that can do this.  There are known lines of suffolk show sheep that have 
sterility issues and they still continue to breed them because they 'win' in the 
show ring - this is just one example of many.  We used to have a commercial 
flock of sheep, we quickly realized how much more work they were vs. our flock 
of jacobs.  We sold them and increased our flock of jacobs.  I am flexible in 
the 'looks' department of our sheep - I love the diversity - however I am not 
flexible in the mothering ability and hardiness department.  You can not judge 
those qualities in a show ring.  I look forward to reading other's input.
 
Shannon Phifer
Kenleigh Acres Farm
www.kenleigh-acres.com
That'll Do Photography
www.thatlldo.photoreflect.com
 




________________________________
From: im rapunzil <im-rapunzil at hotmail.com>
To: Jacob List <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>
Sent: Thu, September 16, 2010 8:12:40 PM
Subject: [Jacob-list] Question......

Now I'm asking this question because I'm new to Jacobs - NOT trying to be a 
smartass.
 
As I understand it, the purpose of breeding Jacobs isn't for the show ring; 
rather breed preservation.  My reason for getting into Jacobs is because its 
a Heritage breed and I want to help it flourish.
 
We hold our Jacob sheep dear for their primitiveness.  So my question is:  What 
are we breeding Jacobs for if not a most ideal specimen?
 
Are those "Other" sheep breeders not striving for the ideal applicable to their 
breeds purpose i.e. meat, milk, wool?
 
And how would anyone know what an "ideal" Jacob specimen is supposed to be?  
Let's consider its a primitive breed established well before our time......  
What exactly is this primitive breed supposed to be?  Who is the Authority of 
what aspects of primitiveness is good, and what is bad?
 
Does someone have "The Ancient Handbook of Jacob Breeding" they'd like to 
share?  

 
I know of some folks on here that have both Jacob and the "other" sheep.  I'd 
like to read the take they have on this.  Actually, I'm anxious to hear 
EVERYONES take on it!
 
Looking forward to your replies.
 
Cindy
Stone Hollow Farm
 
You live by writing your poems on a farm
and call that farming.
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