Navajo-Churro Sheep
We raise grass-fed heritage breeds at our ranch, and the Navajo-Churro sheep are among our favorites. Believed to be the first domesticated sheep breed in the Americas, they carry a rich yet tragic history, making them a rare breed today. The Navajo Sheep Project, the oldest and largest livestock conservancy in the US, works to protect and conserve these sheep.
The Navajo-Churro descend from the Spanish Churra breed, which the Navajo acquired through raiding and trading long ago. They became expert shepherds, utilizing the sheep's wool for their renowned traditional weavings. At one time, the Navajo had flocks numbering 2 million sheep. However, during the infamous "Long Walk" and the post-Depression drought, the government slaughtered countless Navajo sheep, claiming they were overgrazing the land. It wasn't until the 1970s, when Dr. Lyle McNeal initiated the Navajo Sheep Project, that efforts to conserve and revitalize the breed gained traction and increased public awareness.
Navajo-Churro Sheep are a dream for ranchers living in rugged mountain terrain. They are exceptional foragers, using their keen sense of smell to uncover grass and treats hidden beneath the snow, as well as eating brush and other forage. With strong flocking instincts, this breed is well-suited for areas with many predators. Navajo-Churro sheep are multi-purpose, providing stunning multi-colored wool, tender meat favored by chefs, and rich, creamy milk ideal for cheese. Here on the ranch, we prioritize breeding for overall health and good genetics, benefiting the animals and conserving the breed.
Our sheep possess delightful personalities, often leaving visitors to the ranch with smiles. Because our sheep are content, secure, and well-cared for, they exhibit curiosity, friendliness, and even a playful spirit that entertains guests.
During snowy winters, we supplement our sheep's diet with organic green grass hay, but they still dig through snow to find the grass hidden beneath!