Breeding and Breeders

 

There are about 860 pure breeds of sheep in the world.  Around 1830, British immigrants brought the first pure breeds to the country.  British breeds continue to comprise the basis of Canadian ovine livestock, although in recent years, other breeds less well represented on the world stage have been gradually increasing across the country.

 

In Canada, 52 different breeds were present in 2023, and the large majority of those are selected and bred for lamb production. 

 

Wool sheep breeds are fewer in number but are (perhaps unexpectedly) better known to the general public because of the artistic/artisanal potential, their links to the art and craft industries, and the prevalence of accessible skillset education on social media and within community organizations.   There is a large and growing community of artists and artisans who work in wool and fibre arts who have seen a wide and varied resurgence of interest in the last decade.

 

Active breeders who perpetuate the best qualities of our livestock in lamb, wool, and dairy industries are prized, and often the source of the finest purebred sheep and the best quality cross-bred animals, for which there are also lucrative markets.  Good genetics are critical to the health and vibrancy of the industry, and remain a challenging arena of work.

 

There are many small homestead breeders as well, who are often relatively unknown to markets outside of their local area or specific networks, but whose animals are carefully and purposefully bred to meet the highest standards.  

 

If you are a breeder of purebred or purpose-crossbred in BC, we’d love to hear from you and help share your knowledge and expertise – please contact us with your commentary and ideas!

 

We are proud to already include in our membership some excellent lamb breeders, producers and growers.