Our Philosophy

Our flock is tested for CL, OPP, and Johne’s disease. Check out Ponker Farm’s yearly test results. We utilize FAMACHA scoring for parasite load control and vaccinate regularly for CD & T.

All Ponker Farm sheep are bred with an eye toward hearty health, conformation, temperament, and genetic Scrapie resistance. Our Texels are registered with the Texel Sheep Breeders Society. All Dutch Spotted Sheep will be registered with the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society US.

We employ a multi-pronged approach in our breeding strategy with an eye toward fostering the breeds into the future.

• Coefficient of Inbreeding for each lamb is calculated. We use ten generations to get the best picture of homozygous genes. A great read on the subject is an explanation by Carol Beuchat PhD. Also “Managing Breeds for a secure future” by Dr. Phil Sponenberg, Alison Martin, and Jeannette Beranger is an excellent overview of the subject.

• Ponker Farm breeding stock have all been tested for genetic Scrapie resistance at Codon 171 with the goal of producing RR lambs.

• A lamb must pass temperament, conformation, and demonstrate robust health to be offered as a breeding quality lamb. Egregious faults are an immediate disqualifier, such as unsound bite, reproductive irregularities, and any characteristic outside written breed standard.

• Solid body type is of utmost importance. In addition to meeting breed standards, each sheep must possess:

  • a wide, thick, long body,

  • wide hips and shoulders with good muscling,

  • legs that are straight, strong, soundly spaced, and not too long,

  • strong shoulder transition,

  • and a flat top line.

Because Ponker Farm sheep are robust and healthy, we provide a Ponker Farm Ethics Statement with every purchase. If we sell a ewe lamb or ram lamb for breeding purposes, we offer to make it right if our lambs fail to produce offspring.

When a lamb goes to a new home, we’re invested in that lamb being successful. Each new owner is given a packet which includes Ponker Farm’s, Tips for You and Your New Lamb.