Icelandic Sheep: Breed Profile

Icelandic sheep were brought to Iceland by Norse settlers more than a thousand years ago and have remained largely pure. They have a dual coat of long outer hair and soft undercoat in many colors.

Purpose

Icelandics are raised for meat, wool, milk and pelts.

Where the breed stands today

The breed is kept in moderate numbers in North America, with an association.

What to look for in a Icelandic project animal

Look for a dual coat, a balanced frame and a clean face. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.

Showing Icelandic at 4-H and FFA

Wool sheep are judged on fleece, structure and breed type, and in showmanship on the handler. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.

Pros

• Hardy, multi-purpose
• Fleece classes
• Lean meat
• Wool breeds can compete in fleece classes in addition to breeding classes and showmanship.
• The fleece gives you a product to sell, spin or weave after the show.

Cons

• Few market classes
• Slow growth
• Dual coat needs skill to prepare
• Keeping a fleece clean and free of hay is hard work, and many exhibitors use coats.
• Shearing and skirting take skill, and not every show has classes for the breed.

Caring for your project

Plan for coating, shearing, hoof care and parasite checks. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.

Getting started

A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Icelandic. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.

Planning your budget

Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.

Show-day tips

Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.

Learning from the ring

Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.

Questions to ask a breeder

• Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
• How old is she, and what has she been fed?
• What are her fleece weight, staple length and fineness?
• Has she been handled and trained to lead and set up?
• Does my show have classes for this breed or for wool breeds?

Bottom line

Icelandics are a versatile heritage breed.

To see how the contests work, read Fleece, Egg and Fiber Competitions. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Sheep Admit to Being Part of a Cult, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.