Soay Sheep Breeders Cooperative

Alan S. Bias

426 Whispering Pines Lane
Florence, MT 59833

406-777-2992

Alansbias@aol.com

Pine Valley Farm

After spending the better part of 20 years raising Galloway Cattle and Shetland Sheep a flock of Soay is an extension of my fascination with genetics in Scottish livestock. Having had a long time friendship with the late Flora Stuart, a granddaughter of the 4th Marquis of Butte, it seemed only natural to work with another breed this family helped preserve for posterity. My first exposure to Soay came in the early mid 90’s while touring the Galloway region of Scotland near Gate House of Fleet. With little or no availability of Soay seedstock in North America I established a flock of moorit Shetland Sheep and continue to maintain them. Emphasis has been on confirmation, disposition, maternal traits and fine fleece.

My foundation Soay flock is geared towards the same traits utilizing black and mahogany American Soay within a line breeding program. Our approach has always been very focused in nature. As such the flock will consist of a “limited snapshot of genetics” found within the breed as compared to many flocks who maintain numerous phenotypes. Rather than trying to maintain currently documented lineages our goal is to create unique & distinct bloodlines. At some point in the future a flock of British Soay will be added to the equation.

With a dedicated core group of breeders and expanding numbers both breeds of Soay found in North America are at a crossroads. Hopefully many of the mistakes made by other breed associations can be avoided through communications and open minded breeding strategies. No matter if you are interested in the animal on the ground, rotational grazing, meat, fleece, or rarity of breed there is no one perfect market for a minor breed. Just specific goals for each flock. Ours will be color – confirmation – disposition and registered seed stock sales. Keep the best and cull the rest.

We are located in the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana. Visitors and inquires always welcome. Stop by if you are in the area or give us a call if you would like to discuss one of our breeds of interest.

www.geocities.com/red_galloways/PineValleyIndex.html

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