SHAVE 'EM to SAVE 'EM
When we first began keeping Tunis sheep, we joined The Livestock Conservancy, where our breed was listed as 'threatened' on the Conservancy's Priority List. Numbers of sheep have risen, and over the last few years Tunis have moved into the 'watch' column - hurrah for breed preservation!!
Through the years we have tried to provide a little boost to small farms who keep breeds found on the Priority List by guaranteeing purchase of some of their fleeces, which helps pay for the shearing and upkeep of their animals. The Livestock Conservancy's website notes, "Niche production, especially the specialty wool market, has been essential to the survival of rare breeds of sheep. Handspinners and other fiber artisans have a vested interest in diversity and have played a significant role in the conservation of dual-purpose and wool breeds."
So it is with great delight that we note The Livestock Conservancy's new initiative, Shave 'Em to Save 'Em, which launched in February, 2019. The various rare breeds will have a job to do - provide fiber folks with their fleeces! And any animal with a job is immediately more valuable to a small farmer. For more information about the program, click here. For a brochure on Shave 'Em to Save 'Em, click here. Fleece, fiber, roving, and yarn of various breeds found on the Priority List have become a passion of ours, and Woolhalla Tunis always has our own fiber available for sale. As the Farm at the End of the Road, we stock fiber of other breeds, almost all from Arizona or one of the other Four Corner states, with all sheep identified by breed, name, farm, and photo! If the Shave 'Em to Save 'Em appeals to you, let us know if we can help source a fiber of interest. I'll bet we can! Please note that different monitors display color differently. Contact us for availability.
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