Navajo-Churro Sheep

Navajo-Churro sheep are steeped in the history and culture of the Hispanic, Pueblo and Diné communities of the southwestern United States. Don Bixby, DVM & Technical Advisor to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has noted that, “The Navajo-Churro is the oldest North American farm animal breed. Almost extinct in the 1970’s the breed has returned through the multi-cultural efforts of Native, Hispanic and Anglo shepherds around the US. They continue to remind us of traditional Native American and Hispanic shepherding, weaving and culinary traditions in the semi-arid Southwest, of a place-based heritage that has endured.”  Click here for a short history of Navajo- Churro Sheep (from our non-Navajo perspective).

Most of our flock has passed inspection by the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association for inclusion into the registry. 

We continue to upgrade the quality of our flock through careful selection and breeding practices.

 

Small producers like ourselves have played a critical role in bringing genetic diversity back in the Navajo-Churro Sheep. We are members of the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association, the American Livestock Breed Conservancy and Dine Be Iina. At Arriola Sunshine Farm we consider the success of Navajo producers essential to our success and whole-heartedly contribute to the re-introduction of Navajo-Churro Sheep to our Navajo people.

Navajo-Churro Breeding Stock

Currently we have sold out of ram and ewe lambs for sale as breeding animals. These come from our registered sire and dams. Feel free to request more information on our animals and their pedigrees. We will have up to 14 lambs in September of 2010. Please let us know if you are interested in our breeding stock.  We sell first come, first serve.  Contact Us

Navajo-Churro Lamb & Mutton

The meat is "sweet" in flavor compared to commercial breeds. It is tender and captures the flavor of the rangeland or pasture it is raised on. Because Navajo-Churro Sheep put most of their fat around their organs, the meat is more lean than other breeds. They finish well on grass and rangeland. Because they mature slowly they will be classified as lambs well over one-year in age. Our Navajo-Churro meat has been served at a number of Slow Food events with rave reviews. Click here for details.

Availability depends on many factors. Much of our lamb is sold directly via word of mouth, through High Desert Foods CSA in Dolores, or is used to help promote programs featuring Navajo Churro Sheep producers.  If your are interested in our purchasing lamb in 2010 or 2011, please contact us to be put on our waiting list.

 

Navajo-Churro Wool

Currently we have skirted raw fleeces available in a variety of colors. We also have quantities of washed and carded wool available, felt and pelts.  Navajo-Churro wool consists of two layers. The outer coat is 4-6 inches long and is medium to course.  The inner wool is about 3 inches long and is medium to fine in texture.  Lambs fleeces are more fine where as rams fleeces tend to be more coarse.

Some fleeces contain small amounts of kemp which gives it a rugged, tweedy look.

The wool is ideal for spinning, weaving, knitting, wet or dry felting and rope making.  It is suited for making rugs, fiber art, craft items, & some outer garment and upholstery applications.   We have won several awards over the years in wool judging contests sponsored by Navajo Churro Sheep Association, Best of the Southwest Fiber Festival, and Sheep Is Life celebration.

NEW for 2010:

Felted Wool Sheets

 

We have a wide variety of sizes, colors and textures availalbe.
These are made on Mini-Mills wet felting machine.  These are great for crafts and art. Finish them as throws, potholders, matts, dog beds, wall art, and more!

 

 

Drum Carded Navajo Churro Wool.

We will wash and drum card wool to your order.  Please contact us for details. These small batts are ideal for spinners and felters.

 

Navajo Churro Pelts

These are great for rugs, throws, seat and saddle cover, show chaps and other usese. They are custom processed by Amish and may be long or sheared. Please let us know what your interests are. 

 Contact Us

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