Miniature Cheviots are mild-mannered, active sheep that love to forage and make great mothers, often producing twins. The breed originated in the Cheviot Hills on the border between England and Scotland and is hailed as one of the U.K.’s hardiest breeds, thanks to its ability to thrive in the bleak, windswept landscape. It’s difficult to find purebred Jacob sheep because they’re often crossed with other breeds, such as Dorsets, and the spotted offspring are marketed as Jacob sheep.Ī smaller version of the American Cheviot, this sheep measures to just 23 inches mature ewes weigh between 45 and 85 pounds while rams top out at 100 pounds. Fiber artists are also big fans of the wool, as the breed produces a medium fleece with unique color combinations of black, white or a blend of both. Their docile nature makes Jacob sheep ideal for novice farmers. Depending on breeding, some Jacob sheep (both ewes and rams) have two, four or six horns. Ewes weigh between 80 and 120 pounds, and rams seldom weigh more than 180 pounds. These black-and-white spotted sheep were popularized in England in the 1600s and imported to North America three centuries later. Babydoll Southdowns are also excellent foragers and employed to keep grass trimmed and weeds down. Thanks to its small size and friendly disposition, the breed is often raised as a pet or used in 4-H projects. The ewes, known as excellent mothers that often produce multiples, reach a height of 20 to 23 inches the rams top out at 24 inches.īabydoll Southdowns have sought-after fuzzy white, off-white (light tan or gray) or black fleece that can be spun into luxurious fiber. The hornless breed originated in England in the 1800s. The North American Babydoll Southdown Sheep Association refers to the diminutive breed as “impish creatures” because of their dispositions and adorable appearance.

While the diminutive Jerseys are prized for rich, creamy milk, Herefords and Lowlines produce tender, high-quality beef.Ĥ.

Jerseys, Miniature Herefords and Lowlines, aka Miniature Angus, are smaller versions of their standard-sized counterparts. The docile, dual-purpose Dexter (producing milk and meat) is among the smallest breeds an adult bull measures 38 to 44 inches at the shoulder and weighs less than 1,000 pounds. Several miniature cattle breeds, such as Dexters, Miniature Jerseys, Miniature Herefords and Lowlines, make up this small-farm option.

Their dark coloring-black with white legs, faces and tails-protects against sunburn, making them suitable for the outdoors.Ī herd of large Holsteins might not be right for a small farm, but that doesn’t mean cattle are out of the question. The sows produce an abundance of milk so their piglets grow quickly. It’s a hardy breed, and the pigs are excellent foragers with calm dispositions. The breed is prized for its meat: With a market weight of 600 pounds, Berkshires produce juicy, flavorful meat that marbles well. When the American Berkshire Association was formed in 1875, it was the first swine registry and breeding group in the world. The Berkshire can be traced back to England in the 1800s. Pygmy goats are also active and need ample space for exercise.Ģ. Like other breeds, Pygmy goats are social and do best in a herd atmosphere. Kids are fully weaned around 3 months of age. Their first breeding typically occurs between 12 and 18 months, and after a five-month gestation period, does can bear one to four kids every year. Females produce excellent milk that can be used in cheese-making. Their animated nature makes Pygmy goats (pictured above) popular pets, but the breed also has a place on the farm. Livestock need room to roam-and root, forage, peck or scratch-but certain breeds, including miniature versions of standard breeds, can thrive on small farms.Īs its name suggests, this goat breed is petite, with a height of just 16 to 23 inches and weighing in at 60 to 80 pounds (about the size of a large dog). Your farm might be small in scale, but that doesn’t mean the pastures can’t be home to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and turkeys, and dogs to guard or herd them.

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