Eubank Acres Barbados Blackbelly Sheep

05/22/2024

Hal knows what to do. Check back with us in 5 months to see the results.

05/22/2024

It's that time again. Let's make babies! Rufus is very excited.

05/18/2024

Celebrate International Heritage Breeds Week!
Barbados Blackbelly sheep are on the 2024 Livestock Conservancy Priority List “Watch” status (genetic or numerical concerns or have a limited geographic distribution, with fewer than 2,500 annual registrations in the US, and an estimated global population less than 10,000).

Breed Facts Status: Recovering Use: Meat Fiber Profile (PDF) Adult Weight: Rams: 100-130 lbs. Ewes: 85-100 lbs. Temperament: Alert, Docile Experience Level: Novice - Intermediate Notes: Prolific; polled hair sheep; can survive on poor pasture and in hot environments; sociable and like to be in group...

05/12/2024

Two ram lambs and two ewe lambs were just picked up and headed for quarantine then on to the island of St Lucia. (Don't worry, the halter was taken off before traveling.)

05/05/2024

Barbados -vs- American Blackbelly, what is the difference? The Barbados Blackbelly sheep breed can be traced back to the 1600"s on the Caribbean Island of Barbados where they were a random mixture of African and European wool breeds. Barbados Blackbelly were brought to the USA in the 1900's where many were crossed with Mouflon and Rambouillet to create an exotic looking breed with a large set of horns for game ranches out west. This cross bred has been now distinguished as the American Blackbelly with dramatic horns vs the more rare Barbados Blackbelly with no horns. The Barbados Blackbelly is in need of conservation in the US and around the world, even on the island of Barbados itself. For a fuller story see:

Breed Facts Status: Recovering Use: Meat Fiber Profile (PDF) Adult Weight: Rams: 100-130 lbs. Ewes: 85-100 lbs. Temperament: Alert, Docile Experience Level: Novice - Intermediate Notes: Prolific; polled hair sheep; can survive on poor pasture and in hot environments; sociable and like to be in group...

04/28/2024

I recently returned from a trip to Mexico. My goal was to see the Barbados Blackbellies raised there and meet the breeders. We discussed their feeding and breeding practices. They were more than pleased to share their information and show off their sheep.

04/13/2024

I could spend all day watching my sheep. It's my therapy. It calms me.

03/13/2024

Father, Apache, and sons.

02/23/2024

Why should I register my sheep?
The Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Association International registry keeps the pedigrees and information for both Barbados and American Blackbelly sheep. By doing so, the BBSAI records preserve the ancestry and history of the breeds. The registry itself is headquarters of the efforts to preserve these rare sheep. By registering your animals, you are supporting the promotion and conservation of both Blackbelly sheep breeds.
Access to Genetic Information:
When you have registered animals, you have access to the breeding records of other dedicated breeders and flock owners which in turn allows you to access a more diverse genetic pool from which to plan your flock’s path in the future. Having those records means those breeds with small census numbers have a better chance of ensuring genetic lines don’t disappear.
Increased Value:
There is a small cost to register your sheep but that cost is more than offset by the increase in value of your registered animal versus an unregistered one. Buyers prefer the known quality and background of a registered animal. In an unstable market, registered animals are more likely to sell and sell at a higher price. Marketing your registered sheep becomes easier when buyers know what they are buying.
Safe Data Storage:
BBSAI records provide security for you if your own records are lost in some mishap. They also ensure proof of ownership which can come in handy in case of theft, insurance claims or other instances.
Better Breeder Profile:
Having registration papers for your animals shows your buyers and your markets that you value the time it takes to track and keep accurate records of your breeding program. It shows your commitment to raising quality animals and your investment in the future of your breed.
Photo courtesy of Bridgett Leslie

02/01/2024

I love how the lambs line up at the feeder. They are getting so big that I think I need to add another feeder. LOL

01/21/2024

I usually end up selling my best ewes. This is Andi and her second set of triplets. Boy 1 - 7.85 lbs, boy 2 5.5 , girl 6.25 lbs. Congratulations to her new owner Steve Dillon.

11/20/2023

Now that the new fencing is up, the ewes and lambs got to go out in the pasture. I do think they were enjoying it.

11/10/2023

Choctaw had her baby early Monday morning, November 6th. A big boy. That makes 12 lambs this breeding. 8 rams and 4 ewes.

11/03/2023

My mamas

11/03/2023

I love it when we have babies.

10/28/2023

Lu Lu had a single ewe lamb yesterday morning.

10/28/2023

In my 15 + years of raising sheep I have never had to deal with mastitis before. I'll keep giving the ewe penicillin to keep her from getting worse. I am now bottle feeding her 3 day old twins. I will keep her until the twins get the hang of the bottle then I will cull her. Farming is heartbreaking sometimes.

10/25/2023

Twins this morning from Janet. A ram and a ewe.

10/25/2023

Yesterday Breilla had a baby ram and Kiowa had a ewe lamb.

10/23/2023

We had two sets of twins last night. Ivy had a ram and a ewe lamb around 8 pm. Odessa had two ram lambs at about 11 pm.

10/21/2023

Our newest lamb born this afternoon. Mom is Eubank Acres Lucy. This little ram is from the Sherman bloodline and Apache bloodline.

10/17/2023

The first lamb of this breeding was born this afternoon. Meet Jeremiah, named after a special relative who's birthday is today. The mother is Onieda, one of my older ewes with the Bellwether Sargent line. The father is Eubank Acres Apache who is also a Bellwether line. A very special ram lamb.

10/09/2023

It's now a waiting game. Several of my ewes are due any day. So exciting to have new babies.

06/30/2023

I've been getting the pups acquainted with the sheep.

06/26/2023

Genesis 22: 6-14 in the Bible tells the story of Abraham and his son Issac. Here it teaches us about obedience, sacrifice and how GOD provides for us. Many people around the world celebrate and honor GOD'S word in this Bible story from the old testament. This is the week of EID, the celebration of GOD'S promise to Abraham. A ram must be offered as part of the celebration. These are the rams I refer to as Abraham's rams. I will be raising them for next year's celebration.