Why Choose Hair Sheep?

The Practical Advantages Over Wool Breeds for Modern Producers

Sheep are making a comeback on farms and ranches across the country—but not all sheep are created equal. At Grizzly Acres Farm, we’ve selected hair sheep for our flock. And for good reason.

Whether you’re raising sheep for meat, land management, or as a low-maintenance addition to your farm, hair sheep offer several advantages that make them an ideal choice—especially in Missouri’s climate.

1. No Shearing Needed

Hair sheep naturally shed their coats each spring, so you don’t have to worry about:

• Shearing equipment or labor

• Finding a shearer (which gets harder every year)

• Storing or marketing wool (which often has little value)

For most small-scale producers, the cost of shearing outweighs the return from selling wool. Hair sheep eliminate that issue entirely.

2. Better Heat & Parasite Resistance

Hair sheep breeds like Katahdins, Dorpers, and St. Croix are known for thriving in hot, humid climates—exactly the kind of weather Missouri is known for. These breeds tend to:

• Tolerate heat better than wool breeds

• Require less parasite treatment (especially for internal worms)

• Maintain body condition on lower-input systems

This hardiness makes them an excellent fit for pasture-based, rotational grazing systems.

3. Low Maintenance = Lower Costs

Hair sheep are often described as “easy keepers” because they don’t require the intensive care and maintenance wool breeds sometimes do. They typically:

• Need fewer hoof trims

• Lamb easily with minimal assistance

• Thrive on forage without heavy grain inputs

If you’re looking to maximize efficiency and minimize labor, hair sheep are a smart choice.

4. Strong Demand for Meat

Hair sheep are primarily raised for meat, and their mild-flavored, lean lamb is increasingly popular with:

• Ethnic markets

• Direct-to-consumer buyers

• Restaurants and local butchers

Because they’re bred for carcass quality rather than fleece, hair sheep lambs finish well on pasture and command competitive market prices.

5. Ideal for Small or Diversified Farms

Whether you’re running cattle, raising poultry, or just starting out, hair sheep integrate well into mixed operations. They:

• Graze differently than cattle, helping control weeds and brush

• Can be rotated through paddocks with chickens or goats

• Are easier to manage for beginners and part-time farmers

They’re also a great fit for families, 4-H projects, and farms focused on regenerative practices or low-stress livestock management.

Is There a Downside?

Hair sheep do shed, so during the spring, they may look a little scruffy. And while their lambs typically dress lean, they may not reach the heavier carcass weights of larger wool breeds like Suffolks or Hampshires. But for most producers focused on low-input systems and local markets, the trade-off is more than worth it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, hardy, profitable sheep breed that works well in Missouri’s environment, hair sheep are hard to beat. Whether you’re just starting your flock or thinking about transitioning from wool breeds, hair sheep can help you simplify your operation and improve your return on investment.

At Grizzly Acres Farm, we raise and consult on hair sheep systems and are happy to help you evaluate if they’re right for your farm.

Interested in raising hair sheep or improving your grazing system?
We offer flock planning, pasture consultations, and sustainable livestock guidance.