01/09/07 Tunis Sheep

With all the emphasis on genetic advancements like cloning I find it completely refreshing that there are those among us that still believe in the livestock that helped make our country great, the heritage breeds. Tunis sheep, for example were nearly wiped out during the Civil War being coveted for meat. In fact in the early 1800's Tunis lambs were highly prized for their delicate flavor. Today the sheep known by their distinctive red heads have rebounded from a threatened to watch status from 605 registered sheep in 1990 to over 1250 being registered last year. Tunis sheep have made various appearances at sheep shows and fairs throughout the nation and Tunis breeders will soon be offering others a chance to own this remarkable breed, (a breed valued for it's ability to supply hot house lambs throughout the year thanks to an extended breeding season) at the Tunis Summer Spectacular sale June 16-17 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. For more information visit bannersheepmagazine.com. Next time you see a sheep with a Red Head think "Blue Blood", Tunis have been in the US since 1799.