OXFORD

HISTORY

Oxford Flock History

I first became interested in Oxfords some 2001 while watching the yearling ewe class at Louisville . I have always liked big sheep and my first observation was that these ewes were BIG. My second observation was the depth of quality in the class went well beyond the first few individuals. My third observation was the combination of beautiful heads, good bone and clean pattern that they possessed. My fourth observation was that the excellent conformation of the Oxford would make it an excellent terminal sire for the commercial industry, which IS the sheep industry. My final observation was that the Oxford was the best kept secret in the sheep business. Since then I always made it a point to check out the Oxfords while in Louisville .

After dispersing my Suffolk flock in 2000, I swore I would concentrate on only Hampshires. After considerable soul searching I reconsidered. It was my belief that Oxfords would be similar to Hamps in regards to hardiness and longevity and could become a popular terminal sire. I also believed there would be an opportunity to sell Oxfords in South Dakota to aspiring sheep breeders who desire a practical breed of sheep, but may be intimidated by the large classes of  Hamps, Dorsets, Southdowns and Suffolks at our State Fair. 

Over the next month I purchased five more ewes to add to my growing Oxford flock.  I bought one outstanding ewe lamb from Steve Reid and four more ewes from Double "O" Acres.  In that group was three ewe lambs and one bred yearling ewe.  Wayne O'Brien also let me bred three ewes to his powerhouse rams and I bred the rest to "Cornerstone."  I realized that these ewes were mainly all ewe lambs, but I wanted to hit the ground running with the Oxfords. 

It is no question that Oxfords have a proud past. I feel that they will also have a bright future, if given more exposure. I commend Oxford breeders for establishing the Foundation Award and Oxford web site, these tools will help advance the breed. I am thankful for the opportunity and challenge of becoming an Oxford breeder.

- Jan Houghtaling

For all of these reasons I wrote the essay that would go on to win me the coveted Oxford Foundation Flock Award.  I recieved five ewes and one ram initially.  Truth be known, I visited Double "O" Acres farm after I was told that I would be recieving the award flock but prior to recieving the sheep.  I liked the ram lamb that I was going to recieve, but I liked one of the rams Wayne had entered at Springfield quite a bit better.  I bought that ram when it went to Springfield instead and Wayne gave me an extra ewe lamb.  The ram I bought went on the be the Junior Champion Ram and was the high selling ram in the sale.  We named him "Cornerstone." It seemed appropriate. 

DOA 7088 "Cornerstone"