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Meet the Sheep: Gulf Coast Sheep
In the Gulf Coast region of the southern United States lives a scrappy sheep with a history older than the oaks and pines that shade their pastures. Discover what makes this breed special.
In the Gulf Coast region of the southern United States lives a scrappy sheep with a history older than the oaks and pines that shade their pastures. Discover what makes this breed special. <a href="https://spinoffmagazine.com/meet-the-sheep-gulf-coast-sheep/">Continue reading.</a>
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Contents
The Gulf Coast sheep, or Gulf Coast Native sheep, is one of North America's oldest landrace sheep breeds, shaped by centuries of survival in harsh conditions. Like many landrace breeds, Gulf Coast sheep produce many colors of wool. But there's so much more to explore about this breed!
Three colors of Gulf Coast wool. Photo by Aleatha Shannon
History of the Gulf Coast Sheep
In the 1500s, the Spanish brought sheep to the Gulf Coast for meat, milk, and wool. Left to roam, only the toughest survived the region’s relentless summers. The result is a breed naturally resistant to foot rot and parasites, and hardy enough to raise lambs without help.
Gulf Coast sheep lack wool on their faces, bellies, and legs—an adaptation that helps them cope with heat and humidity. For centuries, they were the primary sheep of the Southeast, raised mostly for home use on small farms. Although this breed developed in the southeast US, flocks of Gulf Coast Sheep have thrived in environments as different from the southeast US as Wyoming, Maine, and Michigan. But in the 20th century, as anti-parasite medications became common, many shepherds replaced them with larger meat breeds.
Today, Gulf Coast sheep are on the Livestock Conservancy’s conservation priority list. Their hardy genetics could prove vital in the future. As parasite resistance becomes more critical in a world facing increasing drug resistance, this humble breed may hold solutions for farmers everywhere.
A note on the name: “Gulf Coast Sheep” is the official name used by the Gulf Coast Sheep Breeders Association. Gulf Coast Native (GCN) is the traditional name and is used to distinguish some of the historical, closed-line flocks from the modern, mixed-line flocks. Many of the raw GCN fleeces I’ve purcahsed are from Allie Reeves, whose registered flock is from an old Louisiana line called the “Perkins” line. There are also other names used such as “Louisiana Native” and “Alabama Native.”
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The Gulf Coast sheep, or Gulf Coast Native sheep, is one of North America's oldest landrace sheep breeds, shaped by centuries of survival in harsh conditions. Like many landrace breeds, Gulf Coast sheep produce many colors of wool. But there's so much more to explore about this breed!
Three colors of Gulf Coast wool. Photo by Aleatha Shannon
History of the Gulf Coast Sheep
In the 1500s, the Spanish brought sheep to the Gulf Coast for meat, milk, and wool. Left to roam, only the toughest survived the region’s relentless summers. The result is a breed naturally resistant to foot rot and parasites, and hardy enough to raise lambs without help.
Gulf Coast sheep lack wool on their faces, bellies, and legs—an adaptation that helps them cope with heat and humidity. For centuries, they were the primary sheep of the Southeast, raised mostly for home use on small farms. Although this breed developed in the southeast US, flocks of Gulf Coast Sheep have thrived in environments as different from the southeast US as Wyoming, Maine, and Michigan. But in the 20th century, as anti-parasite medications became common, many shepherds replaced them with larger meat breeds.
Today, Gulf Coast sheep are on the Livestock Conservancy’s conservation priority list. Their hardy genetics could prove vital in the future. As parasite resistance becomes more critical in a world facing increasing drug resistance, this humble breed may hold solutions for farmers everywhere.
A note on the name: “Gulf Coast Sheep” is the official name used by the Gulf Coast Sheep Breeders Association. Gulf Coast Native (GCN) is the traditional name and is used to distinguish some of the historical, closed-line flocks from the modern, mixed-line flocks. Many of the raw GCN fleeces I’ve purcahsed are from Allie Reeves, whose registered flock is from an old Louisiana line called the “Perkins” line. There are also other names used such as “Louisiana Native” and “Alabama Native.” [PAYWALL]
Working with Gulf Coast Native Wool
As a handspinner in Louisiana, I was naturally drawn to this local breed. Gulf Coast wool ranges from fine to medium, typically 26 to 32 microns. Staple length is typically 2.5 to 4 inches. Like many heritage breeds, fleece quality varies. Some fleeces have lovely open locks that are a joy to process, while others are a little tippier and take more work. But we have to give the sheep credit for growing wool in hurricane country!
A freshly shorn Gulf Coast fleece. Photo by Aleatha Shannon
Gulf Coast wool has a lively, squishy character that makes great yarn. I’ve spun it on its own, blended it with angora from my rabbits, and most recently with homegrown cotton. This wool also dyes and felts beautifully.
Working with Gulf Coast wool is emotionally rewarding for history lovers. As I spin, I often imagine Southern homesteaders raising wool and cotton to clothe their families. These sheep have been quietly contributing to the region’s food and fiber systems long before modern agriculture.
Looking for the perfect project for Gulf Coast Wool? Check out Stefanie Johnson's article, Nature’s Nylon: Natural Alternatives for Stronger Socks.
Get a Shepherd’s Perspective
Interview with Lynda Ingram of S&S Farms, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Lynda and her sister Cindy Walker restarted their family farm, S&S Farm of Denham Springs, Louisiana, together in 2011, and got their first Gulf Coast sheep in 2012. I asked Lynda a few questions to get her perspective on these special sheep.
Aleatha Shannon: What first drew you to this breed?
Lynda Ingram: I had wanted wool sheep for a long time—the classic “If I grow my own wool then I can afford to spin”—but I did not think they would do well here in Louisiana. I met a nice spinner at a local craft event who introduced me to Gulf Coast wool. Then on the same day I talked to a friend who taught in the LSU College of Agriculture about the breed’s suitability for the environment. The rest is history.
AS: How would you describe their personality?
LI: Gulf Coast sheep are mainly calm and easy to handle. They are generally hardy and healthy. They tend to be easy lambers, and are good mothers. Our sheep lamb and raise their lambs on pasture. Because our sheep live on pasture 24/7, they tend to be standoffish, although they come when they are called to move to new pasture. I know other shepherds who are much more hands-on with their Gulf Coast sheep, and their sheep are more like pets.
AS: Anything else you'd like folks to know about this breed?
LI: Gulf Coast wool is crimpy, spins well, and the yarn is fluffy. The fineness and softness are variable. In my flock there are sheep that produce wool suitable for almost any purpose—from next-to-skin soft to heavy outdoor wear or rugs. We had our fleeces tested, and the results range from 23 to 34 microns. Because our sheep have varied fleeces, one of my favorite things as a spinner and wool vendor is matching fleeces to projects that I want to do or that my customers want to do.
A Gulf Coast sheep being sheared. Photo by Aleatha Shannon
Support Gulf Coast Sheep
Raising Gulf Coast sheep, buying their wool, or spinning their fiber helps ensure their survival for future generations. And for spinners, their wool is a joy to work with.
For more about rare and conservation sheep breeds, check out the Livestock Conservancy's Shave ’Em to Save ’Em project.
