Shropshire Sheep

Gentle Grazers in the Trees

Shropshire sheep are a rare triple-purpose breed: valued for their meat, wool, and unique ability to graze under trees without causing damage. We’ve proudly grazed Shropshire sheep in our Christmas tree fields since 2019, and we’re the first Vermont breeder of Groverman-line Shropshires.

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Instead of relying entirely on mowing, we use our sheep to manage grasses and weeds—especially the hard-to-reach spots near tree trunks. This helps us reduce mechanical and chemical inputs while building healthier soils and a more resilient ecosystem.

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From Birth: Trained in Tree-Friendly Grazing

Our flock includes genetics from Groverman and Mapleton Mynd lines—two respected names in Shropshire sheep. Lambs are born and raised right in our Christmas tree groves, learning from their mothers how to eat selectively: grass and weeds, not tree buds.

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Regenerative Grazing = Healthier Land + Healthier Trees

We manage our flock with intensive rotational grazing, moving them every few days to fresh pasture. This technique:

• Sequesters carbon in the soil

• Improves water retention and organic matter

• Supports beneficial microbial life

It’s a powerful way to align animal welfare with soil health, tree growth, and climate resilience. One of the top benefits we've observed in our trees is that our sheep will remove some weeds that herbicides don't kill- like Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense).

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Support Our Work: Shop Our Wool

Our sheep don’t just work hard—they also produce soft, high-quality wool. Buying yarn from our flock helps support this low-impact, land-healing grazing system. You can support our sheep grazing project by buying yarn from our sheep. 

 

Want Your Own Tree-Friendly Flock?

We offer a limited number of lambs each year. All are RR or QR scrapie-resistant and come trained on how to safely graze crop trees. Join our lamb waitlist and take home a grazing partner that works with your land, not against it. Contact us to get on the list.

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What We’ve Learned Along the Way

Grazing sheep in agroforestry systems isn’t plug-and-play. Here are some key challenges we’ve faced. 

• Not a total replacement: Grazing helps, but we still need to mow or spray in some areas.

• Timing is critical: During bud break (late May–early June), sheep must be watched closely—or removed—to prevent nibbling young growth.

• Infrastructure investment: Barns, fencing, winter hay storage, solar chargers—it all adds up.

• Planning is everything: Developing a good grazing plan takes time and trial-and-error.

• Tree spacing: Interplanting trees can be difficult when planning for rotational grazing paths.

Still, the benefits outweigh the hurdles—and we’re excited to keep learning and improving. For more information on benefits and challenges, read this blog post.

Want to Learn More?

We love talking sheep, trees, and regenerative farming. Reach out with questions—or follow us on Instagram for grazing updates and lamb cuteness.