Welcome to Shelby Acres Farm, we are located in Southwest Georgia and have been raising sheep for the past 25 years. Raising Sheep at Shelby Acres began in Rhode Island with Hampshire and Suffolk breeds, the weather in the Northeast is much cooler and suited to these wooly sheep. After relocating to our 150 acre farm in Georgia, it became evident that these were not the breeds for this warm humid climate. After some research it was decided that the Dorper was the best suited for our Georgia climate, and the most resistant to the parasites that are prevalent in our warm, humid climates.
The DORPER originated as a cross of the DORset Horn and the Blackhead PERsian. Both sheep have their distinguishable features which together produced the current Dorper. The Persian is an Arabian breed which is hardy and survives well in arid climates; it is renowned for its fertility and ability to breed every eight months. They also have skins which are prized in the leather industry. This breed was common in east Africa (Somalia). The Dorset’s are an all white sheep of medium size and large muscular build, these ewes also breed out of season, are known to be good mothers and have multiple births. The Dorper breed was developed in South Africa out of necessity to develop a hardy sheep that could thrive in adverse climates, and have the meat quality desirable in Europe.
Today, there are two distinguished breeds of these sheep, the Dorper which consists of the Black faced sheep as seen above and the all White Dorper.
We strive to offer the best quality Dorper and White Dorper Ewes, Lambs and Rams, Full blood, Percentage and Purebred. Our flocks are enrolled in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program, and are vaccinated against overeating disease (Clostridium perfringins types C D), Tetanus, as well as foot rot. While parasite control is still a concern to us for both our Boer Goats and our flocks of sheep, predation is primarily controlled thru pasture management, rotation of the herds/flocks to different pasture sites and the guarded use of antiparasitics.
Raising sheep at Shelby Acres is a passion, one which we hope to share with others. We welcome visits to the farm, and enjoy calls from people with interest. We also raise Boer Goats, Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy goats as well as Miniature Horses. Like most sheep and goat people, we love to share our knowledge and learn from others so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Shelby Acres is a member of
The American Dorper Sheep Breeders Society
The Southeastern Dorper Society
And
The American Boer Goat Association
