Melwood Farm focuses on raising heritage breed St. Croix Hair Sheep and poultry. Our mission is to use regenerative practices while raising livestock using conservation breeding methods and performance-based selection.
We believe that heritage breed animals are important for maintaining livestock diversity and food security. When selected carefully, heritage breed animals can match the environment perfectly. Our island-based sheep do just that. Appalachian Ohio is hot and humid in the summer, and wet and mild in the winter. These conditions are usually problematic for sheep because parasites thrive and the summer-time heat and humidity are stressful. Our St. Croix sheep are masters of both. Additionally, our pastures and wooded areas often contain prickly plants, burs, and other woody plants that would wreak havoc in wool sheep. Our hair sheep walk among and graze those patches with ease.
We believe that we are stewards of our environment. Our animals have continuous access to natural pastures for grazing and are moved to fresh grass several times per week, simulating their natural instincts to move about while grazing. Regenerative grazing helps to improve soil health and the ecosystem while also supporting the health of our sheep and farm profitability.
We are active members of the St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders, Inc., the Livestock Conservancy, and the National Sheep Improvement Program.
We invite you to read About Us, check out the news section for tips and events, and browse our website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook.
“We have gotten sheep and chickens from Melwood Farm. Their animals are top notch and very healthy. We recommend them to everyone who is looking for sheep, chickens, and eggs.”
Elizabeth H.
Selective Breeding and sustainability
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