Abrielle, Astra, and Flock Management

Managing a structured upbreeding program requires precise breeding schedules, pedigree tracking, and firm flock size management. Here is an update on our December 2026 breeding plans, our retention strategy, and what livestock may be available in spring and summer 2027.

Abrielle and Astra: December Breeding and Spring Lamb Availability

Abrielle and Astra are the final two 7/16 ewes remaining at Midwest Mini Sheep. Astra was raised as a bottle lamb, which earned her a permanent home on our farm. Because sheep are strictly flock animals, we never sell an individual sheep alone. Abrielle will remain here through her pregnancy and lambing.

Both Astra and Abrielle will be bred to Zev, our 15/16 ram, on December 9, 2026.

Astra was born a twin, and Abrielle was born a triplet. Based on their genetics, we anticipate multiple lambs from them when they lamb in May 2027. Once Abrielle lambs and her offspring are thriving, she will be available for purchase together with her lamb or lambs. Because Astra is permanently retained, her offspring will also be offered. These may be the only lambs available for sale from the 2027 lambing season.

Artificial Insemination Program and Lamb Retention

On December 9, 2026, we are also conducting our scheduled laparoscopic artificial insemination program for our 7/8 ewes and 15/16 ewes using imported genetics.

Midwest Mini Sheep will retain all high percentage lambs produced through this program to advance our core breeding goals. Any ewes that do not settle via artificial insemination will be bred naturally to Zev. All lambs resulting from clean-up breedings with Zev will also be retained for our foundation lines.

Adult Ewe Availability After Weaning

Our long-term farm management plan caps our active flock size at approximately 20 sheep. Because of this threshold and our retention of the incoming high percentage generation, we anticipate offering a small number of proven, adult 7/8 ewes for purchase in late summer 2027 once their 2027 lambs are fully weaned.