Whetstone Prairie Dorper and Soay Sheep Ranch

Why Dorpers?

At Whetstone Prairie we selected Dorper sheep as our primary focus for several reasons:

- Dorpers thrive in conditions that range from arid to semi-arid to moist climates. Our climate patterns in central Missouri can represent each category in any given year.

- Superior conversion of forage to mass.  At Whetstone our pastures pass through a seasonal succession of different grasses and forbs throughout the season. Our dorpers display excellent gain regardless of whether they are feeding upon clover or common ragweed (which tends to show up during late summer droughts). In the end, these traits result in a carcass that is probably the best for any sheep breed known to man.

- Outstanding reproductive rate with year-round reproduction. 150% yield is commonplace with 180% being attainable under excellent forage conditions.

- Dorper ewes have superior mothering instincts and are excellent milkers

- Dorpers have an gentle temperament and are very easy to work with.

- No Shearing!!!

During the late summer drought of 07, our dorpers kept the ragweed in check (compare right half vs. left half)!

A mouthful of ragweed!

 Our 1st fall lamb of 07

 Three months later.