Discover the Worthy Jacob Farm
Unique heritage
Jacob sheep stand apart due to their biologically ancient legacy, their distinctive spotted fleece and polycerate profile (multiple horns). These traits can be genetically traced back to prebiblical Syria, with mentions in the Book of Genesis. Jacobs can typically grow two or four horns depending on their specific lineage. At The Worthy Jacob Farm, we raise 2-horned Jacobs with a fleece that trends from medium toward fine. We cherish these unique characteristics and actively breed to improve the quality of our wool output.
Conservation breeding
Our approach to conservation breeding ensures that our Jacob sheep contribute to the species' genetic diversity. We winter over a breed stock and lamb annually in the spring. We stive to maintain a core of registered pedigree ewes and continuously improve our stock following the Jacob Sheep Breeder's Association standards. Our award-winning, medium-fine wool can be spun into yarns for knit, crochet, weaving and art applications. The wool we grow can also be sold as raw whole fleece, and it makes ideal felting material.
Our Community
Our customers include fiber artists and crafters who value heritage breed wool, as well as conscientious carnivores who seek locally raised, heritage lamb or mutton. We serve our local community as meat producers, the region and the online community for fiber, and we welcome visitors to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area who seek an agricultural experience.
When it is time to cull our flock, we make the highest and best use of every part of the animal. Our grass-fed meat can be purchased in shares or occasionally as USDA retail cuts.
The final by products of our farm operation are the gorgeous pelts and stunning skulls that each animal leaves behind. These materials, when cured and preserved properly become lasting heirlooms that honor the breed while contributing to a full-circle, fibershed business model.
"Visiting The Worthy Jacob Farm was an amazing experience. Seeing the sheep and learning about their wool was fascinating!"
Jennifer, A Worthy Jacob Farm visitor