Part 1:
Before you shop…

1. Join the Jacob Sheep Breeders Association. The JSBA is a great source for information, guidance and connections with other Jacob Breeders. It's a great group of people, all committed to preserving this unique breed. You'll get a quarterly newsletter, flock book, and breeder identification needed to register any lambs you produce.

2. Read about the basics. Get a copy of Paula Simmon's book, Raising Sheep the Modern Way, or the equivalent. Most of the general information applies to all sheep. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office and see what information they have available. Remember, though that most Extension information is aimed at the commercial sheep breeder with "modern" breeds. Read it with a grain of salt.

3. Think about your objectives and interests. Once you know why you want Jacobs, you'll be better able to make the right selection. The reasons for keeping these animals are as diverse as the folks who have them. Some common objectives include: