SHETLAND SHEEP look set to reap the benefits of a surge in orders, due to the breed’s superior wool quality for spinning.

The North American Shetland Sheep Association (NASSA) has set up a Genetic Task Force (GTF) to seek out new genetic lines from UK Shetland rams with a view to collecting semen to import and hence improve the genetic diversity of North American Shetland sheep, which are fast growing in popularity.

NASSA is therefore looking for semen from R1 and R2 genotyped Shetland sheep with good conformation, wide set horns, a good tail, level top line and broad hind legs.

The fleece should be fine with length if possible and all colours are accepted – spotted, patterned, rare or unusual patterns or solid colour genetics. Rams with four horns, scurred or polled genetics are accepted.

UK ram owners whose animals are selected will receive payment for semen collected in the UK before it leaves for the USA.