Valais Blacknose
of Lovers Lane
Est. 2019 – Northeast Ohio
We’re a small, experienced farm focused on producing high-quality, full-blood Valais Blacknose sheep through modern breeding methods and old-school ethics. Every lamb is evaluated before it’s offered. No shortcuts. No drama. Just real work with real sheep.
We have learned so much and continue to learn.
We take a great deal of pride in the maintenance and quality of our Valais.
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selecting quality recips
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best prep for lambing
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following a strict protocol to make AI successful
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understanding a different nutrition and vitamin program specifically to the Valais breed
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maintenance program for health against disease, parasites and the weather
Our experiences now include:
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selecting quality foundation ewes for the breed-up program (experimenting with different breeds)
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importing fullblood semen from the UK and New Zealand
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importing fullblood embryos from New Zealand
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interacting with multiple veterinarians with IVF/flushing /embryo transfer experience
Our journey has involved lots of research, using all our skills and knowledge from over 48+ years in the livestock industry, and connecting with people in other countries as well as the US. We work on expanding our knowledge through hands on experience, reaching out to fellow breeders and attending events featuring the Valais Blacknose breed.
Meet the Breeders Behind Lovers Lane
We’re Fred and Cheryl Hayes, a husband-and-wife team with decades of hands-on livestock experience and a shared passion for doing things right. Our journey started back in 1976 when Fred raised his first lambs for the county fair. That passion never faded.
In 2019, we discovered the Valais Blacknose breed and traveled to the UK to learn from the best. Now, we focus exclusively on producing 100% full-blood Valais Blacknose sheep—evaluated, healthy, and raised with care and intent.
From coaching 4-H kids to managing complex breeding protocols, Fred’s spent a lifetime in the barn. Cheryl brings the tech, the lens, and the loudest cheer. Together, we’re building something rare: a small farm driven by modern methods, old-school values, and sheep that speak for themselves.
We recognize the Swiss Valais Blacknose standard as the foundation of the breed. While methods in the U.S. may vary, we stay focused on producing full-blood sheep that are healthy, balanced, and ethically bred. The image reflects the Swiss ideal, a respected reference point that informs our goals without limiting thoughtful progress.
BREED STANDARD
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