Fred and I spent 30 years in the show ring showing sheep, hogs, steers, horses and rabbits. Now we raise fullblood Valais Blacknose sheep in Northeast Ohio and our focus has shifted from winning ribbons to earning a grade from a Swiss trained judge. Here is why that change matters and what we have learned along the way.

Meet Oreo, a 100% fullblood Valaisblacknose Spitti ewe born on our Northeast Ohio farm. Spittis are a rare, reverse colored recessive trait that occasionally shows up in this Swiss heritage breed. We break down the real genetics behind a true fullblood Spitti, why so many US "Spitti" sheep are actually breed up animals carrying other breed genetics, and why a documented fullblood ewe like Oreo is one of the rarest, breeding eligible color patterns in the breed today.

If you have been searching for Valais Blacknose sheep, you already know this breed is not easy to find and not cheap to buy. That means the stakes are high, and so is the risk of making a costly mistake. Fred and I want to share what we believe every buyer should know before they hand over their money.