Fernleigh

Registered Icelandic Sheep in Southeastern Vermont

About Icelandic Sheep

Icelandic sheep are one of the oldest and purest domesticated sheep breeds in the world. They were brought to Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, making them a true Viking-age heritage breed. For over 1,100 years, these sheep lived in isolation on the island, protected by strict import laws that prohibited bringing in other breeds. As a result, Icelandic sheep have remained genetically pure, untainted by crossbreeding.

This long, uninterrupted lineage has preserved not only their unique characteristics but also a deep cultural importance. In Iceland, these sheep were essential to survival: they provided meat, milk, and wool for clothing and shelter in a harsh, subarctic environment.

Triple-Purpose Utility: Wool, Meat, and Milk

Icelandic sheep are prized for their versatility:

Wool: Their fleece is dual-coated, consisting of a soft undercoat (thel) and a longer, coarser outercoat (tog). This makes it ideal for a wide range of textiles—from delicate lace to hardy outerwear.
Meat: The lamb is exceptionally mild, tender, and flavorful, often considered gourmet quality.
Milk: Ewes produce rich, creamy milk, traditionally used for skyr and cheese, though this is a lesser-known aspect outside Iceland.

Hardiness and Adaptability

Icelandic sheep are incredibly tough. They are well-adapted to cold, rugged climates and thrive on forage-based systems. Their strong immune systems and natural resistance to disease make them low-maintenance compared to many modern breeds.

Prolific Breeders

Ewes are early maturing and frequently produce twins or triplets. Their strong maternal instincts and easy lambing make them excellent for growing flocks efficiently. Our ewes all had twins this year.

Efficient Grazers and Land Managers

They are agile and efficient foragers, excellent for rotational grazing and brush control. Their smaller size and light hoof impact make them well-suited to diverse landscapes, including hilly or rocky terrain.

Personality and Aesthetics

Icelandics are intelligent, curious, and often more independent than other breeds. They come in a dazzling array of natural colors—white, black, brown, gray, and spotted—which makes their wool especially appealing to handspinners and fiber artists.

If you’re looking for a breed that’s rooted in history, beautiful to look at, easy to care for, and offers multiple yields, Icelandic sheep are an outstanding choice. Whether you’re raising sheep for fiber, food, or land stewardship, they offer sustainability, resilience, and timeless charm.