Our Valais BN Sheep

We more recently joined the VBN world last spring, so we are still getting to know & learn more about this unique breed.

VBN Uses?

The Valais BN, a dual-purpose breed, is most commonly used for fiber within the US, but also used for meat.

The wool is coarse: fiber diameter averages approximately 38 microns, and staple length is roughly 4" (+/-). The yearly wool yield is around 10lbs.

vbn cost?

The first thing you'll notice when shopping for VBN's, that the price tag is astronomically high. VBN sheep are less common within the US, because originally their DNA was brought overseas from Switzerland/France/etc,.

It is for this reason, we do not recommend first time buyers invest in a VBN while still learning about ruminants and their needs. As a farmer, we've all lost sheep. No one wants to loose any sheep, regardless of the price tag. But to loose a four figure sheep... That's kind of a different hit to the wallet. Best to work out the kinks in farming sheep/goats prior to buying this expensive breed. *VBN crosses are noticeably cheaper*

More about VBN's

Where did the vbn originate?

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

How often is shearing needed?

The VBN is a domesticated breed of sheep, originating in the Valais region of Switzerland.

How often is shearing needed?

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

How often is shearing needed?

Due to their longwool, fast-growing fleeces Valais Blacknose require shearing twice a year for optimal health/wool quality.

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

In the Valais Blacknose sheep breed-up program, F1, F2, and F3 refer to the generation of sheep resulting from crossbreeding with a purebred Valais Blacknose.

F1 sheep are 50%,

F2 are 75%,

F3 are 87.5% & up.

VBN Parasite resistance?

Horned? Most of the time.

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

Valais Blacknose sheep, like other sheep breeds, are susceptible to internal parasites like gastrointestinal nematodes.

Some breeders are actively selecting for parasite resistance within the breed, which can lead to flocks with varying levels of resistance, according to the Teton Valais Blacknose Sheep Company.

Easy keepers?

Horned? Most of the time.

Effective pasture management (in season) is crucial for managing parasites in any sheep breed, including VBNs. I wouldn't consider VBN to be any easier/harder than other breeds.

Horned? Most of the time.

We have 1 full blooded ewe that is hornless, she was "made" & born via embryo transfer. Still unsure why she has no horns, but the breed standard is horned. Both rams & ewes.

Discovering a Breed You’ll LOVE

“What is the VBN fiber like?”

VBN wool is coarse, well-suited for felting, rug making, and other projects requiring a strong, durable fiber. Personally, it is not the softest nor is it the easiest to work with when it’s raw, but crossing the VBN to a softer fleece breed can often result in a softer fleece.

“How is the VBN temperament?”

Most VBN‘s tend to be mild in temperament, like any animal, the more time you spend with them as lambs the friendlier they will be.

“How big do they get?”

Pictured above is a yearling VBN ewe next to a Gotland maiden ewe.

Ram’s have been known to weigh anywhere from 180-290lbs, depending on genetics/percentages.

Ewes typically range from 150-200lbs.

Are VBN's right for me & my lifestyle?

Thinking of buying a Valais Blacknose(VBN)?

VBN Uses?

vbn cost?

More about VBN's

Where did the vbn originate?

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

How often is shearing needed?

How often is shearing needed?

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

How often is shearing needed?

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

VBN Parasite resistance?

Horned? Most of the time.

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

Easy keepers?

Horned? Most of the time.

Horned? Most of the time.

Horned? Most of the time.

Horned? Most of the time.

Horned? Most of the time.

Discovering a Breed You’ll LOVE

“What is the VBN fiber like?”

“How is the VBN temperament?”

“How big do they get?”

VBN CONTINUED

Get On Our 2026 VBN Lamb List NOW!

Better yet, see us in person!

Ingendahl Acres

Hours

Send a message

Are VBN's right for me & my lifestyle?

Thinking of buying a Valais Blacknose(VBN)?

VBN Uses?

vbn cost?

More about VBN's

Where did the vbn originate?

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

How often is shearing needed?

How often is shearing needed?

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

How often is shearing needed?

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

VBN Parasite resistance?

Horned? Most of the time.

Understanding f1, f2 & F3 lineage.

Easy keepers?

Horned? Most of the time.

Horned? Most of the time.

Horned? Most of the time.

Horned? Most of the time.

Horned? Most of the time.

Discovering a Breed You’ll LOVE

“What is the VBN fiber like?”

“How is the VBN temperament?”

“How big do they get?”

VBN CONTINUED

Get On Our 2026 VBN Lamb List NOW!

Better yet, see us in person!

Ingendahl Acres

Hours

Send a message

This website uses cookies.