Welcome to Sissom Valais

At Sissom Valais, we are proud to raise Valais Blacknose Sheep, often referred to as the "cutest sheep in the world." Located in Bellflower, Missouri, our farm is dedicated to preserving and promoting this unique breed, originally from Valais, Switzerland.

Our journey began in 2017 with the importation of Valais Blacknose semen and embryos. We launched a breed-up program using carefully selected foundation breeds, starting with Scottish Blackface. We were fortunate to acquire the first Babydoll/Valais crosses from The Valais Girls, a highly popular crossbreed. We later added Cotswold sheep as another foundation breed.

Our ongoing breed-up efforts are progressing, and we are on track to reach F4 status this spring. Additionally, we have imported pure Valais Blacknose embryos and have used IVF to produce embryos by crossing with premier, maximum-point sires. Our commitment to the breed's integrity and development remains steadfast as we continue to expand and refine our flock.

Cute, Fluffy & Friendly

Unique Features

Valais breeding programs prioritize the classic markings: black faces, ears, knees, hocks, and socks. Naturally, some variations may occur, including a reverse-marked variation known as a "spitti."

 

Puppydog Personalities

Even when roaming the mountains of Valais, Switzerland, these sheep display a natural curiosity and will readily approach visitors.

 

Allover Long Wool

Valais sheep resemble large teddy bears, characterized by their dense, long wool that covers both their faces and legs.

 

Frequently asked questions

Feed and Health Routines
  • Lambs -- Purina creep products, alfalfa, grass, for first year
  • Ewes - six weeks pre-lambing and post lambing, Nutrena feed supplement/corn, alfalfa hay, grass
  • Deworming Schedule incoordination with our local vet
  • Annual Vaccinations - CDT
  • Coccidiosis and Urinary prevention
  • Vitamin D supplements and maximum sun exposure as possible
  • 6 month 5-way sheep bolus
  • rotational grazing program -- improving all the time
  • Limited incoming sheep -- closed flock; quarantined if we do bring in new genetics.
  • Hooves are trimmed a minimum of twice a year when sheared and then as needed.  The pure Valais typically need more trims.
  • So far we have not had any major diseases.

Flock Size and Plans

We maintain a few of our best ewes at each percentage Valais level in the breedup program.  As we produce the next higest percentage, we sell some ewes off to maintain a smaller flock of approx. 20 breeding ewes.  We are currently producing our first F4 ewes this Spring.  We will have F2 bred ewes available Fall 2025 as we retain F4 ewes.  We are slowly developing our Pure stock as well.  We have a few Pures and are expecting more.  Eventually, our entire flock will be American Pure and Native Pure.  We are enjoying the breed up process.