<p> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p><p>Dorper Sheep are Holding Their Own</p><p> by Claire Benjamin and Jill Johnson</p><p>LOUISVILLE, KY – November 15, 2010 – The recent economic downturn is a sore subject in America, including the livestock industry. Some farmers and ranchers are negatively impacted by the price of corn, but one breed of sheep is avoiding the struggle.</p><p>Dorper sheep are a hardy breed that thrive on roughage pasture and do not require corn to be productive. They are a cross between the Blackhead Persian ewe and the Dorset Horn ram. The Black Persian contributes hardiness, adaptability and a strong maternal instinct. The Dorset Horn provides growth and muscle. </p><p>The combination of these breeds resulted in sheep that produce a high quality carcass in arid environments. Dorpers’ ability to thrive on low quality pasture allows them to be competitive in a market dominated by corn-fed livestock. </p><p>“Corn affects everyone, but not me,” said Alan McAnelly, a retired veterinarian and rancher from Hamilton, Texas. “My sheep are not affected by [corn] inflation.”</p><p>McAnelly said without a dependency on corn, his largest input is providing llamas, donkeys, guard dogs and snares to inhibit predators. He added predation aside, Dorpers are a low-maintenance breed. </p><p>They are suited to thrive in poor ranges in the Southwest. McAnelly said Dorpers improve pasture because they consume low quality forage, including weeds and tender grasses.</p><p>Dorper sheep are a meat producing breed and help meet a growing demand for lamb.</p><p>The ethnic populations are willing to pay premium prices, McAnelly said. Demand is especially high during Christmas, Easter and other holidays. For some, lamb is exclusively consumed. </p><p>However, McAnelly said producers may not be getting as much profit for their sheep as it may seem because the dollar is decreasing in value. Still, the market appears to be stable.</p><p>-more- “[Livestock producers] are all going into it because they see these lambs going for good prices,” McAnelly said. “I believe Dorper sheep are the way to go.” </p><p>The Dorper Sheep Show will be held at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday, November 18 at 1:00 p.m.</p><p>-end-</p>