About Us
John's Story
At nine years old, John utilized a youth FSA loan for his first small flock purchase of four ewes and a ram. This small flock led to the invaluable lessons that has led to an ever growing flock of twenty-seven registered animals.
John’s approach is completely hands on. Every animal has a name, and all twenty-seven animals are haltered for their care. Each day John trails his flock from one side of the mountain to the other, and reminds us that continuing the tradition of lamb on the plate is a worthy responsibility.
“Every action is an opportunity to improve.” Mark Graben
Why Dorper grass-fed lamb?
We use rotational grazing, and our own locally raised hay. Because Dorper sheep do not have wool all the energy needed to grow fiber is instead channeled into meat production. The Dorpers keen adaptability in the Montana mountains has gifted us with structurally sound, and a forward moving physicality reflected in each carcass, both in the pasture and in the show pen.
We have a constant waitlist for our grass-fed lamb, (so subscribe and join to get placement.) We have lamb available in specialty cuts, or as half’s and whole’s. You are encouraged to play a part of customizing the processing of your lamb!
What it means to be part of a breeding standard.
For JWM Dorpers, adhering to a breed standard is fundamental for the continued excellence of carcass, temperament, and confirmation. The breed standard also ties us directly to the incredible perseverance of those that came before us, while we continue to uphold a superior animal.
JWM Dorpers Full Blood Dorper Sheep
High quality meat, incredible feed conversion, lamb production, and adaptability truly define the Dorper breed.
We lead by concentrating on our full blood genetics. Genetics coupled with efficient feed management, is what carries our carcass, and our commitment to raise a superior carcass is our farms protein investment back to our community. Dorper sheep were meant to create profit for the farmer, which means folks get fed, and farmers keep farming. Our goal is to have outstanding animals in both our commercial pen, and show pen.
Full blood Dorper genetics play a crucial role in confirmation, and development.
We are members of the Western States Dorper Association as well the American Dorper Sheep Breeders Society.
My flock consists of twenty-seven full blood Dorpers. All of my animals are registered and 100% grass fed, (unless requested.) My goal is to have all my commercial animals be rated as quality as my breeding seed stock.
What’s in the meat?
Dorpers produce a high-quality well-marbled meat under most any variety of harsh conditions, and most importantly on pasture grass and hay alone.
Dorper Sheep Facts
The modern day dormer is the second largest breed in South Africa with over 10 million head, (1/3 of the total number of sheep.)
Purchasing from JWM Dorpers
Our inventory of animals is constantly changing. Please contact us for what we might have available.
John's Story Continued
I would not be where I am, or who I am without the 4-H program. In 4-H, I have learned to “better my best,” keep trying, help friends, ask for help from friends, and be there for my community. Thank you for supporting me and please consider joining 4-H, and any adults please consider mentoring us.
Did you know that one of the “H’s” in 4-H originally stood for “hustle?”
Around 1908, Benson and others began using a four-leaf clover design. Benson said that the H’s should stand for “head, heart, hands and hustle...heads trained to be useful, helpful and skillful, and the hustle to render ready service to develop health and vitality…”
One of the most common phrases on the farm is, “use your farm hustle.” There is a spirit to the farm that is not embodied by anything closely resembling 9 to 5. On the farm every ounce of ambition, innovation, and drive are put to work on a daily basis.
JWM Dorpers Values
Although we want to be competitive in the show pen, our main objective is always meaningful relationships with people in our community, maintaining a deep tie with agriculture, and constantly advocating for food systems and the environment.
JWM Dorpers are also proud supporters and members of Montana Farmers Union. If you believe in the little guy being treated as fairly as the big guy, the Farmers Union family is for you. Please join today and help us not only preserve family farms, and rural communities but steward the next generation of farmers and ranchers.