About UsOur goal at Rist Farms is to raise and produce practical sheep. Show ring sheep have become very impractical for producers in the last 10 years and we are trying to break this mold and raise production oriented sheep. We have found that our sheep have a better life expectancy and are easier keeping than a lot of other sheep within the breed. We have had great success in recent years in the production classes at the National Junior Suffolk Shows with several Grand and Reserve Champions.
There is definitely a need for these types of sheep in the Suffolk and Hampshire breeds and we hope you agree! |
Our History |
Rist sheep have been on the family farm for over 60 years already. Donald Rist started the sheep flock in the late forty's and has always had a heavy emphasis on production, maternal traits, and durability. Nearly all females have been produced on the farm since then and has made for a very consistent, meaty type of individuals to base the flock on. The first 25 years included (1st generation) production of fast growing crossbreds known in the area for their strong carcass traits.
In the mid-70's John (2nd generation) established purebred flocks of both Suffolk and Hampshire sheep to compliment the commercial flock and became known for the same kind of quality females as well as quality, meaty rams. The 80's brought changes to the flock again. Frustration with genetic issues in both the Suffolk and Hampshire industry lead to a refocus on the commercial portion of the flock, while John traveled around the world working on sheep farms in France, Australia, and New Zealand learning from producers in each country. As Jenna and Ali (3rd generation) became more involved in the operation, more emphasis was placed on upgrading the flock to meet the new standards in the show-rings. The breeding flock began to accumulate a number of strong studs from both the Hampshire and Suffolk breeds. This lead to purchasing a few quality, purebred females and re-establishing Rist Farms in the production of registered replacement females and rams. After the loss of John in March 2018 to a long fight with cancer, Ali has taken over the Suffolk flock in NW Iowa and we have dissolved the Hampshire flock. Most ewes are bred to lamb in January, as well as young ewes being bred for March lambs, therefore we have whatever age prospects you desire to meet your showing needs. |