Buying sheep—especially dairy sheep—is not always as simple as finding an available animal and bringing it home. Availability, timing, and breeding considerations all play a role in the process. This guide outlines how we offer sheep at Farm Arcadia and what you can expect if you’re planning to add East Friesian sheep to your homestead or breeding program.
How to Purchase Sheep from Farm Arcadia
We offer sheep through two primary methods: reservation and advertised listings. Each serves a slightly different purpose and allows us to place animals thoughtfully and responsibly.
Reservation vs. Advertised Listings
Some animals—such as purebred rams, bred ewes, and semen—may be offered through traditional listings with specific details and availability.
However, most purebred ewes and starter flocks are placed through our reservation process. This allows us to:
- plan ahead for buyer needs,
- avoid placing closely related animals together,
- match animals appropriately for breeding programs,
- build flocks that make long-term sense for the buyer.
Each year varies. Some years we place mostly starter flocks, while other years we may have fewer available. The reservation system helps us adapt while keeping placements intentional.
Joining the Reservation List
If you are interested in purchasing sheep within the next one to two years, you may join the Sheep Reservation List. To join:
- Complete the reservation form;
- Provide your contact information;
- Share what you are hoping to purchase.
We also ask whether you plan to pick up your sheep or meet along a delivery route. This information helps us plan transportation routes efficiently when coordinating deliveries across different regions.
Joining the reservation list is free and does not require a deposit.
How the Reservation Process Works
Reservations are organized in the order they are received. When sheep become available, we work through the list and contact buyers whose requests may be a match. At that point there is no obligation to purchase, and you may choose to move forward or pass.
If you decide to proceed, a deposit is required to reserve the sheep.
As reservations are confirmed, we plan delivery routes, coordinate timing and locations, and provide updates through a private buyer page. This page allows confirmed buyers to:
- see planned stops,
- follow delivery progress, and
- stay informed of timing adjustments.
If your plans change, we simply ask that you let us know so we can update the list.
Viewing Sheep Prior to Purchase
As part of our biosecurity practices, we limit visits to the farm. We are happy to arrange visits for buyers who:
- are seriously considering a purchase and
- are ready to make a decision.
Visits are most appropriate when selecting between specific available animals or placing a deposit on an animal not yet ready to leave Farm Arcadia, such as rams still be using for breeding or lambs that are not yet weaned.
We do not offer general farm visits or casual browsing.
This helps us protect the health of our animals and maintain a safe and controlled environment. You will have the opportunity to view your sheep prior to finalizing your purchase.
Payment
Deposit amounts are listed with each offering.
For transported sheep:
- 50% of the purchase price (including deposit) is due plus transport fees, health inspection, and brand inspection.
- This payment is due prior to transport coordination (prior to health and brand).
For pickup:
- a deposit is required to hold the animal with the
- remaining balance is due at pickup.
Accepted payment methods Venmo, Zelle, wire transfer (deposits only), and cash (in person transactions). We do not accept credit or debit cards, checks, or cashier’s checks.
Delivery & Transportation
We periodically organize delivery routes for pre-sold sheep. Delivery may be available near your location if it aligns with our route.
At transfer:
- We unload sheep from our trailer.
- You load them into your vehicle or trailer.
Please note: we assist with guiding animals but do not lift or load them for you. Sheep are not halter trained.
Recommended transport:
- Adults: horse or livestock trailer, pickup with tall enclosed sides, or tall camper shell for short distances. We have had sheep transported other ways, as well. Adult sheep do not typically fit in large dog crates.
- Lambs: may fit in large crates.
Farm Pickup
You are welcome to pick up your sheep or arrange a livestock transport service. If pickup requires a health certificate and / or brand inspection, please notify us in advance so we can schedule accordingly.
Biosecurity During Pickup
To protect the health of our animals:
- Please follow provided driving directions carefully
- Remain at your vehicle upon arrival
- Do not enter barns, pens, or animal areas
We will:
- meet you upon arrival
- bring your sheep for viewing
- assist with transfer
Final Thoughts
Our goal is to place sheep thoughtfully and responsibly—both for the animals and for the buyers who will be working with them.
The reservation system allows us to:
- plan ahead
- maintain genetic integrity
- and provide a clear, organized process
For those who are prepared and planning ahead, it tends to work well and provides the best opportunity to find animals that fit your needs.