Jaspers Landing Farm · Florida
Preserving a Living Piece of Florida History
We raise the Florida Cracker sheep — a critically rare heritage breed with roots stretching back to the Spanish explorers of the 1500s.
About the Breed
The Florida Cracker Sheep
The Florida Cracker sheep is one of the oldest and rarest livestock breeds in the United States. Their ancestors arrived with Spanish explorers in the early 1500s — the same Churra sheep that fed and clothed the first European settlements in the New World.
Over five centuries of life in Florida's subtropical wilderness shaped them into something remarkable: a small, hardy, self-sufficient animal perfectly tuned to heat, humidity, and the native grasses of the Florida flatwoods. They thrive where other breeds struggle.
Today, the breed is listed as Critical by The Livestock Conservancy — meaning fewer animals exist than many endangered wildlife species. Farms like ours are among the last lines of preservation for this irreplaceable genetic heritage.
Did You Know?
Florida Cracker sheep are parasite resistant and are able to tolerate the harsh Florida weather with no problem? Their demeaner is gentle and submissive. They enjoy hanging out with their canine companions and count on them to keep them safe from predators. Their fleece is coarser than commercial breeds, but their resilience and self-sufficiency make them ideal for small farms and homesteads.
Heritage Record
Five Centuries of Living History
Ancient Lineage
Descended from Spanish Churra sheep brought to Florida by explorers in the 1500s — among the oldest livestock breeds in North America.
Critically Rare
Listed as Critical by The Livestock Conservancy, with fewer registered animals than many endangered wildlife species.
Built for Florida
Over five centuries of natural selection have made them uniquely heat-tolerant, parasite-resistant, and perfectly adapted to Florida's subtropical climate.
Why It Matters
"A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal."
— Proverbs 12:10
The Florida Cracker sheep is listed as Critical by The Livestock Conservancy — one of the rarest breeds in the United States. Learn more at livestockconservancy.org.
Our Farm
Jaspers Landing Farm
Nestled in the heart of Florida, Jaspers Landing Farm is a working heritage farm dedicated to the careful stewardship of the Florida Cracker sheep. Our land is managed to reflect the native Florida landscape these animals evolved in — open pastures, native grasses, and the unhurried rhythms of a working farm.
Our mission is simple: raise healthy, genetically diverse Florida Cracker sheep, share their story with anyone who will listen, and ensure this breed survives for generations to come. Every pedigree animal in our flock is registered and contributes to the breed's recovery.
Connect With Us
Curious About Florida Cracker Sheep?
Whether you're a homesteader, a conservationist, or simply someone who stumbled across this remarkable breed — we'd love to hear from you. Ask us anything about the animals, the history, or what it takes to raise them.
"Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
— Psalm 100:3
The Florida Cracker sheep has survived hurricanes, droughts, and the pressures of industrial agriculture. With your interest and support, it can survive the next five hundred years too.