One of the oldest breeds developed in the United States, Tunis sheep are the centerpiece of our gourmet grass-fed lamb operation. Tunis are an excellent dual-purpose breed characterized by cream-colored wool and red faces. Originating in Tunisia - hence the name - Tunis sheep were first imported in 1799 and soon garnered recognition from prominent American agricultural figures such as George Washington Custis, James A. Guillams, and Judge Richard Peters.

In the 1800s, Tunis sheep were quite popular in Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland for both their meat and wool, but declined in popularity when the majority of the Southern herds were destroyed during the Civil War. Tunis sheep are currently on the "watch" list of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, and one of our goals in raising this breed is to assist in its conservation.

Then and now, Tunis sheep were known for the fine flavor of their meat - in fact, the Slow Food USA "Ark of Taste" lists the Tunis for both its delicious taste and its important heritage. The breed also earned second place in a recent blind tasting given for over 90 chefs, food writers, and connoisseurs at the ALBC/Slow Food USA "Legacy of Lamb" event in Virginia.

We sell Red Fern Farm grass-fed lamb by the whole, cut to customer specifications. Please contact us for pricing and availability. In addition to on-farm sales, you can find our grass-fed lamb on the menu at American Grocery Restaurant in downtown Greenville.