08/28/2026
Come meet some sheep this Sunday! Join us for this talk and experience at 1130 AM.
✨️ Meet the Navajo-Churro: The Sheep That Helped Shape the Southwest ✨️
Discover the remarkable story of the Navajo-Churro sheep, one of the oldest and rarest livestock breeds in North America. Introduced by the Spanish in the 1500s and preserved for generations by the Diné (Navajo) people, Navajo-Churro sheep have played a vital role in the cultural, economic, and agricultural history of the American Southwest.
In this presentation, Diana Dougherty of Hestia’s Homestead will share the history of the breed, its unique characteristics, and the conservation efforts helping ensure its future. Learn why Navajo-Churro sheep are prized for their hardiness, adaptability, and distinctive double-coated fleece, and how farmers and shepherds across the country are working to preserve this important piece of living agricultural heritage.
Whether you are interested in livestock, fiber arts, conservation, or agricultural history, this talk offers a fascinating introduction to one of America’s most significant heritage breeds.
Topics Covered
The history of Navajo-Churro sheep
Their relationship with the Diné (Navajo) people
What makes the breed unique
Conservation and preservation efforts
The breed’s role in fiber, food, and sustainable agriculture
Why heritage livestock breeds matter
Diana will also share details about the upcoming Garden State Sheep & Fiber Festival, where the Navajo-Churro has been selected as the 2026 Featured Breed. Through a collaborative effort led by Hestia’s Homestead, Diné shepherds, weavers, and cultural educators will travel from the Southwest to New Jersey to share their knowledge, traditions, and experiences with festival attendees. The presentation will highlight the educational programs, demonstrations, and cultural exchange planned for this special celebration of the breed and the people who have stewarded it for generations.
Come show your support for Diana and her special cause this Sunday at 1130!
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