SUFFOLK RESOURCE LIBRARY
T he Suffolk sheep was originally developed in southeast England and came to prominence as a breed favored in the London markets. The ability to produce an outstanding carcass and be fed quickly to desired market weights was why the United States originally imported the breed. Suffolk rams were then widely used in western range flocks and eastern farm flocks to improve lamb crops. This established the Suffolk breed as the premier market animal in the 20th century. In addition to its success in the
commercial sheep industry, the Suffolk breed enjoyed tremendous popularity in the show ring. Suffolk registrations peaked at 90,792 in 1981 and have declined steadily since that time. Suffolk sheep are useful in a wide variety of commercial applications, from terminal range rams to farm flock ewes, as part of composite breeds, and as market lambs. Suffolks are also exhibited in various show classes, from fitted and slick sheared breeding sheep to club lambs and wether sires and dams. This diversity in purpose has also resulted in distinct "types" within the breed. While individual breeders have set their own flock priorities and goals and should continue to do so, the Association recognizes the importance of breed identity and breed improvement to its mission and vision statements. The science of animal breeding has advanced
exponentially in recent decades. For the U.S. sheep industry to remain competitive with other species as a protein source, it must embrace modern selection practices and tools. With a mission and vision as a breed to contribute to the advancement and future of the entire industry, the Association now recognizes the need to focus on data-driven performance
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