Twin County Dorpers
Friday, September 3, 2010

 For Lamb Lovers - One of the newest additions to the growing list of free range meats being grown in the Texas Hill Country using sustainable practices is Twin County Dorpers.  Owners Isabelle Lauziere and Lloyd Wendell are producing fabulous lamb products on their Harper, Texas, ranch located about 22 miles west of Fredericksburg.  The ranch, which has been in Lloyd’s family for many years, grew wool and mohair producing varieties of sheep for years. 

When Lloyd and Isabelle decided to switch to meat-producing sheep they selected the White Dorper sheep and foundation animals were first acquired in 2004. They selected this breed because of its outstanding characteristics, which include its overall field performance and temperament, its use in cross breeding programs without adding color to the progeny, coupled to the superior quality of the resulting meat product.  The sheep graze freely in open pastrues, supplemented with different types of hay and grain during harsher or dryer months of the year. Annual grasses like sorghum and oats can be grown in our area and are particularly well suited for increased lactation and growth of the young lambs.

The Dorper sheep was developed in South Africa during the 1930-40’s by breeding the European Horned DORset ram to the African Black Headed PERsian ewe. This breed was born out of the necessity to produce sheep that would have good meat qualities, yet be able to thrive in the arid conditions of South Africa. Selection was pursued to produce top carcass characteristics as well as increased fertility and lambs that would grow out quickly. These attributes of the Dorper compliment ranching in Texas. In our region, ranching can be challenging and environmental conditions can vary considerably from year to year. These conditions are more suitable for the production of smaller ruminants, and are particularly well suited for a breed of sheep developed to thrive under a broad range of conditions.

Twin County Dorper lamb cuts are being served in a number of Fredericksburg area restaurants and at Makr Schmidt's acclaimed Cafe 909 in Marble Falls, to rave reviews.  Local Chefs love the idea of being able to source a free-range lamb product of excellent taste quality right in their own backyards.  Schmidt purchases entire carcasses from Twin County, serving a different cut each day. Hill Country restaurants are firmly dedicated to the Eat Local movement.

Twin County Dorper lamb is available every Thursday at the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market, or on-line.  They ship anywhere in the U.S.  For more information, or to order, visit the website www.twincountydorpers.com.  If you’re in the area give Isabelle and Lloyd a call.  They love to have visitors tour the ranch and you can meet Silly Rowdy, the "sheep" dog.

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