Natural Colored

Natural Colored

Breed Type: Wool Breed
Country of Origin: Many
Breed Association Website: ncwga.org/

Natural colored (non-white) fleece colors appear in many breeds of sheep, although over millennia, in many breeds, sheep with colored wool have been selected against, as the goal was to produce uniform white fleeces for commercial use. More than 40 years ago, in response to the sustained interest of shepherds and fiber enthusiasts in the broad range of blacks, browns, silvers and variegated fleece genetics that can be coaxed into expression in fine, medium, long, and coarse fleeced sheep breeds (and recognizing the minor breeds that have always valued those colored genetics), the Natural Colored Wool Growers Association was formed to promote increased quality and utility of this natural rainbow of fiber. Today, natural colored sheep have a greater role than ever in the specialty fiber market, and breeders continue to advance the quality and variety of this unique sustainable resource.


This breed presented by

Black Sheep Farm
Martha Polkey
14605 Chapel Lane
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 727-5604
moc.yksnaidub@pm
blacksheepfarmva.com

2026 Catalog Cover Artist Andrea Wisnewski

Find out more about our 2026 cover artist Andrea Wisnewski.

Schedule of Events

Search schedule by:

Event Type

Day

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mary Streaker, one of the founders of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. Mary passed away yesterday, just two months shy of her 95th birthday.Mary's influence on our Festival, the Howard County Fairgrounds, and countless individuals cannot be overstated. She was a teacher, mentor, artist, leader, volunteer, and friend whose passion for education, creativity, and community helped shape the Festival we know today.Many of us were fortunate to know Mary personally. Even in recent years, she continued to attend Festival meetings when she was able, reconnecting with the volunteers and friends who had worked alongside her for decades. Her wisdom, enthusiasm, and deep commitment to preserving and celebrating the fiber arts inspired generations of volunteers, exhibitors, artists, and fairgoers.Mary's legacy lives on through the Home Arts Department, the Fine Arts and Photo Competitions, and the many traditions she helped establish and nurture. The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival exists today in part because of the vision, dedication, and countless hours of service that Mary and her fellow founders invested so many years ago.On behalf of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mary's family, friends, students, and all who were touched by her remarkable life. We are grateful for her contributions, her friendship, and the enduring example she set for all of us.Mary will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.Visitation will be held at Haight Funeral Home, Sykesville, Maryland, on June 17 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on June 18 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at 12:30 p.m. in the Howard County Fairgrounds Dining Hall. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
LOST AND FOUND!2026 MD Sheep & Wool If you lost an item at the Festival please contact gro.loowdnapeehs@ofni. We do have a few items that were left behind and will work with you to determine if any of them are yours! Glasses, wallets, journal, necklace, scarf, etc., etc. We'd like to see you reunited!! ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
🐑 All the final details are coming together and we are excited to see everyone!!! Please expect heavy traffic on Sat am, so plan ahead! SO much to see and do all weekend! Come out and support local, small, creative owned businesses and agriculture at the #mdsw sheepandwool.org ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook