Van Well Farms
“Production Oriented, Quality Assured”
With our 40 years of sheep industry experience, Van Well Farms can meet the needs of any sheep producer. Located in Watertown, South Dakota, Vic Van Well and Doug Van Well maintain three breeds: Polypay, Dorper and White Dorper. We feel all breeds, although very different in genetics, possess a dual purpose in America’s sheep industry, in the commercial and purebred markets.
Commercial customers enjoy our genetics for a prospective stud ram to re-establish the following traits to complement their herd:
- Improve muscle capacity;
- Raise hardy and vigorous lambs;
- Amplify feed conversion factors;
- Enhance production (milk and multiple births);
- Increase fertility;
- Strengthen mothering abilities; or
- Introduce Scrapie resistance factors.
In the northern climate, cold winters still exist. Therefore, we maintain both a ‘wool’ and ‘hair’ flock to appeal to all markets. Since the wool industry seems to remain a vital part of many sheep ranchers in the United States, we have discovered a White Dorper ram with wool is in high demand to the commercial producer.
While many of our rams are sold to the commercial producer, we also market our genetics through regional and national shows in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin. Our past show and sale results have been remarkable.
We strive to keep our flock productive. Through extensive flushing programs, we monitor our stud ewe flock closely to ensure that most lamb three times within a two-year period. During the off-seasons, use of artificial implants assist in stimulating ovulation and fertilization. When possible, artificial insemination is also introduced to enhance genetics.
Dorper
White Dorper
Polypay