Bonnie Barcus
Flock Size: 30 breeding ewes, 3 rams.
How long have you had sheep: 21 years with Navajo-Churro and 3 with Corridale/Southdowns many years ago.
Why is the N-CSA important: The primary stated goal of the N-CSA is to provide a registry for the sheep but there is much more to maintaining that registry than just numbers. Promotion of the breed along with education is a very critical aspect of N-CSA. Without an active breed association we run the risk of loosing this wonderful animal.
What are some of your ideas for the N-CSA: We need to continue finding ways to promote and educate people on the breed. Small grants to individual and groups to develop markets and further educational possibilities should be looked at further. Also partnering with other groups that are involved with Churros such as DBI and Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center. In the last few years N-CSA has put together several educational tools for current and potential breeders but there is more that can and should be done to educate and promote this breed. No breed remains static but without an active educational component within the organization change could go a direction that could be detrimental to the breed. The updating of the registration database to make it more accessible and ready for the next generation of users is a project I would like to help see to completions. I hope to be able to continue working with our group and working with other individuals and groups to ensure the continued success story of the Navajo-Churro.