U.S.S.A Board Adopts Suffolk Genetic Recovery Program

The United Suffolk Board in its retreat during the spring of 2015 proposed a goal of establishing a Suffolk genetic recovery program under the breed improvement plan.  It became apparent to the Board that a number of Suffolk breeders had not registered their Suffolks for many years.  These sheep were not eligible for the percentage registration program even though they were of Suffolk origins.  The Board decided to explore the ramifications of allowing these breeders to register their sheep by appointing a committee to further investigate the issue.  The Board adopted a Suffolk genetic recovery proposal after much research and numerous meetings.  The parameters of the program are as follows.

Eligibility for Suffolk GAP registrations

1. Must be a member in good standing of the U.S.S.A. or U.J.S.S.A
2. Certify to the best of your knowledge that the sheep being considered for GAP are of Suffolk descent by signing the application for registration.
3. Offspring of these ewes are only eligible for registration if sired by a registered (fullblood) Suffolk ram.

Instructions for GAP Registrations

• Own 1 or more blackface ewes that are Suffolk in their phenotype
• Papers have not been maintained on these ewes for generations
• Records have been maintained on the ewes and you are confident that they are Suffolk in their genetic makeup
• Fill out a background questionnaire the sheep being preposed for registration
• An inspection, either physically or photographically, will validate their phenotype and determine their eligibility for registration
  • Physical inspection will be by a USSA director or designee of the USSA Board
  • Two photos per ewe will be required
    • One picture of the animals head (front view)
    • One picture of the animal’s profile (side view)
    • Photos should be of reasonable quality and clear
  • Once the ewes have been approved for registration, complete an application for Suffolk GAP registration

If you are interested contact the U.S.S.A office.  The program is for 2 years only and will be terminated December 31, 2020.

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM APPLICATION HERE: GAP Application (pdf)     GAP Application (word)