Navajo-Churro Sheep: Oldest Breed of Domestic Sheep in the United States presented by Sam Cunningham of Cunnington Farms

The Livestock Conservancy designates the third week of May annually to bring recognition to critical and endangered heritage breeds in order: “To protect endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction.” Moab Museum will be providing programming to highlight Heritage Breeds that play an important role in the history, present, and future of agriculture in Southeastern Utah. Throughout the week, Moab Museum will be hosting a variety of Heritage Breed owners and operators to give the public to learn more about the history and the future of these unique heritage breeds.

Join us Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 11am and 2pm as we will be joined by the Navajo-Churro Sheep of Moab’s Cunnington Farms for Navajo-Churro Sheep: Oldest Breed of Domestic Sheep in the United States presented by Cunnington Farms Owner, Sam Cunningham who will be appearing with some of her Navajo-Churro Sheep. Navajo-Churro Sheep are entwined in Navajo culture and beliefs, the Navajo-Churro Sheep epitomizes a way of life that developed with the introduction of the Churro to the Navajo people in the 17th century and has since been almost exterminated.

Sam Cunnigham is a member, and now Co-Chair of the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association, as well as a long-time member of the Livestock Conservancy. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Romeldale/CVM Association. Her flock at Cunnington Farms consists of several Heritage Breeds:  Navajo-Churro, Romeldale/CVM and Tunis.  She has raised sheep for 40 years, and sell breeding stock and fiber.  And as the Utah Chair of the USDA program Resource, Conservation and Development, she has spent many years on the Navajo Nation, promoting the use and conservation of Navajo Churro sheep. She also chairs the local Council of the Castleland Resource Conservation and Development, which continues to promote agriculture in our area.

Museum admission is required to attend. Current Moab Museum Members, admission is always free. To become a member today please visit: https://moabmuseum.org/become-member/