History of the Navajo-Churro Sheep

The Navajo-Churro Sheep, the earliest known breed of sheep found in America, was originally brought to the Americas in 1540 by Spanish conquerors and quickly adapted to the southwest climate. The wool from the Navajo-Churro sheep is an essential resource for Navajo (Diné) and Hispanic Rio Grande textiles and weaving. The Navajo-Churro Sheep also has deep historical and cultural significance to the Diné.

Navajo-Churro sheep populations drastically decreased throughout the past century as a result of western expansion and its impacts on Navajo culture and communities. In 1863, thousands of Navajo-Churro sheep were killed during Colonel Kit Carson's scorched-earth campaign. This event led to the forced displacement of the Diné to the Bosque Redondo reservation, an event known as “The Long Walk.” Although Navajo-Churro sheep populations recovered between 1869 and 1930, the New Deal era Livestock Reduction Acts (Agricultural Adjustment Acts) of the 1930’s resulted in populations being reduced significantly. These acts had major impacts on the Diné economics and culture.



The Navajo Sheep Project

The Navajo Sheep Project (NSP) is a non-profit organization focused on preserving the now endangered Navajo-Churro sheep. The NSP was started in 1977 by Utah State University (USU) Professor of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Lyle McNeal, also known as ‘Doc McNeal.’ Since its formation, the NSP has assisted with breed conservation and repopulation efforts, many of them led by Diné.

Over the years, the project has included an extensive breeding program that has operated at sites at the USU campus, New Mexico, and Wyoming. However, the NSP also participated in other fundraising efforts like Adopt-A-Ewe and selling yarn, wool, pelts, meat, and clothing to fund the project. In 2002, the majority of the flock was traded and sold to Diné communities. Since 1972, the Navajo-Churro population has grown from 450 to over 3000. Learn more at:Navajo Sheep Project