The Cargile Suffolk sheep herd began in the early 1950's when John Cargile and his father Frank began operating the ranch at Arden. At that time there was a herd of half Rambouillete half Suffolk sheep that many west Texas ranchers liked because of their rapid growth. Rambouillete was and still is the predominant breed in southwest. For that reason there was a need for a good cross, the Suffolk breed meets that need. The only place to buy good Suffolk Rams in the 50's was from Midwestern states where sheep are raised in a farm flock setting. When these bucks reached west Texas they were lost. In most cases they were turned out into a pasture and would stand there until someone came and feed them. Many times the bucks had to be kept in pens and the ewes were turned out to pasture and gathered every evening during the breeding season. Soon after they started John and his father decided to breed the best Suffolk bucks they could find to their ewes, and try to create a west Texas purebred Suffolk Buck able to endure the tough conditions and thrive on native forage with little supplementation.

This herd now in its seventh decade has been closed to any outside influence since 1982. Ewes are sonogramed to determine if they are bred, and whether or not they are carrying twins or a single lamb. The ewes are split into two groups to help aid in pasture and feed management. Ewe lambs are retained to replace any ewes that need culling and bucks lambs are developed to be sold as yearling stud bucks in the spring. These rams are raised on pasture with feed provided only if pasture conditions are poor. Fecal samples are collected monthly and the sheep are drenched if necessary. The herds are rotated throughout the ranch and are well accustomed to being handled.

We raise Suffolk Rams that produce fast growing lambs with length and muscle that meet the needs of feeders, packers and national ethnic markets.

Repeat business is our best testament; rams are sold on a first come first serve basis so call now to have you name added to our mailing list.