Our Story
The sheep arrived. The work began on the California coast.
We are John and Gen, and ranch life in Salinas was already full before the Valais arrived. The sheep joined the mini Highlands, the donkeys, visitor days, and the work of the Monterey Mini Cow Company Foundation. They brought their own needs and personalities, and gave us a new part of ranch life to learn.
The people
John and Gen already ran a ranch. The sheep joined it.
Monterey Valais is our 100% purebred Valais Blacknose foundation flock. We care for the sheep with the same patience we bring to the rest of the ranch: notice the small things, keep the routine steady, and do not rush an animal just because a calendar says so.
Our nonprofit Foundation has its 501(c)(3) determination and supports community visits and accessible time with animals. It remains separate from our commercial livestock work, though both come from the same belief that time with animals can matter.
Arrival day
The Monterey chapter started in our hands.
Arrival day did not leave much room for ceremony. We unloaded carefully, carried sheep when they needed us, and started helping each one settle into a new place. The photographs here are from that day, including John with one of the sheep in his arms.
We already knew ranch work, but these sheep still had plenty to teach us. That has not changed. We pay attention and try to give them a quiet, steady home here in Salinas.
How the flock was assembled
Fourteen sheep, brought together with a long view.
Foundation ewes
Agnes, Eleanor, and Veronica are the mature ewes we are building around. We are grateful to have them here and look forward to seeing what each brings to the flock.
Breeding and companion core
MegaMan and Murci have issued numbers. The younger sheep and companions live alongside them, with applicable records still pending.
Young ewes
Two young ewes are growing into the flock. Their public call names and their future roles will come in time.
The long view
The sheep set the pace.
We want good records, healthy sheep, and thoughtful breeding decisions. Artificial insemination is part of the plan, and embryo work may come later if the flock and the people caring for it are ready. We will not promise an outcome before nature has had its say.
How we work
Warm handling. Clear papers. No hurry.
We keep the records close, take our time with placements, and offer an animal or straw only when it is truly ready. If paperwork is still pending, we say so. The sheep in front of us matters more than a polished sales line.
View the Flock