Here at Big Prairie Polypays, we believe in the art of livestock selection and the implementation of technology.  Our philosophy is simple; breed Polypay sheep that are phenotypically correct and genetically sound.  We utilize technology in selection, but structural correctness is still a priority.  If a sheep can't deliver it's genetics because it's not sound or correct in its design, then it serves little purpose.  Big Prairie Polypay strives to be the intersection of phenotype and production as we build brood ewes.  As you search for genetics, please let us know if we can be of service.  We'd like to learn about your operation and share our passion for the sheep industry!

 

Big Prairie Polypays is located near Ashton, Illinois.  We currently run 60 registered Polypay ewes and have marketed commercial breeding stock to 25 different states. Big Prairie Polypays started 15 years ago when our oldest daughter wanted to raise sheep for an FFA and 4-H project.  We originally purchased four ewes from Dr. Chet Palmer of Malta, Illinois.  Most of our stock goes back to the original ewes we bought from Dr. Palmer. Over the years we have enjoyed success, made many new friends and have thoroughly enjoyed raising Polypay genetics! Thanks again for visiting our site.  If we can be of service, please let us know. 

Big Prairie "Thank You"

Thank you for visiting our website!  

ATTENTION:  Big Prairie Polypays will be consigning two naturally-conceived, Fall ram lambs and two January-born ewe lambs to the Center of the Nation NSIP Sale in Spencer, IA on July 30th.  Photos and videos our entries can be found at Production Livestock Auctions at plauctions.live and also our Facebook page and Youtube channel under Big Prairie Polypays.                    Our naturally-conceived, Fall lambing groups will start lambing in September.  Please let us know if you're interested in naturally-conceived, Fall lambs that will be rugged, durable, structurally correct and maternal! More photos of Big Prairie Polypay genetics can be viewed on our Facebook page at Big Prairie Polypays.  Thank You!


Maternal & Growth

Brood Ewes

Whether you're looking for ram lambs or ewe lambs, please contact us for your breeding stock needs.  We specialize in producing natural- born fall lambs and also have winter lambs, as well.  Let us know how we can be of service!

​"When we were in the market for Polypay ewe lambs, Mark educated us about the breed and delivered exactly what he promised; excellent quality and healthy stock.  Big Prairie is dedicated to their clients and the sheep industry."  

                                             Ed Hall, NJ

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Our goal simple...produce breeding stock that is structurally correct, excels maternally and produces lambs with a high rate of gain.   Lambs and Lbs. equal profit and success.

As easy as...

Phenotype​​

Correct & Sound

Phenotype & Production

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Stock For Sale

 Numbers

 NSIP & Actual

Welcome!

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For years we have collected actual data on our lambs.  Our focus is selecting lambs with excellent maternal capabilities and exceptional growth.  We are currently in our fifth year of submitting NSIP data to better calculate the genetic potential for our flock and our customers' flocks, as well. 

Recent Buyers! (Updated)

Justin Roche, UT - fall ram lambs

​Tanner Huff, MT - ram & ewe lambs

Tyler Sellner, IA - fall ram lamb

William Martin, VA - fall ram lambs

​Nelson Farms, ND - fall ram lambs

Proehl Fams, IA - spring ram lamb

Shady Lane Farms, MN - fall ram lamb

Daylon Scheele, IL - spring ram lambs

​Sammons Polypays, IL - fall ram lamb 

Linda Erends, IA - fall ram lamb

Eli & Mackenzie Strawser, PA - fall ram lamb

Rueben Sprung, IA - fall ram lamb

Tim Kinsley, SD - fall ewe lambs





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Profit-Minded Sheep for Profit-Driven Producers  

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Results

Lambs & Lbs.

Our first priority is structural correctness and soundness.  Feet, legs, dimension, strong top-line and moderate frame are paramount when we design Big Prairie ewes and rams.