By Brandon Long, ABC
Ray Norris and Rachael Moon are among a handful of Queenslanders breeding Valais blacknose sheep. Photo: ABC/Brandon Long
"We're in the kisses and cuddles game."
It's not the way you'd expect a farmer to describe their livestock operation, but not every operation is built around what is often called the "world's cutest sheep".
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Jimboomba region of Queensland, Ray Norris and Rachael Moon's Valais blacknose sheep farm is capturing the hearts of animal lovers across Australia.
"You meet them, and you'll fall in love," Ray said.
Originating in the icy Swiss Alps, Valais blacknose sheep are renowned for their fluffy white coats, dark faces, spiral horns and dog-like personalities.
The rare breed first arrived in Australia via Victoria in 2020, and had since spread to Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales.
Norris and Moon were among only a handful of breeders in Queensland sharing these enchanting creatures with the public.
"It's really humbling if we get to share the love," Ray said.
Valais blacknose sheep are renowned for their fluffy white coats and dark faces. Photo: BERND WEISSBROD / AFP
Love at first sight
For the husband-and-wife team, who had previously focused on merino and dorper sheep, it all started with a simple scroll through social media.
An image of a Valais stood out.
"Rachael said, 'They're beautiful, aren't they?' Ray recalled.
It was love at first sight.
That moment set the stage for a 3,500-kilometre round trip to Victoria, where they brought home Rosie and Adam.
Two years later, their flock had grown to 60, and their social media following has expanded just as rapidly.
Now, the couple sold the sheep as pets, and showcased them at petting zoos and events where people could interact with the friendly flock.
While Valais blacknose sheep had historically been raised for their wool and meat, Norris and Moon viewed them as more than just livestock.
The sheep's affectionate nature had made them perfect companions.
The couple's sheep often follow them around and give them cuddles. Photo: ABC/Brandon Long
Long road to Australia
Bringing the Valais blacknose sheep to Australia was no easy feat.
Since 1952, Australia had banned the importation of live sheep from all countries except New Zealand.
With Switzerland's export restrictions, breeders turned to the UK, where embryos and semen were first imported into Australia in 2020 by Victorian farmers Belinda Cardinal and Tony Urek.
Due to their rarity and the high establishment costs, quality breeding sheep once fetched upwards of A$25,000, but today, non-breeding pets were available for as little as $500.
Despite the seemingly high prices for breeding stock, Cardinal - who was also president of breed society Valais Blacknose Australia Ltd - was seeing a strong increase in interest.
"We have a wide base of genetics in Australia now and there is also interest internationally for our Australian genetics," she said.
"We think the future is very bright."
She said the community was thriving, with nearly 50 members, and an active Australian Facebook group of more than 5,000 followers.
In need of a good 'baa-ber'
Heading to Queensland's warmer climate, Norris and Moon's sheep had to make at least one change - regular haircuts!
"We shear twice or sometimes three times a year depending on the weather just to keep them comfortable," Moon said.
The wool was sent to local hand-spinning groups, where it was made into coats and rugs.
"We also give them plenty of shade and fresh water and we find that they're doing really well."
Rachael, a vet by profession, had advice for any potential owners.
"They go a bit crazy in the afternoons and run around and prance and dance," she said.
"They definitely need a few acres to be sheep-slash-dogs."
Step aside, alpacas
Norris reckoned their sheep were friendlier than another popular, and some say cute farm animal.
"I don't want to start any alpaca wars, but … they kick, bite and spit. Our sheep don't do that," he laughed.
Looking to the future, the farmer's dream of building a shed where visitors could witness lambs being born.
Because if there's one thing cuter than a Valais, it's a Valais lamb.
Feature breed
In a major coup for the breed, Cardinal announced this week the Valais blacknose would be the feature sheep breed at the Melbourne Royal Show this September.
"We are really excited and proud of the announcement," she said.
"Internationally recognised as the cutest breed of sheep in the world … people just cannot help but love them."
- ABC
