Del Petersen got into the sheep industry in 1957 with an FFA breeding project. Suffolks were what he raised in Petaluma, CA. In the early 60's Del was attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and was inspired by the likes of Spellman Collins, Richard F. Johnson and Richard Birkett. In 1963, Del became the student shepherd at the sheep unit and learned a great deal from these men. Del graduated and became an agricultural teacher and taught for 40 years! He has had much success in the showring with his students and sheep.

Petersen's sheep originated from Cal Poly and Marvin Heupel bloodlines. Del received a great deal of help from one his former student, Jaimie Farao who supplied him with Purebred stud bucks for years. He produced some champion quality purebred sheep.

In the late eighties the transition was made with the purchase of two rams from the A-team sale. One was from Dynamite farms-New Mexico and the other from Wintex-Texas. The results from these bucks were tremendous. It laid a stronger foundation for the beginning of the club lamb business.

Del reached numbers of 300+ ewes mostly all half sisters out of these bucks, which amounted to greater genetic predictability. The flock was cut down due to pasture availability and it now consists of 90 head of solid females.

Producing winning club lambs and success for show people and their families has been the focus of our program.