Raising the bar on quality Dorpers
WEST FORK, ARK. – “We’re shepherds. Not just of the sheep, but of the things, the talents and the resources God has given us.”
With that simple statement, Jennifer Ransom captures what RR Dorpers is built on — faith, family and a deep respect for the animals that sustain them. Her words reflect not only her family’s pure-bred flock, but the guiding philosophy behind every decision they make.
RR Dorpers is a family‑run sheep program that specializes in full‑blood Dorper genetics, spanning across both Texas and Arkansas. At its core lies a story of multi‑generational values and a commitment to be efficient and adaptive. Through deliberate selection, cross‑state operations and heritage rooted in faith and leadership, RR is steering the Dorper breed toward a more resilient future while maintaining high quality show stock.
After getting married in 2014 and living in the suburbs of Chicago for a few years, Justin and Jennifer Ransom moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2017.
“I love the landscape … and when a job opened up for Justin with Tyson Foods, we bought land and said, ‘This is where we are going to be,’” Jennifer said.
Returning to Justin’s livestock roots and raising sheep along with his dad, who operates in Texas, was not a decision that was made lightly. Both he and Jennifer took a six-week sabbatical tour through Australia and New Zealand, visiting sheep stations where they developed a deeper appreciation for original genetics and sustainable sheep production. The following year, they acquired embryos and semen from some of Australia’s top studs.
The quality, quantity and success of RR Dorpers grew exponentially following the initial introduction of the flock into the rolling hills of Arkansas. Indicators of success include raising the reserve champion purebred ewe at the 2025 Arkansas Youth Expo— shown by their daughter Adelaide Ransom.
Dorper sheep are able to have three lambing cycles within a two-year time frame. The Ransoms’ strategic use of elite genetics in combination with the Dorpers ability to maximize their lamb crops through their unique reproductive cycle is a great example of the deliberate planning and decision making that goes into a top-notch operation.
“It has been God’s blessing that in the past seven years or so that we’ve had this land in Arkansas and built this Dorpers program here, we have quickly advanced genetics and this entire breed,” Jennifer said.
For the Ransoms’ RR is more than a business – it is a family pursuit. In addition to their operation in Northwest Arkansas Justin’s dad, Bob Ransom, also runs sheep in Wichita Falls, Texas. Bob Ransom’s fascination with genetics and need for a smaller, more manageable livestock species was the initial decision that led him to start raising dorpers in 2005.
Their daughter, 5-year-old Adelaide, has also been a driving force to keep this operation going, and Jennifer has quickly found the benefits of raising a child in this industry.
“I think it teaches compassion, it teaches empathy. Yes, they may just be breeder sheep, but we care for them. I think her seeing that, and our day-to-day work and hustle teaches valuable lessons that you cannot teach in a book,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer also touched on the benefit of raising a child not only in the livestock industry, but in Arkansas in general. Living in West Fork and having so many things close like music lessons, church and amazing schools helps children stay well-rounded and connected to the community.
With flock numbers nearing 300 head, Justin and Jennifer’s operation requires a full-time farm hand. They have a history of hiring University of Arkansas students to fill this position and provide housing for them. The current farm hand, Carl Eli Stamps, assists in everything ranging from lambing and bottle feeding to helping prep sheep for shows and picturing them.
Stamps not only enjoys working with the sheep but also made it clear that Jennifer and Justin are very good people to work for.
“Yes, they give me somewhere to live and somewhere to work, but they are also just really good people. They make me feel like family,” Stamps said.
The future of RR Dorpers is uncertain. Jennifer mentioned their legacy and how priceless it could be to hand down to Adelaide but does not want to limit her to sheep. She also reiterated that family comes first and foremost — the sheep are secondary.
“It’s a beautiful, intertwined combination, but I don’t know if that will continue to be that way forever. I don’t want to continue to have the sheep if that’s something that holds us back from where she wants to go and wants to do,” Jennifer said.
When reflecting on their beginning, Jennifer provided practical and meaningful advice for anyone who is just starting out. She emphasized the importance of always learning and not getting discouraged if your project list does not get accomplished.
“Do not get discouraged, and always keep learning,”
Jennifer and Justin continue to approach their operation with humility and purpose, seeing themselves as caretakers of something much greater than livestock. It’s a mindset that guides every decision on the farm — rooted in faith, sustained by hard work, and always mindful that success stems from gratitude and grace.
