A & R Ranch

A & R Ranch, Barbados Blackbelly sheep, Ocala, FL, Marion County near Gainesville, is a family-run breeder. Alicia and Richard Pepin have been breeding these hardy sheep for over a decade and hold memberships in the Florida Sheep Breeders Association. They follow recommended health testing protocols, recording detailed lineage data and scheduling regular veterinary screenings for parasite management and structural soundness.

Lambs grow up in small, stable groups on rotational pastures, where daily handling helps them become calm, well-adjusted adults. Feed plans are tailored to each flock’s life stage and spring lambing is timed to coincide with abundant forage in natural grasslands. The couple’s rural homestead, established generations ago, provides a quiet setting that mirrors the breed’s resilience and promotes gentle temperaments. Their sheep have been showcased at Marion County fairs, earning recognition for uniform conformation and healthy growth rates. Beyond breeding, the ranch team shares husbandry best practices with local 4-H and FFA members, supporting community growth and sustainable livestock care.