Deacon Shanks

Deacon Shanks is a Cheviot sheep breeder in Pana, Illinois, serving central Illinois near Springfield. He participates in local sheep associations and follows recommended health-testing protocols including regular fertility and parasite screenings to promote a healthy flock. His flock grazes on open pasture with rotational grazing methods and nightly shelter in well-ventilated barns to ensure comfort through changing seasons. Early handling at the lambing barn and supervised pasture time encourage socialization, resulting in sheep that adapt easily to new environments and caretakers.

Raised on a family-owned farm with roots in local agriculture, his sheep benefit from hands-on care and consistent handling from lambing through maturity. Prospective owners note the straightforward communication about genetics and the reliable foundation of his stock for breeding or fiber production. His pasture includes diverse forage species and the operation minimizes chemical inputs to support soil health and natural grazing behaviors. Over the years, he has welcomed buyers looking for healthy breeding stock or fine fleeced sheep suited to small farm settings.