FFSSA Mission: To produce, preserve, and promote fine fleece Shetland sheep that adhere to the 1927 Shetland breed standard as clarified by the SSS Appendix A.

FFSSA is composed of serious breeders who are striving to preserve, protect, promote, and breed Shetland sheep that adhere to the 1927 Shetland sheep breed standard as clarified by Appendix A and in accordance with the below FFSSA Grading Chart.

Benefits of joining FFSSA for Senior members include promotion by advertising, breeder’s listings on the FFSSA website, inclusion of qualified sheep in the FFSSA registry, general advertising by FFSSA in various publications, and education about Fine Fleece Shetland sheep characteristics.

Benefits for Junior members are inclusion of qualified sheep in the FFSSA registry, education about Fine Fleece Shetland sheep characteristics, and mentoring.

Benefits for Associate members include education about Fine Fleece Shetland sheep characteristics and mentoring plus inclusion of qualified sheep in the FFSSA registry for “Associate with Registry Privileges” members.

Potential members will agree to and sign the membership application, submit any required information, and allow the inspection/s of their flocks by any appointed FFSSA representative, if appropriate.

To determine qualified FFSSA sheep, full mid-side micron data is submitted to FFSSA, unless the sheep have been visually inspected by FFSSA inspectors. Untested sheep, but passed by FFSSA inspection, will be graded no better than grade 2. Only sheep that are micron tested may be included in grade 1 category.

Definitive FFSSA Shetland Sheep Criteria:

Rams: Adult breeding rams must grade out in grades 1-2 to be qualified for FFSSA breeding. See the chart for further specifications. In addition, breeding rams may be required to have front, rear, and side photos plus fleece samples submitted to FFSSA. Breeding rams should have good conformation and either have good horns or be polled.

Ewes: Adult ewes must grade out in grades 1-3 to be an FFSSA qualified sheep. Check the chart for further specifications. Photo and fleece submissions may be required. Ewes should have good conformation

Artificial Insemination (AI) Rams: Any newly imported AI rams must be of a grade 1 or 2 category as deemed by FFSSA. See FFSSA AI Policies and Procedures for more information.

 Non-FFSSA sheep: Any sheep with mid-side fleece above 32.01 microns or a CV over 30% is not an FFSSA qualified sheep.

Senior Member (voting) - for members who have proven to be following the mission and purpose of the association by doing the following:

1. Have a majority of purebred registered Shetland sheep in their flock that meet the criteria in the FFSSA grading chart.
2. All breeding rams used by the breeder must micron according to grades 1 or 2 as described by the chart, and by submission of micron data to FFSSA and/or one flock inspection by one or more of the FFSSA representatives, unless there is an exception allowed by FFSSA. Micron testing at this membership level is done on sheep through 3 years of age.
3. Be actively breeding pure Shetland sheep that meet the criteria of FFSSA grades 1-3.

Active senior membership is required to vote in an FFSSA election or hold office in FFSSA. In addition, Senior members have the privilege of being listed on the FFSSA breeder’s directory listing and the use of the FFSSA logo and Traditional 1927® on their sheep and wool products according to the appropriate grade. Should be 18 years old or older and pass the above qualifications by the FFSSA board and/or an FFSSA appointed representative before being admitted to Senior membership.

Senior Member Retired (voting) - members who have been FFSSA senior members in good standing for five years or more and who have retired from breeding Traditional 1927® Shetlands. This membership type will pay annual senior dues and includes the privileges of Senior Members described above.

Junior member (non-voting) - for members who are less than 18 years of age that have Shetlands and are following the Senior member qualifications. Junior members may not vote or hold an FFSSA office (unless 16 or older and appointed to a junior office). Junior members have the privilege of using the FFSSA logo and Traditional 1927® on their sheep and wool products, according to the appropriate grade.

Associate member (non-voting) - members who are interested in the goals of the organization but do not have sheep or do not have enough sheep (a majority and all breeding rams) to qualify for senior or junior membership. Associate members may not vote or hold an FFSSA office, nor are they allowed FFSSA website breeder directory privileges or the use of the FFSSA logo or Traditional 1927® on any sheep or wool products. May submit fees to have registry privileges with sheep being micron tested through 5 years old at this membership level. May be upgraded to Senior with additional dues and passing qualifications in any given year.

Non-Renewal Conditions:
A member may be denied renewal if they fail to comply with the above terms or may have their membership changed to associate member within a given year. In addition, the following would be reason for non-renewal:

• Misrepresenting the grade levels of Shetlands in their flock
• Using the logo and/or collective mark on fleeces and products that do not qualify for grades 1-3
• Providing inaccurate information to the organization
• Behaving in a manner that reflects negatively on the organization
• Failing to pay dues in a timely manner

1. Fill out the FFSSA Membership Application completely, remember to include a mark by the type of membership you are applying for. Please contact a Board Member or State Representative if you need assistance with the Application.

2. Senior Membership Applicants (other applicants go to #3):

• You are required to have a majority of purebred registered Shetland sheep that meet the FFSSA grading chart criteria. This means that more than half of your Shetland flock includes ewes classified as grades 1, 2, or 3 plus rams graded 1 or 2.
• All breeding rams used must be grades 1 or 2 as determined by the FFSSA grading chart.
• You should be actively breeding pure Shetland sheep that meet the criteria of FFSSA grades 1-3.
• Please submit hard or electronic scanned copies of micron data labeled with sheep's name on all registered or registerable Shetland rams and ewes with your application. FFSSA flock inspections may be required before application is accepted.

3. Sign and submit completed application.

4. If you choose to submit a paper application, mail or email your application (plus micron data for Senior membership) to:

The Livestock Conservancy
Attn: Registrar
PO Box 477
Pittsboro, NC 27312
jray@livestockconservancy.org
919-542-5704 ext. 111

5. Use the PayPal button at: www.finefleece shetlandsheep.org or send your check (payable to FFSSA) with the appropriate amount to:

The Livestock Conservancy
Attn: Registrar
PO Box 477
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Please note: Memberships are valid for one year. Annual renewal is required.

Fees (Due by January 31 of the current year): Senior-$25. Senior (Retired)-$25. Upgrade to Senior-$10. Junior-$15. Associate-$15. Associate with Registration Privileges-$25.

By submitting this Membership Application to FFSSA, I/we hereby state that I/we will strive to the best of our ability to preserve, protect, and promote 1927 Shetland breed standard sheep as clarified by Appendix A and the criteria listed in the FFSSA chart for FFSSA Grades 1-3. I understand that the FFSSA may deny my membership application for any reason that it deems appropriate.