Borda Land and Sheep

The Borda Family has kept the Basque tradition of sheep herding alive in Northern Nevada for more than 100 years. Raymond Borda left the old country in 1912 to herd sheep in the Dayton Valley and started his own sheep business and ranch there in 1921. After first working in other professions, Borda Land and Sheep is now run by third generation family members Joyce Borda Gavin, Angie Borda Page and Ted Borda.  The trio believes it’s important to keep their family’s heritage and tradition alive. Borda Land and Sheep is one of only a few large sheep ranchers still operating in Western Nevada and the only one of Basque heritage.

The family runs about 3,000 Merino/Rambouillet sheep every year and another 3,500 lambs. The wool they produce is considered among the best in the country. The family is also dedicated to providing the best quality meat to American Lamb enthusiasts.

In the springtime, the Borda sheep can often been seen grazing the hillsides of the Sierra Nevada.  Working with local, state and federal agencies, more than 2,000 sheep and lambs graze thousands of acres of land around Carson City and nearby areas to reduce the fire risk.

Lamb lovers can buy Borda lamb at Butcher Boy in Reno. It can also be found on select local restaurant menus.