Foundation Ewes & Foundation Rams

June 2025 the ATSA Membership Ratified a change in the bylaws.  As of 2025 there is no active policy allowing for use of Foundation Ewes.  Please contact the Board of Directors if you  have need of this provision.  

ATSA Bylaws  ARTICLE XI - RULES OF REGISTRY AND UPGRADING GUIDELINES, Section 6:

To be granted Foundation Ewe status, the ewe must be white and submit proof of registration with one of the associations listed below.  As of January 2020, all new applications for Foundations ewe status must include RR testing at codon 171. Any Foundation ewes registered prior to 2020 will remain grandfathered.

Bluefaced Leicester: Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Association

Bluefaced Leicester Union of North America

Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

                            Alberta Sheep Breeders Assoc. (Canada)                             

Cotswold: American Cotswold Record Association

 Cotswold Breeders Association

Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

        Alberta Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

Leicester Longwool: Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders

Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

      Alberta Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

Lincoln: National Lincoln Sheep Breeders Association

Wensleydale:  North American Wensleydale Sheep Association

Approved Foundation Ewes will be entered into our Registry and receive an ATSA number indicating their status. Owners will be issued a Foundation Ewe Registration Certificate that may be transferred to future owners by following the procedure for transfer.

June 2025 the ATSA Membership Ratified a change in the bylaws.  As of 2025 there is no active policy allowing for use of Foundation Rams.  Please contact the Board of Directors if you  have need of this provision.   

ATSA Bylaws ARTICLE XI - RULES OF REGISTRY AND UPGRADING GUIDELINES, Section 5:

 The Board will set policy on requirements for ATSA Registered Foundation Ram status. This status is

meant to be granted to exceptional ATSA rams who exhibit the best of the breed and are considered

appropriate for starting new foundation lines. Applications including pictures, codon and DNA testing

must be submitted prior to consideration for this status. The minimum blood % for rams to be

considered for Foundation status shall not be less than 92% and may be raised if the Board deems

appropriate based on the availability of breeding stock.

 the  board instituted a process to upgrade Teeswater sheep in times of restricted importation of genetics from the United Kingdom.  Importation of new genetics has opened up and this policy is being discussed for archival.     If you have questions or concerns please email the board at info@americanteeswatersheep.com  

Over the life of this policy the ATSA Board of directors approved 8 out of 9 applications for Foundation Rams.

The purpose of a foundation ram was to sire F1 crosses.