Livestock has been a
Pfeiffer family passion, profession, and hobby
for generations. My father, Russ Pfeiffer,
became general manager of Carnation Milk Farms
in 1946 and retired after 35 years with the
company. He and my mother, Kay, were always a
great inspiration to me in the agriculture and
livestock field.
After my father became ill
in 1982, I moved back to the Carnation,
Washington family farm. In 1986, Joy Garitone
and I decided we would become partners in the
acquisition and breeding of a fantastic breed of
sheep called CVM. Joy and I owned the first
CVM’s to be seen in Washington State.
Because there was no CVM
registry, in 1987, I began the first and
original ARCR registration book; the only CVM
registry that verifies lineage from the date of
application submission (with photos) to the
original numbered Eidman/Sexton flock.
My passion and interest in
CVM’s and all sheep breeds became so great, I
earned certification as a sheep and wool judge
from two judging schools, and also attended Glen
Eidman’s judging school for wool and sheep.
After 25 years as a computer analyst, I retired
from the large number of livestock I owned.
However, I still enjoy judging sheep and fiber.
Because of my hands-on
experience with other sheep breeds and fleeces
over the years, in my mind I can honestly say
CVM’s are unparalleled in the sheep world. They
have never ceased to amaze me as to their
mothering qualities, and meat carcasses are
always superb. But most of all, each lambing
season is like Christmas with new babies
bringing forth a cornucopia of exquisite colors
and patterns that always delight the exhibitor,
judges and fiber artisans.
I am very proud of the
work I and others have done for CVM’s; the many
years of hard work Glen Eidman spent
painstakingly developing such a unique and
delightful breed; plus, the support and
dedication Glen’s son Mark contributes to
protecting his father’s living legacy.
But most of all, I am
thrilled with each new CVM enthusiast whose
passion in life includes saving the purebred
status of this extraordinary endangered breed
through the National CVM Conservancy effort, and
ARCR’s verified registration. NCC’s focus will
ensure the survival of the most deserving
endangered American bred sheep in North America.
I hope some day to be able to meet each and
every individual breeder, sponsor, business and
corporation assisting in this great vision of
protecting the future of purebred CVM sheep.
Linda Pfeiffer
ARCR Registrar
