Texel sheep in stormy weather

Due to rising (feed) costs, high land prices, an ageing population of farmers and a challenging market, Texel sheep farmers are under great financial pressure. Without an additional income, the sheep farmer simply can't make ends meet, as sheep farming is currently running at a loss. As a result, many family businesses can no longer find successors and are forced to stop farming sheep.

Sheep have been part of Texel for centuries. They give the island its distinctive landscape and make an important contribution to nature and landscape management. Together with the sheep folds, sod walls and ponds, they give the island its identity for residents and visitors alike. Wonderful!

All donations go directly to Texel's sheep farmers. They receive an amount based on the number of sheep grazing in the fields. With this money, they can cover various costs, such as shearing, sheep feed, hay and straw, veterinary care and machinery maintenance. Your donation is a welcome helping hand - and helps keep sheep farming attractive for current and future generations.

We accept iDEAL/Wero for direct Dutch bank transfers. You can also pay using all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express. All transactions are secure and encrypted.

Unfortunately, not yet! We're working hard to obtain ANBI status, so that donations can qualify for tax relief.

The sheep you support graze in the meadows all year round. Only during lambing season do they come into the barn (a bit of peace and quiet is lovely for both the ewe and her lambs). So you won't come across the sheep on the farmyard itself.

Luckily, Texel offers plenty of activities where you can meet sheep, such as a treasure hunt or a walk. You'll find more information on the VVV Texel website.

The 'Steun onze Schapen' campaign is an initiative of Vereniging Schapeneiland Texel, of which almost all Texel sheep farmers are members. Steun Onze Schapen is one of many campaigns supporting sheep farming on Texel. The aim is to offer sheep farmers across Texel a future, keep sheep grazing in the meadows, and care for nature and landscape.

We receive broad support for this from, among others, the municipality of Texel, residents and local businesses.

Donors receive a newsletter a few times a year. In it, you'll read all about the progress of our campaign, fun facts about sheep, and the stories of our Texel sheep farmers. Of course, you're always welcome to take a look at our website in the meantime.