NM SM25

Requests the Department of Game and Fish to conduct a historical study on "New Mexico Dahl heritage sheep" located at the Terra Patre heritage farm and ranch in Belen

Donald A. Chavez y Gilbert, a sixteenth-generation rancher, claims the sheep descend from livestock brought to New Mexico in the 1500s by early Spanish settlers, possibly including the "lost sheep of Coronado"

University of California genetic testing shows the sheep are most closely related to two ancient Spanish breeds (Xisqueta and Ripollesa), supporting the hypothesis they descend from original Spanish settler sheep that later became feralized

Department must report findings on the sheep's historical importance to New Mexico and recommendations for management and preservation to the appropriate interim legislative committee by October 15, 2026