Abstract Interest in pluripotent livestock stem cells has been with us for over 2 decades, and although much has been claimed over the years, it is only recently that real progress has been achieved. The recent developments have revolved around the ability to reprogram somatic cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Progress has been achieved in porcine, bovine, equine, and ovine species; but for each species, the extent of progress is different. I review the position of ovine iPSCs and comment on the two main drivers for this work-to produce "better" cells for nuclear transfer and to develop a good in vitro system to study the early development of ruminants.