A pleasant surprise for many is the gentlemanly disposition of Border Leicester rams. California Variegated Mutant (CVM)/American Romeldale, Gulf Coast Native (Florida Native, Louisiana Native), Karakul (Astrakhan, Bukhara, Persian Lamb), Leicester Longwool (English Leicester, Leicester, Bakewell Leicester, Dishley Leicester, Improved Leicester and New Leicester). Border Leicester lambs fed for maximum gains often reach a trim 110 pounds by 4-1/2 months of age. Ewes usually weigh 150-225 pounds. Lambing percentages vary between 165-180%. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The Border Leicester breed was founded in 1767 by George and Matthew Culley. Learn how your comment data is processed. Perhaps both are correct. They grow, process and sell  this rare breed, slaughter free, Border Leicester pure British wool in 4ply, DK and Aran weight yarns in a spectrum of tempting shades. Leicester Longwool rams can be used on commercial ewes to sire heavyweight lambs and hoggets for specific markets. Valued as a crossing sire, the influence of Border Leicester wool on the British clip is considerable. Thank you for the beautiful words regarding the Border Leicester sheep. I hope that this site will help you discover the true potential of the amazing, versatile Border Leicester! On our site you will read all sorts of interesting information - how the breed came to be - what a Border Leicester should look like - what the Border Leicester can do for other breeds. The Border Leicester breed became quite a common breed that was found in the UK in the 19th century. It is not known when the first sheep of Border Leicester type arrived in North America, but the 1920 census lists 767 purebred Border Leicesters in the U.S. The Border Leicester is a sheep with long wool originally from Britain. Your email address will not be published. We also have details of the beautiful Border Leicester yarn produced by The Doulton Flock from North Yorkshire, showing what amazing fleece and wool the breed produces. Sheep with long, lustrous wool have been in Leicestershire, England since the earliest recorded history of the British Isles and are responsible for the improvement and development of other longwool breeds. Border Leicester Early History of Leicester Sheep. Border Leicester wool is long enough that they can be sheared once a year or twice a year. And it’s not all grease! Border Leicesters are hardy and well muscled. Sign up for The Spinning Loft newsletter and receive periodic updates. The clean aquiline head, and not overheavy shoulders mean that the Border Leicester Ram can safely be used on the smallest ewes, e.g. They are also good foragers and get along on less feed than many other breeds. The Border Leicester also has a longer loin and leaner meat than many sheep of its size. Unfortunately, I had to disperse my flock due to serious health issues a number of years ago, but I still remember many of their names … and histories! Border Leicester fleece often yields 70% wool after scouring, one of the highest of all. All the fleeces were hand picked for this Limited Edition Yarn from the flock which is slaughter-free.The yarn itself is so beautiful and comes in 3 weights. Some feel that the Culley Brothers developed the Border Leicester by crossing Bakewell’s improved Leicester rams with Teeswater ewes. All Made in Yorkshire. He should have a wide, level back. It is not known the exact date that the first Border Leicester sheep breed was imported to America. Required fields are marked *. In this section we let you know where and when you can go to buy the Border Leicester.There also many adverts offering private sales of beautiful Border Leicester shearling ewes and rams.The picture above shows shearling rams at Kelso Ram Sales. The Border Leicester is a natural when it comes to direct marketing. Those who prefer to grow out lambs more slowly can shear 2-3 pounds of skirted handspinning wool. There was never a difficulty or challenge with the rams, and the ewes lambed easily and were incredible mothers. The wool is generally around 32 … Ewes are prolific, excellent mothers and heavy milkers. the very successful Welsh Halfbred which is produced from one of our smallest hill ewes, the Welsh Mountain ewe. The American Border Leicester Association was established in the U.S. in 1973. The English Leicester is said to have been introduced into the United States by George Washington, who kept a small purebred flock of Leicesters and used the rams extensively in his flock of 800 head at Mount Vernon. Read on through our site where you will find all sorts of interesting information regarding the history, description and uses of the Border Leicester sheep, their fleeces and their beautiful wool!