Menoturals; Sheep 101

It's Final Friday time, joining together with the LLB gang for Nature Friday. 

Now, continuing the lessons on sheep breeds as seen at the Westmorland Show in September, how can I make this a little more special for FFF?

Well, you may recall from last week's post that I said the Rough Fell ram was not the tallest sheep there? There were at least two others which could pip him... but by far the tallest was the ram of the Border Leicester breed.

What a magnificent dude this was (and his companion, who was being judged at this point). He had been standing erect seconds before I got the phone out, and was looking me directly in the eye... which means that at brow level, he was as tall as me (1.5m...just). Imagine meeting up with this fellow on a dark and stormy night!!! 

The ewes are not quite so tall, but certainly equal last week's ram.

This breed, and its cousin, the Blue Leicester, are strongly favoured for crossing with other breeds, as they are prized for their wool. Although this naturally polled (hornless) breed is considered dual-purpose, providing meat as well. Having a staple length of anything between three and six inches, with good crimp, the Border Leicester is a high-class white wool. It is very soft to touch. Quality weaving and spinning are its purpose. It provides a natural elasticity for knitting yarns. Garments made from it will be super soft and wearable next to the skin.

Here are the ewes... followed by a fun flower for the LLBers!