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!
1.5 m tall sheep! I wish I could stand there and feel that majesty.
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful. Loved your post.
ReplyDeletewe love this fabulous ears... what a cool guy... happy howloween
ReplyDeleteThese sheep have ears that stand tall like a bunny and your flower is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove the sheep and those ears are cute, remind me of bunny ears. Take care, Happy Friday! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe sheep are wonderful looking creatures. I am not a vegetarian and doubt that I ever will be at this stage in my life, but we eat far less animal protein than we ever did and have at least a couple of meatless days a week. The thought of killing a lamb makes me shudder. Lamb chops will never again be on my menu, of that you may be sure.
ReplyDelete🤗🙏😘
DeleteYAM I have never seen a sheep quite like this. WOW the ears are amazing and in the one photo from the side the profile reminded me of a Rabbit. I think these might be my favorite followed by the ones with the black markings.
ReplyDeleteYears ago(1990's) we had a post doc from Switzerland. She wanted to prepare a meal for her lab mates. She asked me where to by lamb. At the time lamb was not sold anywhere in our area. I think she prepared a pork roast
Hugs cecilia
Oh my...I also am drawn to those long ears...they are almost "horselike".
ReplyDeleteThe girls send their thanks for the beautiful bloom!!
Look like goats!
ReplyDeleteOne of the farms between here and Grand Forks has these sheep! When they first arrived they seemed quite unusual. Some are as tall as the Llamas. There are also a couple of flocks of Clun Mountain sheep since I moved back 5 years ago. The lambs are so much fun to watch! Keep being awesome! Babr
ReplyDelete