Name of the breed came from the fact that their birthplace is near the border of Scotland with their foundation stock being Dishley Leicester rams. A yearling ewe is around 64 kg (141 lb). We hope that both members and those just looking into Border Leicester sheep will find this website to be useful. They have a body full of good wool, good meat to bone ratio and a docile, even-tempered nature that make them really easy to handle. To breed his Halfbreds he needed Border Leicester rams. Our story begins way back in 1997 when I bought a couple of rare breed, British Border Leicester ewe lambs from Lanark Auction Mart. The sheep are normally shorn twice a year when the wool has reached a length of around 100 m… The Border Leicester Sheep is a breed that originated in Britain a couple of centuries ago. Hardier, more versatile and able to produce more wool and heftier lambs, the Border Leicester is a fantastic homestead flock animal. The American Border Leicester Association (ABLA) was founded in 1973 to promote and register Border Leicester sheep in the United States and Canada. The Border Leicester is the sire of the halfbred female when they are crossed with hill ewes. after a chance encounter with a huge ram, at East of England Show, I was hooked. The Border Leicester also has a longer loin and leaner meat than many sheep of its size. Key strengths of the Border Leicester. The Border Leicester is a dual purpose breed of sheep, producing both meat and wool. The Doulton Flock Story Our story begins way back in 1997 when I bought a couple of rare breed, British Border Leicester ewe lambs from Lanark Auction Mart. The Border Leicester first came to the attention of the great showman Arthur George of Border Leicester × Merino) that have been mated with a terminal sire or meat sheep breed, such as Suffolk and Poll Dorset. The Border Leicester sheep is a dual-purpose breed of domestic sheep originated from United Kingdom. I knew very little about sheep, even less about Border Leicesters at that time. Border Leicester sheep also contribute about 50 percent of the genetics used in the Gromark breed of sheep that were developed in Australia. It has a long and dignified history, and was developed in 1767 in Northumberland, England . In 2013 Arthurs pair of Welsh Halfbred lambs won the Longwool Championship at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair - the only time that Welsh Halfbreds have won this prestigious award. Name of the breed came from the fact that their birthplace is near the border of Scotland with their foundation stock being Dishley Leicester rams. In 1898, the Society of Border Leicester Sheep Breeders was organized with headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland. I appreciate that the Border Leicester is less exaggerated in character and has a less delicate appearance. All I knew was that. Easy keeping nature – producing easy to manage ewes for farms of all sizes. This includes the Greyface, and Scotch and Welsh halfbreds. 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. Leicesters in North America 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. It has a long and respected history, and was developed in 1767 in Northumberland, England. Our fleeces are award-winning since 2010 at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. They are a robust, hardy breed with a very distinctive face and ears that stand up long on straight from their head. Fair. Our association is experiencing some exciting growth, both in membership and numbers of sheep registered. The Border Leicester is a natural when it comes to direct marketing. The Border Leicester is a natural when it comes to direct marketing. the Welsh Halfbred ewe. Prime lambs are typically second cross produced from crossbred ewes (e.g. Any resident of the U.S. or Canada who owns or is interested in Border Leicesters may become a member of the American Border Leicester The Border Leicester sheep is a dual-purpose breed of domestic sheep originated from United Kingdom. The Border Leicester also has a longer loin and leaner meat than many sheep of its size. Association by application and payment of an annual membership fee. All I knew was that. Border Leicesters are reliable, hardy, pleasant sheep with sweet personalities. The Border Leicester Sheep is the twin purpose of domestic sheep descended from the United Kingdom. The Border Leicester is a very versatile crossing sire capable of producing both quality ewe lambs for breeding and prime wether lambs suitable for today's challenging market. In dual-purpose systems, first cross lambs are generated from Merino ewes being bred to a terminal sire. our Membership Directory page for more information about joining. Our sheep are handled daily, their fleeces are covered 24/7 throughout their lives with us except for a few weeks at lambing time. Quality meat – producing a quality product for the housewife. This wool, though, is prized by spinners because of the crimp and lustre. The live weight of a mature Border Leicester ram is in the range of 140–175 kg (309–386 lb) and a mature ewe 90–120 kg (200–260 lb). Ram used this year - Doulton Krakatoa, Mearns Noah, Hildenley Jensen, Doulton Louis Pongo, Hildenley Otto The Border Leicester is a dual purpose breed of sheep, producing both meat and wool. Fast growth – producing fast finishing butchers lambs. after a chance encounter with a huge ram, at East of England Show, I … Lean, tender lamb and premium fleece that tops the hand spinning market keeps customers coming back for more. Halfbred lambs make particularly good fat lambs being able to achieve heavy weights of good conformation. throughout Wales and with great suc... More details to follow Llanidloes, who has recently passed away the age of 91, when he was an early enthusiast of [9] The breed was imported into New Zealand in 1859, and after refrigeration was introduced in the 1880s, the Border Leicester was used as a crossing sire to produce heavyweight lambs and wether mutton. I knew very little about sheep, even less about Border Leicesters at that time. Border Leicester wool falls in long, shining locks that are popular with hand spinners. Halfbred females are sought after across the UK as flock replacements. If you’re looking for high quality Bluefaced Leicester sheep and fleeces with a shimmer that remains after the fiber has been worked and prepared, then check out what we have to offer! Inevitably his interest in the Border Leicester led to the establishment of his own pedigree Print out a Membership Application or visit Their white wool tends to be very long and by Merino standards, broad crimped, and in fineness about 32 to 38 microns, and is used for medium- to heavy-weight garments. A police investigation is underway after livestock rustlers stole eight Border Leicester lambs from a field in North Yorkshire. All Rights Reserved. Since the 1960s he was a regular exhibitor of Welsh Halfbreds The incident is thought to have happened between 1 and 7 October 2020, North Yorkshire Police said. Entries close 28th December, © Society of Border Leicester Sheep Breeders 2020, "The truly versatile and quality dual purpose breed", Welcome to the Society of Border Leicester Sheep Breeders, Hybrid Vigour – producing high performance breeding ewes, Excellent maternal characteristics – producing early maturing lambs, Fast growth – producing fast finishing butchers lambs, Easy keeping nature – producing easy to manage ewes for farms of all sizes, Quality meat – producing a quality product for the housewife. 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. Sorry there are no upcoming shows available at the moment. Website Designed & Maintainted by Banner Publications©2016-2018. The name of the tribe comes from the fact that their birthplace is close to Scotland’s border, their foundation stock is Dishley Leicester RAM. We invite you to join us! Excellent maternal characteristics – producing early maturing lambs. Hybrid Vigour – producing high performance breeding ewes. Border Leicester wool falls in long, shining locks that are popular with hand spinners. It has a long and dignified history, and was developed in 1767 in Northumberland, England. Police are appealing for witnesses and information after eight pedigree sheep were stolen from a farm near Stokesley.