We had hinted at this before but now it is a reality. There will be a change in direction at the farm next year and it is going to be a fabulous success. We will be known as Daramalan Border Leicester Stud having bought 170 stud ewes, average age 2 years, and the best 45 flock ewes from the Sylvia Vale stud in Binda. Sadly the owners are retiring after a very successful 35 years as a Border Leicester stud. We will take delivery of the ewes and their lambs, 80 so far and counting, in December and then select two stud rams from probably Ariah Park or New Zealand to complete the operation.
Much more challenging and much more rewarding for all concerned. It also allows a joint venture with a local Poll Dorset stud so that we will be supplying the best rams of each breed that we can for many years to come.
So, why choose the Border Leicester breed? Well, firstly because the opportunity to take over a successful stud’s existing flock does not come around too often and secondly, because it makes better commercial and financial sense. The Border Leicester-Merino first cross ewe progeny is the basis of the Australian prime lamb industry. To date we have been finishing first cross ewes and then selling on to other producers who will use a Poll Dorset, for example, terminal sire to produce lambs for meat. Our aim will be to produce the highest quality Border Leicester rams that other sheep producers, particularly those with Merino flocks, will utilize as sires in production of first cross ewes.
It is essential to start with the best ewes and stud rams, one per one hundred ewes, you can afford. The subsequent lambs of both sexes are obviously important. The rams because they will be the sires of the first cross ewes, the backbone of the prime lamb industry and the ewes because the best will be kept for the stud and the balance held for about nine months and then sent to Southern Meats.
So what makes a good Border Leicester sheep? We still have much to learn but as a starting point they should have a straight, good length back evenly covered with flesh that is firm to touch, wide shoulders with plenty of ‘heart room’, clean cut face with strong jaw and the classic Roman nose, legs and feet set squarely under the body with evenly balanced appearance, full and gentle eyes and a uniform 34-38 micron, long staple fleece. Their carriage should be even and symmetrical with a free and noble appearance and an alert and almost majestic character. Wow!!
Originally a British breed they are now found all over the world. A Leicestershire farmer, Robert Bakewell is credited with the improvement of the Leicester sheep in the 1750s. Today there are three types of Leicesters, the Dishley (Bakewell’s improved breed), the Blueface or Hexham and the Border.
The English is the largest of the Leicester breeds and has a long, heavy fleece. The Blueface and Border Leicester are of similar size and both have the Roman nose and erect ears but fleece on the Blueface typically somewhat finer shorter in length and weight than that of the Border Leicester.
The Border Leicester breed was founded in 1767 by George & Matthew Culley in Northumberland, England. They were friends of Bakewell and had access to his improved Leicesters. The Culley brothers developed the Border Leicester by crossing Bakewell's improved Leicester rams with Teeswater ewes and by introducing some Cheviot bloodlines. The breed was firmly established in England by 1850 and then exported to the rest of the world.
We are in for a very exciting and successful partnership with our Border Leicesters and are really looking forward to the challenges ahead. More news soon.
Ciao!!
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