Smith Family Farm
A small family farm in Charlotte, Vermont
Pictures of our sheep
Click on each picture to view larger image.
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Border Leicesters
The Border Leicester is a dual purpose breed of sheep, producing both meat and wool. Their wool is popular with handspinners having long (6-10 inches), shining locks and 40s to 50s spinning count. They also have leaner meat than many sheep of their size. Border Leicesters are easily recognized by their classic Roman nose and erect ears, as well as their clean head and legs. Rams usually weigh 200-275 pounds and stand about 32 inches at the shoulder. Ewes are typically 150-175 pounds.
Ewes are prolific, excellent mothers and heavy milkers. They are also good foragers and get along on less feed then many other breeds. Border Leicester rams are known for their gentlemanly behavior towards other rams and people.
Romneys
The Romney is a dual purpose breed, producing both meat and wool. Their wool is lustrous, high yielding, and easily spun. Romney wool has the finest fiber diameter of all long wool breeds; the spinning count may run from 44 to 50. Its meat is known for its delicate taste even in older sheep. Romneys have wool on their head and legs, giving them a "teddy bear" look. Rams usually weigh 175-275 pounds and are medium to large sheep. Ewes are typically a little smaller.
Romney ewes are prolific, have high milk production, and natural mothering instinct, as well as ease of lambing and vigorous lambs. They can rear quality, high-scoring market lambs, while producing an 8 to 15 pound wool clip.