Sheep with long, lustrous wool have been in Leicestershire, England since the earliest recorded history of the British Isles and are responsible for the improvement and development of the other longwool breeds. Robert Bakewell is credited with improvement of the Leicester sheep. The Border Leicester Breed was founded in 1767 by George & Matthew Culley. They were friends of Bakewell and had access to his improved Leicesters. Some feel that the Cully Brothers developed the Border Leicester by crossing Bakewell's improved Leicester rams with Teeswater ewes. Others argue that Cheviot blood was introduced. The English Leicester is said to have been introduced into the Wnited States by George Washington, who kept a small purebred flock of Leicesters and used the rams extensively in his flock of 800 heat at Mount Vernon. It is not known when the first sheep of Border Leicester type arrived in North America but the 1920 census lists 767 purebred Border Leicester in the U.S.

Breed Characteristics

Border Leicesters rank third in size among the longwool breeds. A ram at maturity should weigh 200-225# and stand about 32" at the shoulder. Ewes will usually weigh 150-175#. The wool is long and lustrous with a spinning count of 40s-50s (38-30 microns) and the staple length of 6-10" after 12 months growth. Ewes average 8-12# grease wool annually. Border Leicester lambs are fed for maximum gains often reach a trim 110# by 4 to 4 ½ months of age.

Our Flock

The Persimmon Tree Farm flock of Border Leicesters are show quality and have been recognized for this quality by judges at many shows. A select few lambs are available each spring. Older ewes are sometimes also available on a limited basis. All of the ewes in the flock have been in the Persimmon Tree Farm show string. Our flock bloodlines include: Ramsden Farms - Susan Nejman, Triple L Farms - Randy Irwin, Eldonview Farm - Don Grant.

Our 2000 lamb crop is sold out. Please however feel free to contact me for details on our 2001 lamb crop.