Historical information
The success of any flock is through the strength of its females and Blossom, a Border Leicester/Merino Cross ewe is an excellent example. Border Leicester rams are mated with Merino ewes to produce fat lamb mothers. These first cross ewes are mated with meat sheep, such as Dorsets to produce hybrids that pass on quality wool characteristics to their offspring.
The Border Leicester/Merino crosses produce good quantities of wool which, despite being of stronger micron than most Merino fleece wool (34 to 38 microns), is still in demand in the marketplace.
The Border Leicester sheep takes its name from the border country between England and Scotland, the area in which the breed was first developed in the late 18th century.
Physical description
Border Leicester/Merino Cross ewe. Long body with white fleece. The nose is black and she has large ears, upright and alert. The head and legs are free of wool.
