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Slide Notes
This is a presentation about a project to preserve the rare breeds of sheep domicile to Australia. Initially it started as a study to understand the different fibres available from these sheep. Then it became a project to ensure all the diverse genetic attributes were safe in Australia and thus available around the world.
This is Drysdale fibre being combed. Don't do it. Much better to spin from the cut end.
This is Drysdale fibre being combed. Don't do it. Much better to spin from the cut end.
Rare Breed Project
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
RARE BREED PROJECT
Saving diversity for our future
This is a presentation about a project to preserve the rare breeds of sheep domicile to Australia. Initially it started as a study to understand the different fibres available from these sheep. Then it became a project to ensure all the diverse genetic attributes were safe in Australia and thus available around the world.
This is Drysdale fibre being combed. Don't do it. Much better to spin from the cut end.
This is Drysdale fibre being combed. Don't do it. Much better to spin from the cut end.
Focus of Project
- Sheep
- Produce progeny like parents (breed)
- Extinction danger
- Heritage (not new breeds)
- Domicile in Australia
The focus of this project has been to study and educate about sheep breeds who are in danger of extinction and domicile in Australia. I have also focussed on breeds where the breeder's goal is to preserve and share heritage for the future, are registering, breed true to breed. I get a few messages from people who have new breeds, or who have a coloured cute crossbred group, but it is not my focus. Also, there are breeders who have spent tremendous money to get sheep into Australia, but will not ensure their future here by on selling. I have not gone to great length for these breeders either.
Importance of Genetic Diversity
- Propensity for twining
- Resistance to disease
- Quality/features fibre, milk, meat
- Grazing diversity
- Choosing the right sheep for the task
Rare breed or Heritage sheep have genetic qualities that are worth preserving.
Easier birthing, propensity for twins are two very good reasons to use these breeds.
These breeds are often resistant to diseases that others are not, i.e. foot rot resistance in wet is more common with black legged/hoofed/nosed breeds
Choosing the right sheep for the job: fibre stronger, good grazer for orchard, good in wet, less required intervention when lambing.
This is a carpet factory in Melbourne, Velieris, which can convert fleece to carpet. We should use wool fibres that are genetically designed for carpet to make carpet.
Easier birthing, propensity for twins are two very good reasons to use these breeds.
These breeds are often resistant to diseases that others are not, i.e. foot rot resistance in wet is more common with black legged/hoofed/nosed breeds
Choosing the right sheep for the job: fibre stronger, good grazer for orchard, good in wet, less required intervention when lambing.
This is a carpet factory in Melbourne, Velieris, which can convert fleece to carpet. We should use wool fibres that are genetically designed for carpet to make carpet.
Ark Australia
- Disease free
- Geographically isolated
- Geographic diversity
- Exportability
- Our responsibility and pride
Australia is significant to the international issue. We are free of many of the diseases that plague other countries. For instance, we are free of scrapie (like mad cow in sheep). But our desire to stay scrapie free is also the reason we cannot import live sheep or live sheep products from overseas including NZ now.
So we can't get more.
We are geographically isolated from outbreaks that might occur overseas.
Geographic diversity - Our continental size means that one flock of EL will not be very near another flock of EL. Whereas in the UK, specific breeds are clumped. Therefore, unlike in the UK, we will not need to wipe out the entire population as a preventative.
Because of all of this, other countries can import our animals and may not be able to import from anywhere else.
So we can't get more.
We are geographically isolated from outbreaks that might occur overseas.
Geographic diversity - Our continental size means that one flock of EL will not be very near another flock of EL. Whereas in the UK, specific breeds are clumped. Therefore, unlike in the UK, we will not need to wipe out the entire population as a preventative.
Because of all of this, other countries can import our animals and may not be able to import from anywhere else.
THE LIST (so far)
- Cheviot
- English Leicester
- Drysdale, Lincoln
- Elliottdale*, Tukidale
- Romney
- East Fresian
- Shropshire
- Ryeland
This is my list of rare breed sheep based on research published in 2009 by RBTA and my own (less than scientific) analysis since.
This first slide shows the ones that I have personally researched.
This first slide shows the ones that I have personally researched.
The List (Continues)
- Booroola Merino*, Camden Merino*
- Carpetmaster,
- Cormo, Perendale
- Dorset Down, Dorset Horn
- Horned Polwarth, Polwarth
- South Dorset Down
- Zenith*, Aussiedown*, Wiltipoll*, Poll Wiltshire*
This is the list of sheep that are still to be researched. The ones with the star are only found in Australia. But actually, many I can't find at all. They may already be extinct.
Worth noting that there are no Wensleydale or Teeswater in Australia anymore.
Worth noting that there are no Wensleydale or Teeswater in Australia anymore.
English Leicester
I had to start my discussion with English Leicester. Ethel Stephenson is the doyenne of EL in Australia. Her passion for heritage sheep was infectious. Many of you have probably met her.
English Leicester is often called Leicester Longwool overseas. It is still the same animal.
English Leicester is often called Leicester Longwool overseas. It is still the same animal.
English Leicester
This is one of the most loved breeds of the rare sheep. It has very distinctive locks that take dye readily. Ethel has done much work to ensure that this breed is well known and looked after by the Australian breeders.
I have put some stats together to give you a snapshot of these breeds.
In comparison, there are 12,328 merino "rams in use", with micron of 15-20, staple length of 5 cm and probably 4-6 kg.
I have put some stats together to give you a snapshot of these breeds.
In comparison, there are 12,328 merino "rams in use", with micron of 15-20, staple length of 5 cm and probably 4-6 kg.
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English Leicester is long and lustrous with a soft crimp. The locks are long and pointed on one end. EL lamb (identified here by the tiny curls on the end) is soft and easily a next to skin item.
You will notice as we talk about fleece that the shapes of the staples in addition to the length and handle are very different.
You will notice as we talk about fleece that the shapes of the staples in addition to the length and handle are very different.
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Many rare breeds come in several colours. EL comes in white, black, silver and sometimes a brown tone. A sheep's fleece colour can change over time. A black EL will become silver. This is a black EL lamb.
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Many of the rare breed fleece will do things that other fibres are known. For instance, some rare breed fleece will make lovely socks without adding nylon for strength and without "superwash merino" over processed treatment to prevent felting.
In this case, English Leicester makes a beautiful boucle that is often identified with mohair.
In this case, English Leicester makes a beautiful boucle that is often identified with mohair.
Pam Hovel
Pam Hovel designs the most amazing pieces of clothing from rare breed sheep. You can find her at Bendigo. This is an EL piece.
Felt Indie
Felt Indie hand felts an entire fleece of English Leicester and other breeds.
Romney
Romney sheep are a beautiful sheep whose DNA is the basis for many of the carpet breeds with their "hairy gene".
Romney
Australian Romney are large framed, long, gentle crimp stapled.
Deb Robson's book "Fleece to Fibre Sourcebook" suggests they come in other colours. I am assured that they do not here. They are white.
Deb Robson's book "Fleece to Fibre Sourcebook" suggests they come in other colours. I am assured that they do not here. They are white.
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Uses:
Outerwear
Next to skin (lamb)
Durable (carpet)
Meat
Outerwear
Next to skin (lamb)
Durable (carpet)
Meat
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This is a photo of a Romney singles spun worsted. It was washed, flicked and spun. It was then dyed, then plied and made into a cowl for the head of the ASSBA. I don't have a pic of the final product. But do hope he will wear in Bendigo.
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Romney is an excellent example of a dual purpose breed that, in addition to it's fibre, also produces a beautiful meat. This is true for many of the heritage sheep which needed to have more than one purpose.
This photo is of specialist butchery being done by Imperial Partners in South Australia. In addition to beautiful meat and rare breed cattle. They win many fleece competitions and some of you have benefit from their sizeable fleece weight.
Feather and Bone Providores in Sydney specialise in rare breed and heritage breed meats.
Meatsmith in Melbourne is very good as well.
This photo is of specialist butchery being done by Imperial Partners in South Australia. In addition to beautiful meat and rare breed cattle. They win many fleece competitions and some of you have benefit from their sizeable fleece weight.
Feather and Bone Providores in Sydney specialise in rare breed and heritage breed meats.
Meatsmith in Melbourne is very good as well.
Lincoln
Lincoln produces is a long, low crimp, lustrous fibre. This particular flock was started by a family near Wagga Wagga. They have invested in converting their Lincoln fleece into roving.
Some members have commented that it is expensive, but it is 100% Australian supporting 100% Australians.
Some members have commented that it is expensive, but it is 100% Australian supporting 100% Australians.
Lincoln
There are very few Lincoln in Australia. The fleece is long and durable.
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Educating breeders can sometimes be part of the role of this project. Fleece from breeders has shown up at my doorstep with more mud than fibre. Though this is a disappointment at the time, the results can still be amazing.
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With a good wash and comb.
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Lincoln which was muddy and matted can be spectacularly lustrous.
Yes, this is the same Lincoln fleece. It takes dye beautifully.
Yes, this is the same Lincoln fleece. It takes dye beautifully.
Cheviot
The Cheviot begins to show how very different sheep can look. This one reminds me of a punk rocker with her blue hair and red earrings.
I put the lamb pictures up for the awwww factor.
I put the lamb pictures up for the awwww factor.
Cheviot
I am a fan of this sheep. It has a longer staple length than most down breeds, but similar traits. It produces a bouncy elastic yarn. And I am told by a butcher that the meat is delicious with the fat being more yellow and creamy.
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The Cheviot staple is more like a down wool. It makes good springy yarn and is a nice length.
Some of these bouncier fleece resist felting.
The staple still comes to a point, but it is tends to be more blocked like a down wool. It washes to a bright white.
Some of these bouncier fleece resist felting.
The staple still comes to a point, but it is tends to be more blocked like a down wool. It washes to a bright white.
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I made a pair of socks for a friend who works for a wilderness society. He takes photos of them wherever he goes. I am told they are very durable.
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Cheviot takes dye well. Blending with other fibres can make durable rare breed fleece easier to wear next to skin for those who are sensitive.
A Cheviot base with silk and angelina made a fabulous toddler hat.
A Cheviot base with silk and angelina made a fabulous toddler hat.
Ryeland
Ryeland is a longer staple with more regular, arranged crimp. These breeders sell their Ryeland rams overseas for very good prices and are passionate about their flock.
This breed is used predominantly for meat, but what great fibre it produces.
This breed is used predominantly for meat, but what great fibre it produces.
Ryeland
Ryeland has a softer handle and a long staple length. The fibre resists felting.
I have not put it to the test, but it is a beautiful fleece.
I have not put it to the test, but it is a beautiful fleece.
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Some of these rare sheep breeders have no email and work only by landline and snail mail. It can make the project slow. But I do enjoy getting a letter from time to time. This is a beautiful lock from Ryeland and was spun in grease (which it has very little). It washed to a creamy white.
East Friesian
This is a flock of East Fresian sheep at Tintern school on the outskirts of Melbourne. Gavin Wall, the school farm manager, has done amazing work with this flock, a flock of Romney, and the general population of high school aged students. He is often given "hard to manage" charges who respond well to Gavin and the flock's gentle nature.
East Friesian
I had not worked with East Fresian until recently. This sheep was bred for its milk. The fibre is long with a steady soft crimp. I could wear this next to my skin. It is probably softer than Romney.
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East Friesian's like the cattle from the same German region were bred for milk.
There is a dairy in Robertson, Pecora Dairy, that specialises in cheese from a fully East Friesian flock. There is another in Gippsland.
There is a dairy in Robertson, Pecora Dairy, that specialises in cheese from a fully East Friesian flock. There is another in Gippsland.
Drysdale
Wendy Beer has the only flock of Drysdale sheep in Australia, though I have tried to contact Will's rare breed farm on Kangaroo Island who has a possibly out of date web page stating that he also has these sheep.
Drysdale are more plentiful in NZ for their carpet wool. With such a tiny flock, Wendy may have trouble with the new legislation that reduces the ability to get dna support from NZ.
Drysdale are more plentiful in NZ for their carpet wool. With such a tiny flock, Wendy may have trouble with the new legislation that reduces the ability to get dna support from NZ.
Drysdale
As you can see, not many sheep, and a very strong, durable, long fibre.
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Many of these longer wools take dye beautifully.
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There are many good ways to use rare breed fibres. If you want to get involved in this project, think of things that you could make that would make good use of the fibre's characteristics. Maybe a strong, floor rug, a sturdy woven bag or purse, a basket.
This is a Drysdale basket crocheted by Maude and Trudi.
This is a Drysdale basket crocheted by Maude and Trudi.
Shropshire
The Shrophsire story in Australia is one of my favourite stories. Marilyn, when I met her could not sell her fleece and threw it away three years ago. (particularly the black ones). This is not unusual. Today she sells out of this springy, bouncy, short staple. What she can't sell directly, she sells to others who sell it as stuffing. It is highly resistant to felting.
Shropshire
Shropshire is a very springy, short fibre. Not many left here, though in NZ they have made quite a comeback. Some of you may be aware also of a case in Canada where a flock was to be slaughtered as suspected of scrapie and they "diappeared" overnight. Lawsuits continue.
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Shropshire make the most lovely Shropsocks. I blend mine with Alpaca. These are Marilyn's straight up Shropshire.
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Shropshire sheep are also used in orchards and tree farms as they are the only breed that does not eat tree bark. Not only do they keep the grass short, making herbicides unnecessary, but their droppings turned out to be good manure for the saplings. This is a cherry orchard, Marriot, in SA which is about to get its organic licence.
Elliottdale
There is one flock of Elliottdale sheep left in Australia. They were developed as part of the carpet industry at Elliottdale research station in Tasmania. One researcher, Carl Terrey, bought a flock when the station closed and has been carefully managing families of this breed. In addition to fabulous strong fleece, they also have some of the best meat.
I received the most beautiful letter from this 80 something man who is looking for an owner for his flock.
I received the most beautiful letter from this 80 something man who is looking for an owner for his flock.
Tukidale
This couple in South Australia have one of the last flocks of Tukidale. Again a carpet sheep.
Their fibre grows very quickly at 2.5 cm per month, requiring shearing twice a year.
Their fibre grows very quickly at 2.5 cm per month, requiring shearing twice a year.
Elliottdale and Tukidale
What can I do?
- Ask: Is it AUSTRALIAN grown?
- Challenge your fibre use
- Start a rare breed project
- Heritage Breed Week 15-21 May
- www.rarebreedproject.com
Heritage Breed week is coming up. Why not start a rare breed project, serve a rare breed meal, support a rare sheep breeder or artist in Australia.
You can go to my website to find sources.
I appreciate any photos of finished work or other rare breed "finds".
You can go to my website to find sources.
I appreciate any photos of finished work or other rare breed "finds".
