This beautiful breed is listed as critically endangered in the U.S.A. Colonial Williamsburg is responsible for starting the drive to bring this breed back from the edge of extinction. It has been an ongoing effort, with an ever growing membership of devoted shepherds, for over 25 years. It was reported last year that there are only 500 registered Leicester Longwools in the U.S. They are a two purpose sheep, wool and meat and are one of the largest sheep breeds. The wool is favored highly by spinners for it's lustrous fleeces. The long beautiful locks have a distinct crimp and make wonderfully warm and sturdy outer garments. Their wool accepts dies readily and beautifully. If you would like to learn more about these sheep and their interesting history, please visit... http://www.leicesterlongwool.org
We did not decide to become shepherds lightly. We did a lot of research. We talked to several breeders of different breeds of sheep. I went to classes at VA Tech to learn as much as I could about sheep management. We searched the internet for information on which sheep breed would be best for our location. We decided to raise Leicester Longwools. I am a spinner, weaver, knitter and crocheter, all of which makes the fiber from the Leicester Longwools perfect. Once we decided that we wanted to work with the Leicester Longwools, we needed to find a breeder. We were very fortunate to contact Richard and Donna Larson of Old Gjerpen Farm, in Culpeper, VA. After a couple of trips to his farm, discussing care, handling, and the sheep in general, Mr. Larson put a beautiful flock together for us. We anxiously awaited for the time to go pick them up. We brought home nine ewes and two rams. We have six white ewes and three colored. Our portion of the farm was a working farm again!
Our goal is to continue the growth of this breed by providing starter flocks from our breeding program. All of our ewes have been bred and we are expecting our first lambs in late March of 2016. This is a very exciting time for us, as this will be our first lambing. Our breeding stock is of excellent diverse quality. There is a waiting list for our lambs, so if you are interested in our lambs, we suggest that you please contact us soon. We will also have available raw fleeces and combed top for spinners and yarn for those interested in a highly lustrous, multipurpose yarn.