Hearts of the Meadow Farm

From time to time, I offer a limited number of my Registered Coopworth Sheep for sale.
Click on the photo to view a detailed description of the sheep currently available for purchase.

The Coopworth was developed at Lincoln College in Canterbury, New Zealand , during the 1950s and 1960s by crossing Border Leicester rams and Romney ewes. Using measured performance standards for selection, the best of the resulting progeny were interbred over many years. The purpose was to create a highly prolific and easily managed sheep that would excel in the production of both meat and wool
for commercial use. This having
been accomplished, the Coopworth
was officially recorded as a breed
in New Zealand in 1968, and has
become the second most popular
breed there.

Coopworths continue to be selected
for productivity and easy care
characteristics. Difficult births are of
low incidence and ewes have very
strong mothering instincts, seldom
leaving their lambs after birth. Multiple births are most common and the Coopworth ewe will provide an
abundance of milk. Their lambs
grow well with the addition of grass,
making this breed ideal for low-input, pasture-based systems. Rams are
virile and settle the ewes quickly.

Coopworth fleece has become a
favorite of handspinners ease. The
wool is characteristically
well-crimped with a bright luster
and a count of 46-50.
Fleece weights average 8-12
pounds, but a ram's fleece may
go higher. Staple length averages
5-8 inches.