Coopworth Sheep - (not ordered online, request pictures & bloodlines) The Coopworth is a medium sized, dual-purpose, white faced sheep with an alert but quiet disposition. It was developed in New Zealand in the 1950's and 60's for the purpose of improving fertility and ease of management over the commonly bred Border Leicester and Romney breeds. A professor, Dr. I.E. Coop simply wanted to improve the reproductive preformance of the Romney, which dominated the New Zealand Sheep Industry. Border Leicester rams were bred to Romney Ewes and the offspring were selected on individual performance, resulting in a ewe that easily lambs twins or triplets and raises them unassisted. The Coopworth lamb is vigorous at birth and fattens on grass and mother's milk. The Coopworth breed has grown to become the second most numerous breed in New Zealand. Coopworth were first imported to the USA in the early 70's. When I chose the breed as my primary breed around 2003, it was still considered to be a rare breed in the USA. However, the breed is now known by most fiber customers and the wool is considered to be in demand, not only for it's bright luster and beautiful crimp but it is easy to spin - with a staple length of 6-8 inches. Coopworth wool is excellent for the beginner spinner, it almost spins itself! Some of my customers prefer to "spin in the grease" with Coopworth. My sheep wear coats/covers most of the year, so the raw fleece is very clean and free of vegetation matter compared to the fleece of sheep that do not wear coats/covers. Many years of selecting progeny on the basis of objective measurements and performance has resulted in a breed of sheep that : . settle early in the season . lamb unassisted - usually twins . are excellent mothers . grow well on forage . move freely on fields, yet are easily gathered . shear a fleece that is in demand for both commercial and personal use . excellent fiber for needle felting . wet felts in @ 15 minutes . show above average resistance to foot rot . Coopworth sheep are well suited to a variety of management methods and excel in the production of both meat and wool. The meat is very lean and does not have the "gamey" flavor that is often with lamb that is shipped across the ocean. You may read more about this on the USDA meat page. The American Coopworth Registry (ACR) is the association that I have membership. It is filled with very helpful members that promote the Coopworth. I highly recommend it to anyone that buys Coopworth sheep. It is the responsibility of the breeder to register all lambs that are not to be culled prior to selling. This guarantees that the lamb will be registered, the breeder will have the ability of making sure that the certificate is correct and it gives the new owner time to become familiar with the ACR without the whole picture being overwhelming and not successful! It is a new adventure for many and as all steps throughout life, it takes time to "get to know it". You will find the ACR informative and ready to offer help if needed - www.americancoopworthregistry.org
Rams: 175-275 pounds (79 - 125 kg.) Ewes: 140-170 pounds (64 - 79 kg.) Fleece: 8-12 pounds (3.6 - 6.8 kg.), I have already had the fleece of a ram weigh 15 + Staple length: 6-8 inches Micron diameter: 35 - 39 micron Bradford spinning count: 46 - 50 Colors available in fiber: White, black, gray (silver) and "blue" Prices: 2024: (prices for 2025 will be determined after lambing in April!) Lambs - started lambing April 2024: $375, weaned & registered Lambs (6 - 11 months): $400-$450 (with ACR Registration and records) Adult ewes w/ACR Registration: $375-$500 (depending on age, fleece, lambs) Adult rams w/ACR Registration: 1 year & older, $475 - $650 (fleece, proven) "Starter Flocks!" - each will be priced based on the number of ewes w/1 ram. Call or email for pictures and details of a "starter flock", I will be happy to help. A 50% deposit is needed to hold any sheep & if transported, buyer pays the transport fee and the health certificates and any meds required to cross state lines. I pay for ACR registration/transfer.