The Ryelands are awfully cute - I've had lots of reaction from friends and neighbours in that vein. But I do hope to make a "professional" job with them. I certainly hope to keep good records of the sheep - lambing %, lamb weight etc. To start with I'll be breeding from all the ewes, but hopefully as the flock grows I'll be able to be more selective.
I'm actually a bit cross with the Ryeland Flock Book Society, which runs things for the breed. I've twice contacted them via the website for information on how to register a flock (albeit small) and I haven't had any response. There's nothing on the website. I know it's a bit pathetic, but I've picked my flock name and I'm paranoid that someone will steal it before I get a chance to register it - not much chance, in reality. It doesn't say much about the Society's stated aim to encourage folk into the Ryeland breed.
Is the Jacob breed better?
He, he - I bet shearing Ryelands is easier than a four horn Jacob.