The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Shnoowie on December 06, 2010, 01:01:42 pm
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Does anyone know of any Merino breeders in the UK? I'm thinking about getting a couple but really need to pick a few brains first!
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There are a few....but a big however....merinos are not all one type and some do not have the same type of fleece as the spanish merino which is the basis for the aussie one!!! Saxon Merinos for example are a meat then fleece breed.
There are very few in Britain due to the fact that they do not do well here as they prefer a drier climate. The British Merino fleece I have access to is totally different to Aussie Merino....but still amazing! Ask around, contact breed socs, try Bowmonts...as possibly best around.
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I was also going to suggest Bowmonts, 3/4 merino and 1/4 shetland. They do ok in Britian, I had a few unil recently, but am now concentrating on Shetlands.
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Thanks guys, I'll have a look around. I've seen some Bowmonts, so I'll try there first.
thewoollyyshepherd; Do you know how much the British Merino fleece is? We've been trying to find a merino wool jumper for my father, but aren't too keen on the Aussie sort due to the muelsing issues.
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Shnoowie....I have a few but not spun. Best non mulesd merino is from the Falklands...