Bluefaced

Leicester

                                                                                                                                                               Our ram "Caliban"

Cal was acquired from Tumble Creek Farm. He is a twin, born March 7, 2006. Cal was sired via semen imported from the UK.  Sire: Beeston Blackmoor  Dam: Chelsea

     The Bluefaced Leicester, (BFL) sometimes known as the Hexam Leicester, evolved near Hexham in the county of Northumberland, England about the turn of the last century. They are descendants of Robert Bakewell’s improved Dishley Leicester.

The breed originated from Border Leicester individuals who were selected for the "blue" face (white hairs on black skin) and their finer fleeces. It was developed for the purpose of siring  high quality crossbred ewes from hill breeds.

    The crossbred progeny of the Bluefaced Leicester is known as the Mule. The ewe Mule is famous throughout the U.K. as the best commercial breeding ewe on the market.

     The BFL is polled, with a long Roman nose. They are free of wool on their heads and legs. The name comes from the dark blue skin that shows through the white hair on their head and face.

     "The fleece is relatively fine for a long-wool and semilustrous.  The staples form long, narrow, curly locks. In part because it is so fine, Blue-Faced Leicester wool is also soft and silky.  It is a good choice for making strong, smooth fabrics and yarns that drape well." *

     Bluefaced Leicesters were not  imported until 1970's. Frozen semen from the United Kingdom is being used to expand the genetic base of the breed in the U.S. and Canada.

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* Excerpt from "In Sheep's Clothing, A Handspinner's Guide to Wool" by Nola & Jane Fournier