Cotswold sheep create fortunes for wool business

16 May '08

3 min read

Most of the flock originates from three foundation sheep bought by Davina over 10 years ago. Since then numbers have steadily increased, underpinned by a breeding policy that was committed to producing top quality Cotswolds – in terms of conformation and fleece quality.

“The Cotswold is a tall sheep but while it must have very good conformation – despite its size - maintaining the quality of the fleece is also important.

“The breed deserves greater commercial recognition, although we do sell rams to Welsh hill farmers who get excellent wool covering on their cross-bred lambs as well as benefiting from the Cotswold's natural vigour.”

Davina says Cotswold wool can be broadly split into four types. “Traditionally the old type of wool had a broad staple but over the years it has become more narrow. It may be our changing weather that's influencing it.”

Although she admits that trying to retain the broad staple quality of Cotswold wool is an ongoing challenge for breeders, sheep from the Tingewick flock continue to take many top wool awards.

“I'm looking for uniformity in the quality of the wool - and staple length - all the way through the fleece. Many years ago, because Cotswold wool was such an important trait of the breed, flockmasters always used to leave a square of wool on the shoulder after shearing.

“This would ensure that the true quality of the full fleece could be assessed even when the sheep had been sheared.”

So for the aspiring Cotswold sheep keeper, what should a really good fleece feel like? Davina Stanhope says Cotswold wool should be soft and not coarse and certainly without any kemp.

Click here to view more:

British Wool Marketing Board

More Textiles News - United Kingdom...