Breeds of Sheep in the USA

Sheep fill a unique need today, just as they have for thousands of years. In todays day and age, we have many fibers to choose from and varying grades of wools. Knowing about the breeds of sheep may help you decide if a particular wool would be best used for a carpet, woven into suit fabric or knit up into a cozy woolen sweater.

Click on the links below to find more about the other sheep classifications in the USA.

Fine Wool Sheep

Cormo originated in Tasmania, Australia from 1/4 Lincoln x 1/4 Australian Merino x 1/2 Superfine Saxon Merino and was introduced into the U.S. in 1976. They produce a white, long stapled, high yielding fine-wool fleece with a high degree of fiber uniformity.
  • AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETER
    Micron 17-23
    USDA Wool Grade 62s-80s
  • GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT Ewe 5-8 lb - WASHING YIELD 45-55%
  • STAPLE LENGTH 2 1/2 - 4"
Debouilette was developed in New Mexico in 1920 from Delaine Merino x Rambouillet crosses. It is medium-sized, white-faced with wool on the legs, producing a high-quality, long-stapled, fine-wool fleece.
  • AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETER
    Micron 18-22
    USDA Wool Grade 62s-80s
  • GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT Ewe 9 1/2 - 14 lb - WASHING YIELD 45-55%
  • STAPLE LENGTH 3-5"
Merino were developed from the Spanish Merino and has an unbroken line of breeding for more than 1,200 years. Modern Merinos have wool extending down the legs. They are hardy and are long lived. They produce very high-quality, fine-wool fleeces.
  • AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETER
    Micron 17-22
    USDA Wool Grade 62s-80s
  • GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT Ewe 9-14 lb - WASHING YIELD 45-54%
  • STAPLE LENGTH 2 1/2 - 4"
Rambouilette were developed from the Spanish Merino in France and Germany and is the foundation of most Western U.S. range flocks. The Rambouillet is the largest of the fine-wool breeds, and is also long lived.
  • AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETER
    Micron 19-24
    USDA Wool Grade 60s-70s
  • GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT Ewe 10-15 lb - WASHING YIELD 45-55%
  • STAPLE LENGTH 2 1/2 - 4"

CONTACT:

Jim and Lynn Snell
801.668.0563
1640 S. 600 E
SLC,UT 84105
email: spinderellas523@msn.com

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