Southdown Sheep

Size:

For the Southdown the bodyweight of Ewes is 50-80kgs and Rams 100- 1 50kgs and the colour is mouse coloured faces and dark nostrils and the wool is very fine down type and dense with a short staple.

Category:

Southdown are a Meat breed and the advantages for production is that they have a very superior fine grained sweet and succulent meat, handling requirements are the same as for the Romney and so is their temperament. Their reproduction is very prolific with little trouble of getting 200% lambing.

The history of the breed:

Southdown sheep came to New Zealand in the 1860's and in the 1950's in particular was one of the main breeds used to cross over the Romney Ewe to get the early lamb for the British market. The Breed is suitable for small blocks but like the Romney it must be cared for and not just left as something in the paddock of the lifestyle block holders.

Costs:

he cost in the market is again dependant on the supply and demand and like the Romney at present it is paying its way as long as it is good quality and true to the breed.

Organisation:

The Society has a membership of 76 members from throughout New Zealand, is administered by a Council of 10 and the Office is situated in Feilding.