Black Rams put on a show.

On Saturday the 27th of August 2022 the black Lincoln breeders near Lincolnshire gathered to look over the rams in the Association.

Robin Cooper provided the venue, and is due huge thanks for her efforts to set up pens and organize refreshments as well as bringing out her excellent rams from the Ebony flock. The Skylark flock and Shadow flock also brought along their rams to give a really good idea of the different blood-lines available for Black Lincolns.

It was rewarding to see the range of sheep available and the diversity of blood lines.

The pedigrees of the adult rams had been printed out, showing the large number of white flocks that had contributed over the years to the blacks. Therefore it has been possible to avoid inbreeding and see substantial difference in the wool of different rams.

There was much discussion on the merits of the different colours and textures of the fleeces and in the end it was clear that the end use was the principle guide to what is a good fleece. Keen dyers want pale grey to show of the interaction between fleece and dye, While natural spinners like a fleece with a range of colours in to give variety to the finished product.

Our young handlers enjoyed the event, and were able to demonstrate their skills.

Finally a rogues gallery of all the participants showing off the impressive mature rams, most of which behaved very well.