Black Welsh Mountain Sheep

Welcome to our Black Welsh Mountain Sheep page.

American Black Welsh Mountain Sheep (BWMS)

What The Livestock Conservancy has to say about them:
"The Black Welsh Mountain is the only completely black sheep breed in Britain. It was developed in the mountains of Wales from black sheep that occurred in the Welsh Mountain breed, which was white. About a century ago, Welsh shepherds began to breed the black sheep together, also selecting for a finer fleece and improved body conformation. The resulting breed, also known by their Welsh name, Defaid Mynydd Duon, was recognized in 1922 with the establishment of the Black Welsh Mountain Sheep Society.
These sheep were first imported into North America in 1972 by Thomas Wyman of Easton, Maryland. A US breed registry was established in 1990, adopting the standard and rules of the British Society. It includes animals that are descendants of the Wye Heights flock and other registered British sheep. Black Welsh Mountain sheep are small to medium in size, with a mature ewe weighing around 100 lbs. and a mature ram between 132-143 lbs. Rams have attractive horns that curl around the ears; ewes are polled. They have gray skin. They are excellent foragers and excellent mothers, able to raise lambs on marginal pasture. The Black Welsh Mountain sheep standard requires that the breed must maintain its long tail; it may not be docked. The tail provides both cover and protection for the udder. As this breed is flystrike resistant, the tail is not a health hazard like it is with some other breeds. Their wool is short, thick, and densely stapled. The staple length is 5 to 10 cm, and the fiber diameter ranges between 28 to 36 microns. The average wool clip is three to four pounds per sheep. Black Welsh Mountain wool is attractive to hand spinners. The natural black color makes it valuable for use undyed or in combination with other wools, when it is used to make grays or in the manufacture of tweeds and other patterns. Black Welsh Mountain market lamb is considered premium meat in Britain, and their mild-flavored mutton has long been popular there as well. The breed is known for its hardiness and self-reliance, qualities that were important in its native environment. The breed has been described as intelligent and “eager to please.” They have been promoted as an exotic sheep breed in North America, and this has made them a well-kept secret in the sheep industry and among sheep producers. The breeds qualities, however, make the breed a natural choice for sustainable sheep producers. The Black Welsh Mountain should become better known as it is used in this production niche because the North American population is important for global conservation."

Ewes

Ewes are naturally polled (no horns), great mothers, tough on perceived threats, typically lamb 175%, personable as well as highly intelligent and a delight to engage with.

Lambs

Our lambs average 8 lbs at birth, jet black and silky coated, hardy, and utterly enjoyable to hold and behold their antics.

Rams

Majestic symmetrical horns grace their skulls and go into making beautiful crooks for shepherds later on. They are hardy, intelligent, protective, but honest and good natured.

About their Wool

We are just beginning our fiber journey here at Cottonwood Hollow Farm. We have been happy to learn more about our BWMS and their incredible fiber. If you are interested in trying some of their wool for yourself, please let us know, we shear every spring, and are happy to get these lovely fleeces into your hands.
The Livestock Conservancy has this to share on their Fiber Profile:
"Black Welsh Mountain wool can be fairly soft or quite crisp. Some will be suitable for cardigans or jackets, while some may work bet- ter for woven, tweed-style fabrics. Mill-spun yarns will generally hit a middle note in terms of texture. If you plan to buy a fleece, dis- cuss your intended project with the shepherd, in order to match the fiber quality to the purpose. A single fleece will likely provide enough for a sweater or for a cluster of mittens and hats. The wool is usually easy to process and work with. Kemp is rare; it may occur in the britch area, and that section can be sorted out for alternative uses. While carding may be the most familiar preparation method, combing can provide a delightful spinning experience and comparatively smooth yarn with a bit of loft."

Fleece weight - 2¼–5½ pounds (1–2.5 kg), usually 3–4 pounds (1.5–2 kg). Staple length - 2–4 inches (5–10 cm), usually 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm).
Fiber diameters - Generally 28–36 microns, although the North American breed association aims for a finer range of 26–32 microns.
Lock characteristics - Dense, firm, not especially long. Almost completely free of kemp. Individual fibers have significant crimp that is not organized in the locks, which blend together in a mass except at their slightly pointed tips.
Natural colors - Deep black, perhaps with a slight reddish cast.

About their Meat

The BWMS were bred as a dual purpose breed of sheep. Meaning, they were bred for their meat as well as their fleece. We believe that one way we can help save this breed of sheep is by raising them for their intended purpose, culling appropriately, and managing our flock to the breed standard.

What The American Black Welsh Sheep Association has to say about thir meat:
"The breed produces premium quality meat with a minimum of wasteful fat. It is richly colored, full flavored, but remains mild even when butchered as mutton. Finished purebred lambs average 30-40 pounds carcass weight."

This is a slower growing breed of sheep and thus we aim for harvesting yearling lamb, or hogget as it is called, this allows the individual to have a bit of a life and for the meat to have an opportunity to take on a higher Omega-3 percentage, to develop in nutrient density and flavor through fat marbling the meat. Some of the most delicious meat we have ever had was from a four year old BWMS, technically mutton and mouth-wateringly tender and delicious. We have found the meat to be incredibly rich, delicious. If you are interested in trying some, either cuts or whole/half (also cut and wrapped), please contact us, we're happy to have you help preserve this breed by getting them onto your dinner table.