About Romney Sheep

The Romney sheep breed, originally called the Romney Marsh, was first bred in the county of Kent in England. Kent is known for heavy rainfall and windy conditions, which results in lush pasture lands but rather challenging conditions for raising sheep. The Romney breed was developed for its natural resistance to foot rot and wool or fleece that remains healthy and usable in wet weather. The breed has been transported around the world and is found in many sheep-raising countries.

  1. Romney Sheep Uses

    • According to the Oklahoma State University Department of Animal Science, the Romney sheep is a dual-purpose breed, producing quality meat as a slaughter animal and high-quality wool. Dual-purpose breeds provide sheep raisers with two opportunities for cash income from their flock.

    Meat Production

    • Romney sheep are commonly grass-fed until they reach slaughter weight, producing a lean meat. Adult male Romney sheep mature at about 250 pounds, while ewes can weigh as much as 200 pounds. Lambs are usually slaughtered at lower weights at the end of the summer or in the fall of the same year they are born. According to Oklahoma State University, Romney sheep carcasses consistently grade prime or choice on the USDA meat grade standards.

    Wool Production

    • The fleece or wool of the Romney sheep is prized for its quality and is particularly sought by hand spinners. The natural color of the wool ranges from a light cream to nearly black. Ideal animals produce a uniform color of wool from their entire body. The Romney sheep is considered one of the most prolific wool-producing breeds, with ewes producing an average of 10 pounds each year. Common uses for Romney wool include sweaters, coats and carpets.

    Worldwide Distribution

    • The Romney sheep is the common breed in New Zealand and the Falkland Islands. The climates of these areas closely resemble the climate in the County of Kent in England. The breed has also been exported to other parts of the world with wet and windy climates.

    Romney Sheep in America

    • The first Romney sheep were brought to Oregon in 1904 and the breed has spread from there. The American Romney Breeders Association was established in 1912 and still exists to serve as a registering agency for purebred Romney sheep. The American Romney sheep includes bloodlines imported from both England and New Zealand.