Romeldale CVM Sheep
Romeldale CVM sheep are one of the rarest breeds of sheep in the United States. The Romeldale breed was developed in California during the early 1900s as a cross between New Zealand Marsh Romney and Rambouillet. They are a dual purpose breed providing a mild flavored meat and a fine fiber. Romeldale were originally bred for the more commercially accepted white fleece. During the 1970s, color patterned lambs were born. This patterned part of the breed was further developed through thoughtful breeding. This breeding for fleece with colors and patterns created the California Variegated Mutant or CVM portion of the breed.
Romeldale CVM fleece comes in many different colors, can have several different shades/colors within one fleece, and can have spots. The fleece generally darkens and softens as the animal ages. The fiber is soft enough for next to skin wear with micron counts ranging from 20-25. Our sheep are coated to help keep their fleeces as clean as possible. With a variety of colors and soft fleece that is easy to spin, these sheep are a fiber artist's dream come true!
Additional history and information regarding this breed may be found at the National Romeldale CVM Conservancy and The Livestock Conservancy websites.
Breeding Program
We began our flock in January 2012 with four bred ewes. We now manage our own breeding program with consideration for breed standards, quality fleece, good conformation, and a variety of color patterns. It is a privilege to steward this critically endangered breed of sheep.
Our methods for raising our animals include access to pasture, hay, and free choice minerals. During the autumn and winter months they are also fed natural and organically sprayed fruit from our orchard. We deworm infrequently, and make decisions based upon FAMACHA testing. Vaccinations are administered, but we limit the use of antibiotics.
Lambs and adult ewes and rams are available for purchase for your fiber flock or your breeding program. All of our breeding animals are registered with the National Romeldale CVM Conservancy.
Our Flock
We have a flock of 100+ sheep which includes several breeding rams. Our lambing season takes place each April.
If you are interested in reserving/purchasing a lamb, yearling, or adult for your small farm, fiber flock, or breeding flock fill out our Inquiry Form. Deposits to reserve sheep are taken through our website to help with planning. If we do not have enough sheep to meet your needs, we will help you to locate additional sheep from other breeders. We work together with other farms to ensure you have non-related lines and a variety of color patterns.
You are welcomed to contact us with any questions you may have or to discuss visiting the flock.
570-274-1268