SHEEP - SOUTHDOWN

Experience the serenity of counting sheep with a visit to our woolly Southdowns.

Hailing from the rolling hills of Sussex, England, Southdown sheep are one of the oldest and most renowned British sheep breeds. They are the first recognised breed of British sheep introduced to Australia, arriving with some of the first British colonists in the late 1700s.

They are what many Australian might picture when envisioning a ‘traditional’ sheep. They are a small to medium-sized breed with a compact, muscular build. Their short, broad heads boast distinctive Roman noses, while their ears stand proudly erect. Sturdy, straight legs carry them with grace, and their woolly faces seem almost teddy-bear like, appearing to be be fixed in a permanent smile. Both sexes are polled (or naturally hornless). Their squat bodies are wrapped in fine, dense wool, coloured in shades of light brown or grey.

Female sheep, called ‘ewes’, typically weigh between 59 and 82 kilograms, while their male counterparts, known as ‘rams’ are slightly heavier, weighing between 82 and 113 kilograms. Desexed males are called ‘wethers’, and baby lambs are born after a pregnancy lasting approximately five months. Southdown sheep have an expected life span of between 10 to 12 years.

Their diet consists of grazing on pasture and forage, supplemented with hay, grains, minerals, and fresh water to maintain their health and well-being. Here at White Ridge Farm, our fleecy friends also enjoy a daily treat of fresh fruits and vegetables.

These sheep are cherished for their tender and flavourful meat, making them prominent players in the meat production industry.

They typically have a gentle and docile disposition, making them calm and easy to handle. Their tame temperament also makes them particularly suitable for agricultural breeding and shows, as well as for use in programs in the educational setting.