Australian Border Leicester Association

About the Business

While the Border Leicesters beginnings are very much British its impact on the Australian sheep industry has been enormous.

Since its arrival in the early 1880s the Border Leicester breed has established itself as the premier material breed in the country. When mated to Merino ewes the daughters of this cross are excellent prime lamb mothers. They are renowned for their good mothering ability, excellent milk production and high lambing percentages. When mated to terminal sires these ewes produce quality lambs for both the export and domestic markets.

Over the years there have been many trials run to find out the best ewes to use in prime lamb production. While Border Merino ewes have al- ways performed well in these trials, it is out on farms that her ability to produce large numbers of quality lambs over a wide range of climatic conditions that has made her number one.

The main reason for this success is the excellent work and commitment of stud breeders. As we move into this new century these breeders will continue to improve the breed to keep Border Leicester’s a vital part of the lamb industry.