We have been raising cormos for just a few years now after raising meat and longwools. We find the cormo to be our favorite. Their wool is excellent for fiber artists. The animal produces more usable, high quality wool than any other breed we have had. When covered the fiber brings premium prices from handspinners. The sheep are easy to handle, excellent mothers, and basically easy keepers.

The Cormo was developed in Tasmanina by Ian Downie in 1960. He cross bred Corriedale rams with Superfine Saxon Merino ewes. The outcome was a more fertile, higher wool produing larger framed sheep. The breed was brought to the United States in 1976 by Travis Jones. Later he and a few others from the west purchased 500 ewes and 25 rams. Strict guidelines are still followed to ensure the continued success of the breed.

Cormo sheep produce an exceptionally soft, dense white wool with a micron range of 21 - 23. It has a staple length of 2 ¼ to 4 inches long. The fleece is very resistant to fleece rot. It is excellent for hand spinners. Often used to knit baby items since it is so soft next to the skin.

Cormos grow quickly and produce an excellent flavored lamb. At maturity a ewe will weigh 120 - 160 lbs and rams 160 - 200 lbs. They have a very laid back easy going disposition. Ewes are good mothers and have a high rate of twins. Lamb crops can be as high as 150% - 180%.

Cormos are a bit smaller than some breeds and consume 40% less grain and feed than larger sheep. They are very rugged and can thrive in the harsh climates of Montana, the humid Midwest & east coast, as well as the wet the north west Scientific breeding has given the Cormo a remarkable range of commercial virtues. These include:

• Long staple, white high-yield wool (average fleece weight 12 lbs)
• Soft, dense fleece with exceptional consistency
• Resistance to fleece rot and dermatitis
• Open faces
• Easy management with no stalling required