Romney

The Romney comes from Romney Marsh in Kent, a low, wet, exposed stretch of southeast England, and the breed's defining qualities all come from surviving there. They are resistant to footrot and to internal parasites to a degree most breeds are not, which is a direct result of centuries on wet ground.

They are large, polled and white, with a long, lustrous fleece that hangs in distinct locks. Handspinners buy Romney fleeces specifically, and the wool takes dye well.

Ewes are good mothers and lamb without much help.

The trade is climate mismatch. A breed adapted to a cool, wet maritime climate does not handle heat and humidity well, and the heavy fleece works against them in a hot summer. In the right climate the parasite resistance is worth real money in avoided drenching.