The Berrichon is a large white faced, medium boned, well fleshed sheep
originating from the Cher region of France. It's primary role has been that of a terminal sire producing quick growing easy
fleshed lambs capable of being finished at a range of weights to suit varying market specifications and demands.
Berrichon breeders have concentrated on breeding sheep which can lamb
easily and are active at birth being quickly on to their feet and suckling. The Berrichon has a triangular shaped head and
is smooth over the shoulder and hip making it an ideal choice for gimmers, ewe hoggs and all first time lambers. The Berrichon
also has a tight skin and the wool is of a very high standard which has in the past been exported for use in high class wool
products in Japan.
The rams are very active and capable of serving large numbers of ewes
both under intensive and extensive systems. They are well fleshed all over with deep gigots and as a result of this Berrichon
sired lambs weigh very well.
The Berrichon ewes can lamb naturally all the year
round and also have the ability to lamb three times in two years under intensive systems. This ability to lamb out of
sesaon has led to the Berrichon being introduced to other breeds to produce cross bred females able to lamb earlier in the
season to capitalise on the normally higher price spring lamb trade. Berrichon ewes are very protective mothers with
strong maternal instincts.
Inter-Bred Champion Group of Three Kenilworth Show
2005
The very successful Statesman show ewe
winning numerous breed championships, now sold to the Kietle flock.
The very successful show team 2009
One of the Statesman show ewe lambs, now sold
to the Galtres flock
The very successful Three Counties Show
2008 which included overall and reserve breed champion
Swaledale ewe with Berrichon X lambs
One of the Statesman most successful males.
Jacob ewe with Berrichon X lambs
One of the Statesman most successful show
ewes, sold to Mr Thomas for 900gns
History
The Statesman Flock of Berrichons was established
in 2004 with the purchase of ewes and ewe lambs from some of the best flocks in the UK. All the females had something
in common - they were all very correct, substantial and stretchy (I do like big ewes, you can't breed a Shire from a Shetland!).
The udder on a big ewe is high up, more accessible for lambs.
The
stock ram was purchased from Carlisle. NEWARK HENRY had already won Cumberland Show and he also won the show
before the sale.
HENRY is very correct with terrific width of loin
and very deep, wide gigots. He also has a smashing sharp head with very white hair and all his attributes are passed on to
his progeny.
HENRY must have been the most consistent ram on the
show circuit 2005-2006, winning twenty of his twenty three breed classes and coming second in two. He won four Championships,
three Reserve Championships, five Male Championships and three Reserve Male Championships. He also featured in a very successful
Group of Three winning at R.A.S.E. and R.W.A.S and Interbreed at Kenilworth.
The Statesman Flock has won the Reid Minty Shield (flock gaining most points on the show circuit)
a number of times now.
