 The range of grass
covered chalk hills running East and West along
the South East coast of England in Sussex and
Kent, produced the Southdown over 500 years
ago.
They came to Australia as early as
the 1790’s. Their reputation as a superior sire
of prime lambs is well known, and up to 90% of
New Zealands ‘Canterbury Lamb’ is produced by
Southdown rams.
The wool is shorter,
denser and finer (25-23 microns) than other
downs breeds, and was used in England for fine
wool suitings in the early days, prior to their
importation of Merino wool for this
purpose.
The lambs are noted for early
maturity. Over recent years, breeders have
developed a heavier and longer Southdown in
order to compete with other downs
breeds.
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