Unraveling the Threads: A Closer Look at Leicester Longwools, and Robert Bakewell's Insights into the Influence of Soil & Climate on Wool Quality
Let's talk about Leicesters and their ecological history.
The Leicester Longwool Sheep are near and dear to my heart. I attended the Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association conferences as early as 2010, considering my dear friend started raising Leicesters in 2009. The Leicester Longwool sheep officially joined our Flying Fibers Flock in 2013, thanks to Kelly Miller of West Virginia, who kindly gifted me a breeding pair of Leicester Longwool sheep. Since then, our flock has remained steady. Sara and Fred, my original Leicester Longwool pair, have passed away from old age, and their dear daughters, Violet and Primrose, just celebrated their 9th birthday. We also have Ramuel, a wether born on our farm in 2014, and Elvira, a natural-colored Leicester Longwool, a wedding gift from Kelly. Thanks to the Leicester Longwools' robust fleece, these four sheep keep us in enough wool for our yearly clip and yarn batches.
What about the Leicester Longwools? What makes them unique? Quite a bit, but specifically, they were created by Robert Bakewell (yes, like the Bakewell Tart) during his journey into breed specificity in agriculture. Bakewell was a Renaissance scientist in the world of agriculture, and his legacy still lives on today. While we love the Leicester Longwools for their strong wool and kind demeanor, the historical aspect of Bakewell and his ecologically conscious legacy are the cherry on top of the Bakewell Tart.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-Bakewell
In my time at William & Mary, I’ve utilized their library for my school work and personal research. Considering Leicester Longwools are a vital part of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, I found it interesting to research this breed of sheep and the man who created them. I stumbled upon an interesting article that directly relates sheep and soil health to the output of good wool. This was extremely interesting to me as a shepherdess who focuses on farm yarns. Bakewell’s work continues to highlight the importance of maintaining the health of our land for the health of our animals to create a beautiful, woolly world for all.
In agriculture, few figures have left a lasting impact as profound as Robert Bakewell. One of his written works, "Observations on the Influence of Soil and Climate upon Wool," remains a cornerstone in understanding the intricate relationship between environmental factors and wool quality. This article delves into Bakewell's insights, exploring the profound implications for improving English clothing wools and safeguarding the health of sheep.
Bakewell's observations underscore the significance of the interaction between soil and climate in shaping the characteristics of wool. He meticulously examined how variations in these factors could result in distinct qualities within the fleece of English sheep. His work provides valuable insights for contemporary farmers seeking to enhance the quality of their wool through a deeper understanding of local soil and climate conditions.
Bakewell's research continued beyond mere observations; he proposed a specific and easy method for improving English clothing wools. By implementing thoughtful adjustments in husbandry practices based on local soil and climate, Bakewell believed farmers could witness a marked enhancement in wool quality. The simplicity of his method makes it accessible to a wide range of agricultural practitioners, providing a practical approach to wool improvement.
https://www.lindahall.org/about/news/scientist-of-the-day/robert-bakewell/
Beyond the commercial aspect of wool production, Bakewell recognized the importance of maintaining the health of sheep. His findings advocate for a holistic approach to farming, considering not only the quality of wool but also the overall well-being of the animals. Farmers can draw from Bakewell's wisdom to establish sustainable practices prioritizing wool quality and sheep health.
Interestingly, Bakewell extended his inquiry to the post-shearing phase, offering valuable hints for effectively managing sheep. This holistic approach highlights Bakewell's commitment to comprehensively understanding the wool production process, from pre-shearing considerations to post-shearing care.
Bakewell's work goes beyond English sheep breeds, delving into how the Spanish breed can preserve the best qualities of its fleece in varied climates. His insights into the structural intricacies of wool and hair formation provide a foundation for maintaining the excellence of the Spanish breed even in diverse environmental conditions.
Robert Bakewell's observations on the influence of soil and climate on wool remain a timeless contribution to agriculture and shepherding. The specific and easy method laid out in his article offers practical solutions for farmers looking to enhance the quality of English clothing wool while prioritizing the health of their sheep. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, Bakewell's insights serve as a guiding light, reminding us of the profound impact that environmental factors can have on the wool that we use, wear, and love daily.
Bibliography
Bakewell, Robert, and John Southey Somerville Somerville. Observations on the Influence of Soil and Climate upon Wool; from Which Is Deduced, a Certain and Easy Method of Improving the Quality of English Clothing Wools, and Preserving the Health of Sheep; : With Hints for the Management of Sheep after Shearing: An Inquiry into the Structure, Growth, and Formation of Wool and Hair; and Remarks on the Means by Which the Spanish Breed of Sheep May Be Made to Preserve the Best Qualities of Its Fleece Unchanged in Different Climates. Philadelphia: Published by Kimber and Conrad, no. 93, Market Street. William Fry, printer., 1814. Print.