Ryeland Sheep Stud

Ryelands are classified as an Endangered Breed by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia and also are one of the nine heritage breeds that were the foundation of the sheep and wool industry in Australia

There are currently only 15 Ryeland studs in Australia consisting of less than 600 breeding ewes between them, with over 50% of the ewes owned by only two breeders. This puts this breed in a very vulnerable position.

Once a popular terminal sire of prime lambs, the naturally hornless Ryeland was used in the development of the Poll Dorset to introduce the polled (hornless) gene.

At Pear Tree Farm the aim of the breeding program is to produce true to type Ryeland sheep with good constitution and excellent temperament. We keep only a small number of ewes which allows us to give individual attention to our sheep and to enjoy their delightful personalities.

Regular faecal tests are conducted to reduce unnecessary use of chemicals and to date worm counts have been very low and drenching has not been necessary.

Ryeland sheep are not mulesed.

The only breed of sheep in Australia in which some sheep are mulesed is Merino.

Pear Tree Farm is a registered stud with Australian Stud Sheep Breeders' Association and a member of Heritage Sheep Australia. The Stud is Brucellosis Accredited and since 2005 all lambs have been vaccinated against OJD.