Coloured Ryelands & Dorper Sheep

Coloured Ryelands & Dorper Sheep

The start of Sandhillls Coloured Ryelands & Dorper Sheep

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The Evolving Flock at Sandhills

Our sheep journey began in 2020 with a small group of Coloured Ryelands. Since then, the flock has grown in both scale and purpose. More recently, Dorper sheep have joined the farm, adding a new dimension to our breeding programme and long‑term goals. Today, both breeds play an important and complementary role at Sandhills.

Coloured Ryelands

Our Journey So Far

2020–2021 We began with three ewe lambs. In April 2021 they produced our first lamb crop: two sets of twins and a single — Brenda and Bear, Bunny, Buster and Beano.

2022 One set of twins and two singles followed: Connie, Coco, Caesar and Cleopatra.

2023 A strong year with three sets of twins and two singles: Dapper, Diamond Geezer, Dusty, Dandy, Diamond, Destiny, Diva and Dora.

2024 A more challenging lambing season, but we welcomed a majority of ewe lambs and one ram lamb. Our tup lamb Enzo has been retained for future breeding thanks to his excellent fleece, bone and conformation.

Tupping & Scanning

2024 Tupping Two tups, Draco and Commander, were used across 11 ewes. Both marked quickly, and Draco brings exciting new bloodlines.

2025 Lambing Nine ewe lambs and three ram lambs arrived — all healthy and thriving.

2025 Tupping Three tups are being used this year: Enzo, Commander and Edgar, who will help add the width we are aiming for.

Dorper Sheep

As the flock has developed, we have introduced Dorper sheep to complement our Ryelands and support our long‑term goals.

Dorpers are known for:

  • Excellent meat qualities
  • Impressive growth rates
  • Hardy, low‑maintenance characteristics
  • Suitability for both commercial production and showing

We have reduced Ryeland numbers slightly to allow the Dorper flock to expand. Early results have been extremely positive, and we are excited to develop this side of the flock further.

Looking Ahead

Both breeds now have a clear place in our future:

  • Coloured Ryelands continue to provide strong, well‑built lambs with excellent temperaments.
  • Dorper sheep bring versatility, performance and new opportunities for meat production and the show ring

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Sandhills Alpacas,
Sandhills Farm Cottage,
Ness Lane, Tockwith
YO26 7QL
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