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American Cormo Sheep Association
Charlotte Carlat, Sec/Treas
HC 59, Box 25
Broadus, MT 59317
PH (406)427-5449
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Cormo Sheep breeders owe the success of their sheep to the strict criteria of the ewes first bred in Tasmania had to meet: 1) their clean fleece weight must be high
2) their wool must have a fiber diameter 17 to 23 micron range
3) their body growth rate must be fast, and
4) they must have a high rate of fertility.
Because these criteria were so strict Downie did not want to leave his new breed to chance. Therefore he loaded a computer with all the needed statistics - not an easy job in 1961 - ad let the computer match the best ewes with the highest quality rams creating a genetically superior breed. With these careful steps taken in the creation of the Cormo breed we are now seeing amazing results.
Cormo selling points do not end with their wool quality, however. Cormo are considered to be "easy keepers". They are somewhat smaller than many breeds and, therefore, require 40% less feed than the larger breeds. They are also rugged animals. They thrive in the harsh climate of eastern Montana, the humidity of the East Coast, and the wetness of the northwest. Lambing is easy and multiple births are not uncommon. In assisted lambing situation, lamb crobs can be as high as 150% to 180%. Mothering instincts, lack of wool blindness and a high muscle to bone ratio is also notable in the breed.