Corriedale wool ranging from 25 to 30 microns diameter. Fleece from a mature ewe will weigh with a staple length of . After cleaning, a yield of 50 to 60% of the raw fleece weight is common. Mature rams will weigh ; ewes can weigh from . This breed was developed in Australia and New Zealand by extensive breeding and culling as a cross between Merino and Lincoln sheep The goal was to develop a breed that would thrive in lower rainfall areas and supply long-staple wool. James Little was the original breeder. The name comes from a property in the
Rare breed (agriculture) quality produce. Rare breed (agriculture) In modern agriculture, a rare breed is a breed of poultry or livestock that has a very small breeding population, usually from a few hundred to a few thousand. Because of their small numbers, rare breeds may have a threatened conservation status, and they may be protected under regional laws. Many countries have organizations devoted to the protection and promotion of rare breeds, for which they each have their own definition. In botany and horticulture, the parallel to rare animal breeds are heirloom plants, which are rare cultivars. There are several definitions of "breed" and