Ostler Hill
Rare Breeds: English Leicester
Ethel Stephenson has been the doyenne breeder of English Leicester sheep in Australia. She ran a flock of over 100 English Leicester on a beautiful property near Benalla, Victoria.
Ethel took her sheep to shows including her final show Australia Sheep and Wool show in 2014 where she had the champion ram and ewe.
Ostlers Hill had white and coloured sheep on the property. Ethel paid careful attention to the characteristics of the wool in each "family" of sheep, keeping careful records. An artificial insemination program was used to ensure breeding lines were the best possible.
Ethel cared for her sheep like family, hand feeding them and caring for them. She was often found in her barn late at night with them or their fleece.
Ethel retired from her flock in 2015.
"Nugget" showing off his ribbons at 2013 Australian Sheep and Wool Show while Ethel, his owner, and Nick, the judge and also English Leicester breeder, pose for picture
Ethel feeding one of her "ladies in waiting" about a month before lambing while the others look on.
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