Blue Faced Leicesters, purchased from the Beechtree Farm flock, in Coopersville, Michigan, arrived at Windblest Farm in July of 2008.  Brenda Lelli, the breeder, was instrumental in the resurgence of the breed in the United States, and has worked tirelessly since to strengthen bloodlines through the careful selection of UK sires and semen.

Our interest in the Blue Faced Leicester developed began several years ago at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.  We spent time with Brenda and her husband, Mark, helping to prepare their sheep for the show ring and learning through conversation, about their appreciation for, and dedication to the breed.

As our own focus on wool farming grew, adding Blue Faced Leicesters, noted for their fine lustrous fleece, became a goal.  We joined the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program, which allowed us to import a starter flock of 5 ewes and 2 rams.  The first lambs were born on the farm in early March.

We took advantage of the Blue Faced ram to try some crossing on the White Border Leicesters, with the goal of improving fleece quality, and on our few remaining Oxfords, to produce some mule sheep.