The Suffolk is a large sheep known for producing both high quality wool and meat. They have a long, interesting history, which began with the wild Norfolk Horned Sheep. Since that time, the Suffolk has become quite popular, especially in the United States. A rugged animal, the Suffolk can do well in even the coldest, windiest climates. They are used to having to forage and graze for food, and can find fodder where many would think there was none. The rams can weigh anywhere from 250 pounds to well over 300 pounds, with the ewes weighing smaller at a little less than 200 and going up to 250 pounds. Suffolks are very muscular and are highly valued as a dual-purpose breed. They produce excellent meat as well as a dense, soft coat. An adult ewe can produce as much as eight pounds, with almost three-quarters of it being of good medium weight wool. The Suffolk is a large sheep. Their faces and lower legs are gray or light brown and their coat is usually white. The Suffolk is a cross between the Norfolk Horned Sheep, a black-faced sheep with impressive horns and the Southdown, a brown faced, polled sheep. The wild Norfolk Horned Sheep and the Southdown were first crossed and the Suffolk breed first established in 1810. The English Suffolk Society was started in 1886, and it was at this time that the registry and flockbooks were established. It was not until 1888 that Suffolks were exported to the United States. In 1888, however, G.B. Streeter from New York brought with him from England a prizewinning, young pair. Despite this early entry into the United States, it was not until 1919 that the Suffolk became known in the western part of the state. At this time, two rams were donated to the University of Idaho by the English Suffolk Sheep Society. When these sheep became known to the general public, many other people began to import the Suffolk. | 
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