All Aboard Farm

What is the difference between a CVM and a Romeldale?  A California Variegated Mutant (CVM) is just what you might expect; a mutation in the American Romeldale breed.  To be considered a CVM the animal has to possess 3 out the 7 traditional markings listed below.  Otherwise, it would fall into a random-patterned or solid natural colored Romeldale category.

Traditional CVM markings:

1. Badger markings on face:  dark eyes
2. Badger markings on face:  dark muzzle
3. Badger markings on face: striping down sides of face
4. Dark underbelly
5. Dark legs: either black or brown, or both (may have white markings in this area)
6. Dark chest (from the chin all the way to the underbelly)
7. Dark area under tail

Reverse Badger:  All above areas are light instead in the traditional black or brown and the rest of the animal’s body has dark wool.  This pattern can have random light and dark spots also on the animal. The original CVM’s had a barred face badger pattern which can still be seen today.

Romeldales come in 2 color varieties, white and natural colored.  White Romeldales can exhibit spots on their faces, ears, or legs.  The natural colored category breaks down into 2 groups, those with at least 3 of the traditional badger markings listed above will be considered a CVM, all of the others would fall into the random-patterned or natural colored category.  Natural colored Romeldales may also possess spots or striping but not enough to be a CVM.  The colors range from all most white, taupe, gray, to a deep chocolate and black.

There are 2 dominate traits the sets the CVM and Romeldale apart from all other sheep.  The first is "the fleece will not fade with age but may darken from birth to their first year". The second is "the fleece will soften as the animal ages".