SHEEP FARMING
The stratified sheep system is unique to the UK, and is perfectly designed to play on the
strengths of different breeds
and the environments and habitats of the country. The UK is made up of a huge range of
terrains and landscapes, playing
host to approximately 90 different sheep breeds and crosses.
Click here to find out more about different sheep breeds in the UK. While not every sheep
farm in the UK is involved in
the stratified system, operating a ‘closed flock’ instead (one that has little or no
exchange of breeding animals with
other farms), the stratified system is widespread and very important. Of those farms
involved in the stratified system,
there will be considerable variation – some only being involved in one tier, other in
two, and a small number having all
three tiers within their business