5 reasons why we should support Rare breeds

You may have noticed a number of Muddy Carrot sellers farm rare breeds.

North Ronaldsay Lamb

The British Isles has been home to an amazing range of native breeds.  In years gone by very few dairy cows in the field would have been the standard black and white Friesian cattle that have become so common today.  In fact even the simple fawn  and white Guernsey cattle I have fond memories of my family farming are infrequently seen due to their less commercial milk yields and higher fat content.

 

Over time, and with the need for farmers to turn a profit there has been a drive, spurred on by the supermarkets, to standardise our farm animals.  Modern breeds on commercial farms have been bred to provide optimum milk, or lean meat output and dual purpose animals have been phased out. 

The drive to higher yields has already lost us many breeds that we will never get back.  Many of these could have proved useful in improving breeding stock in the future, with their special characteristics peculiar to the breed.  One example of this is the Limestone Sheep.  It was a hardy hill breed that produced high quality wool.  Unlike modern breeds it could give birth at any time of the year.

5 reasons why we should care about Rare Breeds:

• Preserve our heritage
• Keep alive as wide a gene pool as possible
• Few commercial breeds can survive in more hostile environments
• Diversity makes for a richer countryside
• Many less commercial breeds provide a better flavour or other qualities

Wool and Feathers Bag

A great deal of effort is put into preserving rare breeds today.  The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) are key to making this happen.  They work with dedicated farmers all over the country monitoring the numbers of each of our native breeds and the dangers that could affect them.

Wool and Feathers breed North Ronaldsay and Shetland sheep.  The North Ronaldsay in its native island lives entirely on seaweed found on the shoreline.  It is only more recently that flocks have been established elsewhere to prevent the whole breed being wiped out through catastrophes like foot and mouth.

Wool and Feathers make the most of their fabulous sheep.  They make beautiful crafts either using spun or felted wool; we love this gorgeous picture – it would look fantastic on any wall.  And the coarser wool is bagged for keen bird lovers for bird nests. 

If you’re a farmer, and feel inspired to breed some rare breeds, take a look at some of the livestock available through Muddy Carrot.