It's always nice to have a local breed, but it can also be nice to have one from another area. Especially if it's a rare breed, needing help to establish breeding flocks outside its own geographical area. And less competition for prizes and sales
- although of course they maybe wouldn't always have their own classes or sections.
To which end, the suggestion of Rough Fell might be a good one. It's very rare even in its own area. jaykay used to keep them and I'm pretty sure she reckoned to sell all the boys fat before winter.
Another breed that could do with some flocks outside its own area is the Exmoor Horn. I love these sheep
. On decent ground the lambs should fatten in one year, and like the Rough Fell they're hardy. Oh, and they have tremendous feet
However, it might be that you would find it hard to find buyers for your ewe lambs of these breeds, as they are not seen in your area.
Other breeds that are uncommon or rare but which are found in your area include the Kerry Hill and the black NC Cheviot. mowhaugh has flocks of both of these.
I hear that there are Lleyns in your area too, and something being called a 'Highland Lleyn' - I would have thought that these would be good commercial ewes, so should sell well. But you'd need to check that out for yourself, as I'm passing on hearsay with that one.