We've got a small (four acre) croft, with only about an acre and a half of really good improved grazing- the rest is very rough ground, more heather than grass. We also have a common grazing share. We're on Skye so the weather isn't really on our side either
We need to be realistic with what we take on. Goats are too much work, pigs would destroy the place, cattle probably would need a bigger croft and/or masses of bought in feed. So, sheep it is then. I'm not a complete novice with sheep but it's generally just small flocks of pet ones that I've been involved with before.
I think blackies would be the best bet given how rough much of the ground is. I am fortunate to have a guy locally who can slaughter and butcher for me (yes I know I couldn't then sell the meat). We could probably eat our way through two or three sheep per year without getting sick of it, but I don't see us wanting to eat much more than that.
I have a neighbour who is happy to join forces at tupping, shearing, dosing- possibly even lambing time. Which is good because I don't really have facilities (one small wooden floored shed, not ideal for keeping stock in).
So, over to you guys- if it was your place, what would you do?