The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: epherdwicks on November 12, 2020, 06:34:52 pm
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I was asked if a ram I have for sale is MV accredited. I only have a small flock of, currently, 16 Herdwicks, of which all but three are homebred, so have never considered this as a factor for potential buyers. Is it worth the hassle to get accredited?
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I wouldn't think so. I believe obtaining MV status is costly. You could only bring on MV sheep and Herdwicks aren't generally MV given the vast majority graze the fells/open ground so there are no hard boundaries. Your sheep could not mix with non mv sheep on your holding or be in a field next to non MV sheep.
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We went MV a few years ago because we intended to start showing.
In reality we've only sold two sheep to other MV accredited flocks so far, and the only real benefit to us is that we can borrow a tup.
Harmony is right, it is costly too. Less so once you're already on the scheme, but getting onto it in the first place requires more regular tests and it all adds up.