[smudger]

Of course I meant west. But thinking about it, wet Exmoor is actually more accurate! 

We bought our holding last year and now getting serious about livestock (hence need for advice and opinions!). Currently have a few hens, but aiming to breed rare poultry and perhaps other RB animals (if we don't, real farmers certainly won't).

Purchased some sheep over the last few months - Greyface dartmoors (RB) and Shetlands. Waiting for two to lamb right this minute (knackered, can hardly keep eyes open, what'll it be like next year with 20?).

Looking for RB ducks, 2 no. Dexter cattle, 2-4 no. Golden Guernsey Goats, weaner pigs (Large Blacks, GOS or other rare breeds). Also a collie bitch from good lines and of course a dartmoor GF and Shetland ram. Great to hear if anyone in N Devon/ west Exmoor has any stock.

[JulieS]

Hello and welcome 

I'm near Bideford and can help with GOS weaners when you are ready.

www.fordmillfarm.co.uk

[Rosemary]

Hi and welcome from overcast Carnoustie

If you have room for cattle and want to support a rare breed, can I suggest that you consider the Shetland over the Dexter (which isn't a rare breed)?

We have Shetlands (hence the bias) but they really ARE rare and need support. Don't know why they are rare as they are small, thrifty, hardy, bonny, good natured (at least ours are - see videos on the main website and the forums), suitable for beef and milk (and the beef is superb - ask Andrew and Ayeskint on here, who both had it for lunch yesterday). If you want any more information, contact the Sheland Cattle Breeders Association - the Secretary is immensely helpful and will put you in touch with breeders in your area who will be happy to show off their stock.

[smudger]

Julie - thx, will give you a call in a month or so, once lambs are settled. 

Rosemary, thx for recommendation regarding Shetland cattle. I a making some enquiries already!  As I am at 1000ft and want to farm in a low impact way, then hardy livestock is what I am after (did think about organic, but with only 20 acres, not cost effective as the costs are quite high and with extra paperwork not worth it).

[SallyintNorth]

Welcome smudger  from equally if not more wets north Cumbria!

I used to be in Exmoor and aroundabout that area, only left because farms had become too expensive for actual farmers to buy!

There's a flock of Shetland sheep (or there were) in North Devon, can't quite remember where but they sell their meat and fleece (or did do) at Lynton Farmers' Market among others.

You'll be members of DASH?

As to what'll it be like with 20 sheep - actually I think it's easier with a few more, as there's more happening keeping you busy.  Watching and waiting and wondering is tiring!

[Horse & Farm]

Welcome from Cumbria

If you are looking for RB Cattle i would go with Rosemary on chooseing Shetlands as we were pointed in there direction via this forum and now the proud owners of two Heifers and looking to buy more. The Shetland Cattle Breeders' Association (SCBA). www.shetlandcattle.org.uk are so helpfull and at the end of the phone for advice.

Welcome to the forum again 

[lill]

Hi and welcome to the forum from central scotland

[plumseverywhere]

Welcome from Worcestershire 

Good luck with the RB's!! looking forward to hearing how you are getting on.

I'm having 2 ewe's scanned tomorrow to see if we are lambing so I might be joining you in the watchign and waiting game soon!

[deepinthewoods]

hi from cornwall

[Rosemary]

To whet your appetite, smudger

First photo is of our bullock, Henry, at five days old. Second photo is off his mother.

[Rosemary]

No, the first one is of Henry's dam. This one is of Henry at 5 days old.

[Miss Piggy]

Hi and welcome from a wet Cardigan Bay    Love the pics Rosemary

[Lesley Silvester]

   Hi and welcome from rainy Shropshire.

Lovely looking beasts Rosemary.

[smudger]

Thanks for all the posts. Been busying lambing. Hard work. about 6hrs sleep since sunday night. I have a post in sheep, need help and advice.

[coppergon]

Are you still looking for some of this livestock?? We have Golden Guernseys, Large Black weaners and Large Black gilts if you are still interested. Mid Cornwall area!!