[janeh]

Hello, thanks for letting me be on the forum. We have recently moved into a small farm (9.3acres) in Teesdale, County Durham. We haven't any animals at the moment although I have ordered a hen shed. We have a barn and some other buildings that are mostly falling down.

We are thinking about getting some sheep and maybe some cattle, but haven't taken the plunge yet. I like the ideas of some fairly traditional breeds. I grew up on a farm, but it's different having to make my own decisions instead of criticising my dad! We've been pulling thistles out of the hedges most recently.
Best wishes,
Jane

[nimbusllama]

Hi Jane
Sorry no-one has been along to welcome you, but it is hello from Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire  I am sure you will find this site useful in helping you to decide on the way forward.

[SallyintNorth]

Welcome [member=173791]janeh[/member] 

What breeds were you considering?    Lots of interesting choices for traditional in that part of the world.  Have you planned to go along to Masham Sheep Fair next weekend (30 Sept / 1 Oct) and have a recce?

[janeh]

Thanks for the welcome everyone. Also thanks for the tip about the Masham show. I hadn't heard of that one. I was considering fairly primitive breeds such as Shetland and Hebridean sheep so far. My children might be a bit sheeped out as we have been to a lot of shows recently. Mind you, they'll be happy as long as they get an ice cream!

Thanks,
Jane

[Penninehillbilly]

Hi and welcome Jane, sorry i missed your introduction,  know the feeling about taking the plunge, i have goats, would love to have pigs and cows but used to rely on my dad for knowledge, i just did the labouring.

[SallyintNorth]

Thanks for the welcome everyone. Also thanks for the tip about the Masham show. I hadn't heard of that one. I was considering fairly primitive breeds such as Shetland and Hebridean sheep so far. My children might be a bit sheeped out as we have been to a lot of shows recently. Mind you, they'll be happy as long as they get an ice cream!

Thanks,
Jane

Oh, there's excellent ice cream, and a lot of entertainment (much of it appealing to kids) along with the 'proper' sheep show.  It looks like the primitives are all on the Sunday this year, but there are some interesting breeds on the Saturday too.  Wish I could come with you - I love helping people choose their sheep breed!