Sheep Sales - UK and Europe

We sell sheep both within the UK and for export to Europe (which comply with E.U regulations). Below are some question and answers. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us:

Question: Which Breeds of sheep do you sell?
Answer: We have a wide variety of sheep but the below are the most popular (see breeds of sheep for more information)

• Herdwick (Local Cumbrian breed tolerant of cold, hill grazing etc. Excellent for nature reserves)

• Swaledales (Bold and hardy. Suitable for exposed high lying areas)

• Hebridean (Rare breed of Northern short tail. Excellent in all weathers. Ewes make great mothers yeilding plenty of milk and producing quality lambs. Good for controlling brush and weeds)

• Shetlands (With a 100 years of history these were probably brought to Scotland by vikings. Naturally hardy and long living. Easy lambing and suited to harsh conditions. Good for wool)

• North Country Cheviots (Produces hardy, good milkers and prime lambs)

• Kerry Hills (Handsome with black marked face. Produces extremely soft wool)

These are a general idea of what sheep we have available but please contact us as we can acquire any rare breed of sheep.

Question: What Quality Guarantees come with the sheep?
Answer: For European export, all sheep are Scrapie tested, carry the Innovis DNA certificate, ARR/ARR Genotype certifcate and breeding certificate. For UK, other genotypes are available, please ask.
(all tests are carried out by Paragon Veterinarian Practice of Newbiggin, Cumbria. Paragon vets have worked with Mayson for the past 6 years and do all the blood tests, vacinations, animal health inspections to do with export and farm work).

Question: I live in Europe and want to buy sheep, who do I contact?
Answer: We have experience in selling sheep to Europe and have two agents based in Europe, one in the Netherlands and one in Germany. Please visit our contact page for more information and contact details.

Question: How long is the process for sheep to be exported to Europe and do you require a deposit?
Answer: It takes 2-4 months to satisfy exportation rules as defined by DEFRA. We require a 20% downpayment at the time of order and further payments will be arranged prior to exporting of the sheep.

Question: When is the best time to take delivery?
Answer: Ewes or rams can be purchased between May and November. Sheep can be bought at other times but please contact us for arrangements.

Question: Where do the sheep originate?
Answer: Sheep sold from Dowthwaite Head Farm are either home bred or purchased from established breeders who can supply detailed background information.