6 OF THE BEST... goats and sheep for smallholders

1 SHROPSHIRE The breed’s natural docility makes them ideal for the smallholding novice. Shropshire wool is also perfect for hardwearing knitted items such as hats and socks.

2 SOAY Small, goat-like sheep, which are good for conservation grazing. They naturally shed their fleeces every year and aren’t as susceptible to common ailments such as foot rot and flystrike compared with commercial breeds.

3 WILTSHIRE HORN Another sheep that doesn’t need shearing, Wiltshire Horns are prolific breeders, often producing twins and triplets. Plus they make a tasty meat breed.

4 ROMNEY A long-woolled sheep that’s renowned for its independence, resistance to disease and longevity, plus it is excellent for wool and meat.

5 JACOB These well-known horned sheep make easy lambers and great mothers. Jacobs are also bred for their lean, flavoursome meat and soft wool.

6 BRITISH SAANEN Placid, high-yield milking goats, Saanens are the country’s most popular goat breed for delicious dairy produce.