Sheep Special: Quality breeding stock the cornerstone of Northumberland family farm

Bluefaced Leicester and North of England Blackface breeds lie at the heart of the Ridley family's sheep enterprise

Katie Fallon
Livestock Specialist
clock • 9 min read
Left to right: Kevin Ridley, Diane Anderson and Celia and Melvin Ridley.
Image:

Left to right: Kevin Ridley, Diane Anderson and Celia and Melvin Ridley.

A real family affair, Melvin and Celia Ridley farm together with their sons Kevin and Stephen at Shitlington Hall near Wark in Northumberland. Kevin's fiancee Diane Anderson, and their daughter Anna,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Livestock

Hill farming can sustain food and nature recovery, says new report
Livestock

Hill farming can sustain food and nature recovery, says new report

A new study questions Natural England's evidence base and advocates for a more scientific approach

Jane Thynne
Jane Thynne
clock 16 September 2026 • 3 min read
Changing climate demands new approach to parasite control
Livestock

Changing climate demands new approach to parasite control

At a Ruminant Revival Collaboration day on-farm in West Lothian delegates heard how a changing climate requires a different approach to parasite control

Farmers Guardian
clock 10 September 2026 • 5 min read
Australian cattle farmer takes Hereford breed challenge to High Court
Livestock

Australian cattle farmer takes Hereford breed challenge to High Court

Row erupts over ong-running debate about breed classification, genetics and conservation

Jane Thynne
Jane Thynne
clock 10 September 2026 • 2 min read