swaledale sheep

Five years ago, James Newhouse knew nothing about regenerative livestock farming, but by tapping into the knowledge of more experienced peers, he now runs a small business delivering high-quality food in the Yorkshire Dales

The sale of pedigree female sheep at Hawes also saw Swaledales sell to £2,600 for the first prize ewe and in-lamb Herdwicks to £1,200

With bloodlines dating back to the 1950s, the Dalesbred breed has been at the heart of the Dawson family's farming heritage for four generations

The Brogden family have had their fair share of success in the sale ring, and with breeding sales just a few months away, Katie Fallon learns what is involved in sale day preparations and why bloodlines are just as important as looks