Despite the current farming crisis, a sheep farmer from Hovingham has found a lucrative market for her animals across the sea in Europe.

Delia Goodman with Flitwick Surprise, from the Flitwick flock, at Hovingham Picture: Paul Baker

Delia Goodman, of Airyholme Farm, will soon be sending some Castlemilk Moorit sheep over to Germany, while some Shetland sheep that Mrs Goodman bred will be making their way to a new life in Ireland.

Mrs Goodman, who specialises in breeding rare breeds, has sold sheep to both countries before, as well as exporting to The Netherlands.

"The Castlemilk Moorit are pretty little things. We had them at the Malton Show," said Mrs Goodman. The sheep, however, were not all that keen on being displayed.

"They are not very good with strangers," explained Mrs Goodman.

Some of Mrs Goodman's Shetland Sheep faired better and won prizes at this year's Malton Show.

"They got group prizes," said Mrs Goodman, who went on to explain that one of her rams also won a prize.

Mrs Goodman has found that the Germans buying her Castlemilk Moorit's, which are a rare breed, are not farmers who want them for their fleeces.

They are often bought by animal lovers who have a little land, but not enough to farm commercially, who wish to display the sheep at shows and keep them as pets.

"People will buy these sheep because they are decorative. People look for something decorative," added Mrs Goodman, who has been breeding sheep for about 12 years.

Rob Simpson, north east regional spokesman of the National Farmers' Union was full of praise for Mrs Goodman's sheep breeding and exporting efforts.

"It's a way of diversification," he said.

"It's another one of a whole range of possibilities done to diversify farm income. She's doing very well for herself and we support that," Mr Simpson added.

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