Noted for its consistency and reliability, the breed has much to offer the sheep farmer today, whether aiming at the home or overseas market.

There is a keen demand for all classes of stock - rams, ewes and lambs.

• NCC Rams have consistently proved their worth as crossing sires, particularly with other hill breeds.

• The ewes make first class mothers, with lambing percentages ranging from 90% on the harder hills to 170% and upwards on low ground.

• A special feature of the breed (and its crosses) is that both male and female lambs are in constant demand - ewe lambs for breeding, pure or crossed, and wether lambs for quality carcases which retain leanness and conformation right through from late summer to early spring.