Rare breed breeding stock on a smallholding

Smallholders, hobby farmers, other breeders and sometimes small farms looking to add a breed or improve their stock.

You sell registered young animals, breeding pairs and occasional surplus for meat. Some breeders also charge stud fees. Sales are lumpy and often depend on word of mouth, breed societies and shows.

• Handling and caring for your chosen breed
• Record keeping for pedigrees and breeding plans
• Building a reputation online and at shows
• Talking honestly with first-time keepers

• Holding registration, tagging and movement reporting, which vary between UK nations and species
• Planning permission or restrictions on land use for livestock buildings. Check with your council
• Selling animals to inexperienced keepers. Be ready to give advice and check buyers' set-ups
• Breeding health and welfare responsibilities, including vet costs
• Insurance, such as public liability, especially if buyers visit your land
• Slow sales if you start with an unpopular breed or low-quality stock

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the breed, the quality of your starting stock and your land and equipment. Vet costs and insurance should also be part of your budget.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,000, depending on your breed, stock quality and reputation. Sales can be slow if you start with an unpopular breed or low-quality stock.

Check holding registration, tagging and movement reporting, which vary between UK nations and species. Ask your council about planning permission or land use restrictions for livestock buildings, and check public liability insurance for visitors.