Brief History

The Kerry Hill (Welsh:Dafad Bryniau Ceri) is a breed of domestic sheep originating in the county of Powys in Wales. It derives its name from the village of Kerry (Ceri), near Newtown.

First mentions of the breed date back to the early 19th century, and the Kerry Hill Flock Book Society was established in 1899.

At Market

1941, Kerry Hill ewes penned at Glanmiheli Farm, Kerry at the height of their popularity. Bred for their meat and wool, the breed was ubiquitous and thriving.

Near extinction

By the end of the 19th Century, Kerry Hills faced near extinction due to Foot and Mouth disease as well as falling out of favor by farmers.

Come back

Thanks to the efforts of dedicated farmers, the UK Kerry Hill Breed Society and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Kerry Hills have made a comeback and came off of the watchlist in 2006.

Today the breed is largely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark, with introductions to New Zealand and the United States.