Manx Charcuterie
Ballacosnahan Farm
The origins of these primitive sheep are not fully understood but their ancestors are though
t to go back to the ancient Old Norse sheep. They share many characteristics with other primitive sheep and are part of the Northern Short Tail group of sheep. These related primitive sheep were spread round Scandinavia, Iceland, the Scottish Islands and the Isle of Man by the Vikings.
Manx Loaghtans were only found on the Isle of Man until the 1970s when Manx National Heritage started to sell small groups of sheep to the UK.
The Manx Loaghtan is still one of the rarest of breeds in the British Isles and since 1973 the Rare Breeds Survival Trust has helped preserve these wonderful sheep.
Up to the 18th century these sheep covered the Manx hills in their thousands. Gradually they were replaced by modern sheep that mature quicker and are heavier. In the last 120 years the Manx Loaghtan came close to extinction 3 times and was only saved by the dedication and foresight of a few people.
In the 1950s numbers were down to less than a 100. While today there are several thousands and their future seems much brighter their long term survival is not secure. People have come again to appreciate the wool which is naturally a dark tan colour, soft, light yet very warm and the wonderful meat which is naturally low in fat and cholesterol.
Our flock is entirely grass fed.