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Jacob sheep trekking and farm experience days is a family run business based at Aberhyddnant Organic farm in the Brecon Beacons. Since moving to the farm in 1983 the Matthews family has worked towards running a viable farm whilst trying to conserve and promote biodiversity. Aberhyddnant is a 220 acre organic hill farm in Crai producing quality lamb, pork, beef and free range eggs (all available to purchase on the farm). All our animals are reared to strict organic standards where welfare is the highest priority.
In 2014 Nicola came back home to study Teaching in Carmarthen University. She soon realised that, unless she wanted to work in a pub, there were limited part time employment opportunities in such a rural area. The thinking hat swiftly came out and, with the help of Julia, Jacob Sheep Trekking was born. We started with a small flock of wild Jacob sheep which we patiently tamed and trained (with the help of lots of sheep treats). Over the years we have expanded our experiences as well as our flock and we now have a range of different breeds trained for walking. Nicola graduated in 2016 and now runs Jacob sheep trekking alongside teaching in a local primary school.
Alongside the flock of trekking sheep we have a flock of around 250 Welsh Mountain ewes, 10 Dorset ewes, 11 Greyface Dartmoor ewes and 6 Ouessant ewes (as well as a group of mixed crosses). We lamb during March and April, around Easter, giving the stock the maximum amount of time to graze the lush organic pastures before winter sets in. If you attend one of our lambing days you will experience a hands on day of outdoor lambing as we do not lamb in sheds.
The farm is also home to a heard of 20 Murray Grey suckler cows which calve in the spring. The Murray Grey is a cross between two traditional native breeds, Aberdeen Angus and Beef Shorthorn. The cross was made in the valley of the Murray river in Australia and this gives the breed its name. Our calves are weaned at about 8 months old and sold when approximately two years old.
Due to the continual changes in the world of farming over the past few years we have diversified into laying hens, pigs and opening the farm for experience days.
We also have self catering holiday cottages and glamping on the farm. If you are interested in coming to stay and experiencing an organic working farm please get in touch.
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