Loaghtan sheep at risk as farmers battle stigma and market challenges

Manx farmer says perceptions of the breed as 'pets' threaten its survival on the Island

The world’s largest farm of Manx Loaghtans says its biggest market used to be the United States - until sweeping tariffs were introduced under President Donald Trump.

Farmers say the European market is now improving, but they are still struggling to compete with the UK, which has far larger sheep numbers than the Isle of Man.

However, some Manx farmers believe there is a stigma attached to the breed - with perceptions that Loaghtans are simply pets rather than productive livestock.

Jenny Shepherd, a Manx Loaghtan farmer, explains:

The native Manx breed was recently placed on a priority watchlist, with warnings it is now heavily endangered.

You can listen to Jenny Shepherd's full interview in this episode of Manx Newscast:

You can also find out more about Jenny's efforts to preserve the Manx Loaghtan breed in this video by Visit Isle of Man: