Agricultural History Review, Volume 37 Part 1 (1989), pp. 36–51

The development of sheep breeds in Southern England between 1750 and 1900 was a response by ordinary farmers to changes in the relative price levels of cereals, mutton, wool and tallow. Between c.1750 and 1790 the high price of tallow led to the 'improvement' of the old horned breeds, to produce a carcass in which tallow production was maximized. After 1790 tallow prices fell and the introduction of Southdown rams enabled farmers in the Downlands to modify their flocks in response to the demand for good quality wool and effective folding. After 1815, when quality mutton and lamb prices were relatively high, the breeds were perfected as meat producers. Similar changes took place in mixed-farming districts. After 1870, falling prices and dwindling profits resulted in limited changes in breeds, except on higher downland farms, where upland sheep from Northern England and Wales were introduced. 

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