They are undomesticated in comparison to the Mule flock, and when the Blackies do break out they always try to return to their own part of the farm. Our sheep are not hefted in the traditional sense, as we do not breed our own flock replacements, preferring to buy them in from the same farms, but still, given the chance, they prefer to return to their corner of the farm. A truly hefted flock or herd consists of sheep or cattle which have been bred for generations on the same piece of land, and they always instinctively return to this land. The flock ranges over very large areas, ensuring an even grazing of the available ground. At the autumn markets these animals are often listed in the sales catalogue under the name of the farm and the cut they belonged to.
Hefted animals are frequently more aware of what to do when a severe storm strikes.
For instance, on a bad night they might not go out as far on the exposed hills. The losses are now so great that real damage is being done to the national flocks and herds. I received a telephone call last night from friends in New Zealand. They read this column daily via the internet and thought it was important for me to know that the quality of the meat offered to customers in the local supermarket was deteriorating. She is writing a daily diary during the foot and mouth crisis.