Dr Rob Grinnall Veterinary Director of UKTAG attended one of the United States’ largest sheep events, the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, has once again highlighted the strong and growing demand for traditional British sheep genetics across North America.
The prestigious festival attracts exhibitors and visitors from across the eastern United States and is widely regarded as a flagship event for the American wool industry. While historically focused on wool-producing breeds, the show is increasingly showcasing modern and visually striking sheep breeds, including the Swiss Valais, Dutch Spotted and Kerry Hill, reflecting changing trends within the pedigree sheep sector.
British sheep breeds continue to form the backbone of much of the American pedigree industry. Many UK breeds were originally exported and registered in the United States during the 18th century, before developing into their own distinct American flock books over subsequent centuries. Following the closure of genetic trade during the BSE era, the reopening of the market four years ago, achieved through significant negotiations between Defra and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has reignited interest in importing original UK bloodlines.
The scale of the Maryland event underlined the strength of the American sheep sector, with extensive trade barns dedicated to wool, fibre arts, equipment and pedigree livestock attracting thousands of visitors over the two-day festival.
Two full days of breed judging showcased a wide range of traditional British breeds, including Clun Forest, Shropshire, Border Leicester, Leicester Longwool, Lincoln, Southdown, Kerry Hill and Scottish Blackface sheep. The Scottish Blackface was named the featured breed for 2026, generating considerable enthusiasm among exhibitors and breed enthusiasts alike.
Industry representatives noted that the appetite for “old country” genetics from the United Kingdom remains exceptionally strong. Many breeders expressed a desire to access fresh British bloodlines to strengthen and diversify their flocks, with several commenting that greater engagement from UK breed societies would be welcomed.
For the second consecutive year, the UKTAG was provided with a prominent exhibition stand positioned at the entrance to the judging rings. Rob Grinnall represented the organisation throughout the weekend, distributing promotional literature and discussing UK breeding opportunities with exhibitors, breeders and visitors.
UKTAG also presented a championship sash for the featured breed competition, a gesture which was warmly received by both organisers and exhibitors and further strengthened goodwill between UK and US sheep industries.
Following the festival, discussions continued in Washington, D.C., where meetings were held with Will Surman, Agricultural Attaché at the British Embassy Washington. Will had been heavily involved in the Royal tour the week before and it was amazing that he managed to arrange a photo shoot of HM The King & HM The Queen with a prominent US breeder with a UK breed, the Kerry Hill; what a marvellous advertisement this was for the UK sheep industry.
The visit included attendance at a major trade reception hosted at the Embassy of New Zealand, Washington, D.C. marking 100 years of meat trade between New Zealand and the United States.
The event highlighted the long-term value of agricultural trade partnerships and reinforced the importance of maintaining strong international relationships within the livestock and meat sectors. Further meetings with APHIS officials on certification matters, also formed part of the visit, alongside discussions with Yerlan Zeineshev, formerly economic lead at the Kazakh Embassy in London and now based in Washington DC.
The overall conclusion from the mission was clear: demand for authentic UK sheep genetics remains strong within the United States. Continued engagement by UK breed societies and exporters will be essential to fully capitalise on the opportunities now available in this reopened and rapidly developing market. UKTAG would like to thank the sponsor companies, AB Europe, Farmgene, Dutch Spotted Sheep Society, Suffolk Sheep Society, Texel Sheep Society, and the The Royal Three Counties Show
