Jacob Survey 2025

Calling All Jacob Sheep Keepers – Help Us Count the Breed

Help Us Map the Jacob Sheep Population

The Jacob Sheep Society is running a national flock survey — and we want to hear from you, even if you’re not a member.

If you keep Jacob sheep — whether they’re pedigree or not, registered or not, a large flock or just a few pets — your input matters.

We know there are thousands of Jacob sheep in the UK kept by smallholders, crofters, farmers, fibre producers, and hobbyists who aren’t part of the Society. Without your help, we only ever see part of the picture.

🟢 Whether your sheep are show-ring ready, lawn mowers, wool producers or headed to the freezer — they count.

Why take part?

  • You’ll help build the first true national snapshot of the breed.

  • Your data (anonymous and combined) will be used to support the breed’s future.

  • It only takes a few minutes — and can be completed on your phone.

This is your chance to be part of something bigger — to show where Jacob sheep are thriving and how they’re being used in real flocks across the country.

Ready to take part?

🔗 Click here to complete the short survey


(Link opens in a new tab. You don’t need to be a Society member.)

Jacob Sheep Society Flock Survey – Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we running this survey?
We want an accurate picture of the Jacob breed today. Pedigree records are helpful, but they don’t always reflect reality. By gathering flock details directly from you, we can build a true snapshot of the breed across the country.

What will the Society do with the results?

  • Produce a reliable count of Jacob sheep.

  • Understand the balance between rams, ewes, shearlings and lambs.

  • Highlight regional strengths and challenges.

  • Track changes in flock size and composition over time.

  • Provide evidence to guide shows, sales, promotion, and breed development.

Why ask about unregistered Jacobs?
Unregistered sheep still form part of the living population of the breed. Many come from registered flocks but have dropped out of the paperwork. Including them gives a fuller picture of what is really happening within member flocks and makes the registered figures more meaningful.

What about sheep sold to non-members? Do they matter?
Yes. While the Society focuses on registered stock, Jacob sheep sold outside membership still influence how the breed is seen and used—for wool, meat, or smallholder flocks. Knowing how many leave membership helps us understand demand and the wider role of Jacobs.

Can non-members take part in the survey?
Yes..! This open link on the website is so anyone with Jacob sheep—registered or unregistered—can contribute.

How will this help the Society going forward?

  • Strengthen our voice with livestock and rare breed bodies.

  • Provide evidence to shape Society shows, sales and promotions.

  • Help track trends—such as shifts towards meat, fleece, or pedigree breeding.

  • Allow us to measure how the breed is really faring year on year.

Is this like the annual DEFRA survey?
Similar in approach, but much more focused. DEFRA collects data across all sheep breeds nationally. Our survey looks only at Jacob sheep and gathers details that matter specifically to the Society.

How long will it take to complete?
Just a few minutes. It can be filled in on a phone while you’re out with your flock.

Do all sheep count?
Yes. Whether they are pedigree breeding stock, store lambs, fleece sheep, or destined for the butcher, they all count.

Will the data be confidential?
Yes. Results will be reported as combined totals and trends. Individual flock details will remain confidential.