Hill farming, sometimes termed fell farming, is extensive farming in upland areas, primarily rearing sheep, although historically cattle was often reared more intensively.
Cattle farming is usually restricted by a scarcity of winter fodder, and sheep stocks, grazing at about 2 hectares per head, are often taken to lowland areas for fattening.
Modern hill farming is often heavily dependent on state subsidy, for example via support from the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy. Improved, sown pasture and drained moorland can be stocked more heavily, at approximately 1 sheep per 0.25 hectares.
Read more about Hill Farming: Hill Farming Location and Organization, Hill Farming Throughout History, Hill Farming and Uplands Ecosystems, Government Support and Subsidies, Recent Strain On Hill Farming
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