French agriculture is rich in its diversity, and the sheep sector occupies a prominent place, rooted in traditions and local terroirs. Whether you are a professional looking to expand your activity or a project initiator changing careers, the sheep farm sales market offers many opportunities. On ma-propriete.fr, we support you in your search, whether it is for a turnkey sheep farm purchase or a property to be revived.
France has one of the largest sheep populations in Europe. This sector is mainly divided into two major orientations: meat production (for the consumption of lambs and sheep) and dairy production (intended mainly for the production of renowned cheeses such as Roquefort or Ossau-Iraty).
Sheep farming is present throughout the country, but certain regions stand out for their history and geography. Occitanie (notably Aveyron and Lot) and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are prime areas for dairy ewes, often of the Lacaune or Manech breeds. Pastoralism is very present in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, where the practice of summer pasturing (estive) makes it possible to valorise mountain areas. In these regions, farmers often favour a hardy breed, capable of adapting to steep terrain and harsh climates.
Acquiring a sheep property requires particular attention to the buildings. The heart of the farm is the sheepfold, which must be sized to accommodate the flock in good sanitary and animal welfare conditions. Depending on the type of farming, the needs differ:
Beyond animal housing, a sheep farm must have an agricultural shed for forage storage (hay, straw) and to shelter sheep farming equipment (tractors, livestock trailers, haymaking equipment).
Access to land is often the crucial point. The utilised agricultural area (or UAA) determines the farm’s feed self-sufficiency. The sheep farmer needs high-quality pastures and permanent grasslands to feed animals at a lower cost. In drier or mountainous areas, access to rough grazing (wooded or scrubland areas) is essential. Finally, well-maintained fences or mobile paddocking systems are vital for managing rotational grazing and protection from predators.
Embarking on the purchase of a sheepfold requires a thorough analysis. Here are the key points to check before signing.
The value of a farm does not lie solely in its buildings and farmland. You must assess the quality of the flock: the health status of suckler or dairy ewes, their genetics (such as the Merino breed for wool and meat, or other local breeds) and their productivity. Sheep feed represents a significant cost: is the farm self-sufficient in forage and cereals?
If you are aiming for direct sales, check the presence of an approved processing facility and the proximity of a consumer base or local markets. This is a powerful lever for increasing profitability compared with selling through a cooperative.
Taking over a farm (farm transfer) involves the transfer of many entitlements. Make sure the payment entitlements under the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) can be transferred, as they represent a significant share of income. The buyer must also obtain an authorisation to farm from the DDT (Direction Départementale des Territoires – local land management authority) as part of the Farm Structures Control scheme.
Regarding financing, farm establishment, especially for Young Farmers, can benefit from specific subsidies. It is crucial to present a solid business plan to the banks, including the price of the land, the livestock, the equipment and the working capital requirements.
Our portal is designed to simplify your search and help you find the sheepfold of your dreams among our many listings.
Are you an owner looking to sell your farm? Ma-propriete.fr is the ideal showcase to highlight your property to a qualified audience.
Beyond simply publishing listings, ma-propriete.fr positions itself as a true partner in your rural real estate project thanks to a range of complementary services:
Whether you want to take over an existing farm or create your own sheep operation, ma-propriete.fr is the reference portal to help you make your sheep farming project a reality.
