The paper is based on problems found in a large ‘farm animal’ practice in Devon, in which the author is largely committed to the sheep work. There are some 80 000 sheep in the area, and some 1·5 million in the county of Devon which are kept under varying conditions from the high areas of Dartmoor to the very intensive flocks on permanent grass on heavy soils. A brief look is made at the effects of health research over the last 50 years in the context of present problems and/or barriers to future efficiency. Also present production problems are examined, in particular those relating to coccidiosis and ‘ill thrift’. The problems of the field application of modern technology are considered in the areas of: (1) manipulation of the breeding season, in an attempt to even out the production curve, using sponges, PMS and melatonin and teaser rams; (2) manipulation of prolificacy, using fecundin and prolific hybrids; and (3) genetic manipulation/improvement, using Meat and Livestock Commission backfat/eye muscle recording schemes, sire referencing, AI and MOET.

A scheme for the best utilization of veterinary surgeon/farmer relationship is outlined and mention is made as to the future direction of the industry as seen from the ‘sharp end’.