Southdown sheep no longer economical and smaller flocks averaged only 135 ewes apiece. The use of artificial fertilizers had gained ground, and the combine-drill, which sowed grain seeds and fertilizer together, rendered close-folding by sheep unnecessary. Gradually surrendering to basic arable farming changes, the Southdown became largely a grassland breed. During the interwar years, the United Kingdom was known for farm animal breeding, and pedigreed Southdowns were still being exported to most parts of the world, especially New Zealand. In 1937, the number of exported Southdowns reached 459 head. During the Great Depression, a severe and prolonged fall in the prices of
Animal show highest-placing animals in livestock competition when different breeds do not compete against one another. Some shows are designated as "All-breed" events, open to multiple breeds of the given animal. Others shows may be breed shows, limited to one or only a few specific breeds of a given animal. Animals typically "shown" include: Animal show An animal show is a form of exhibition featuring the display or performance of one or more breeds of animal. An animal show can be for entertainment, educational, and/or commercial purpose. A judged event may rank specimens for the benefit of those involved in animal breeding