Southdown sheep wool and cereals due to rising volumes of imports from the British Empire was accompanied by the Wet Years - a six-year period of cold, wet weather with little sun. In the Second World War, the South Downs were commandeered for military training, only fringe farms being left to produce milk for the towns. Sheep farming declined further after the war, although it is now being encouraged again through the designation of the downland as an environmentally sensitive area, and the restoration of arable land to sheepwalk. The Southdown has been placed on a watch list by the Rare Breeds
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