Tupping season is a busy, hands-on time of year for sheep farmers, with rams going out to ewes in the autumn and plenty of handling, checking and moving of stock in changeable weather. This guide explains what tupping is and what to wear for tupping season in the UK.
What Is Tupping?
Tupping is the breeding season for sheep. It is when a ram (a tup) is put with ewes so they can be mated. The term comes from "tup", an old word for a ram. Flocks that lamb in spring are usually tupped in autumn, because ewes carry their lambs for around five months.
When Is Tupping Season in the UK?
It varies by flock, breed and when you want lambs. Many lowland flocks tup from around October into November for lambing the following March and April. Early lambing flocks tup earlier, and hill and upland flocks often tup later. Check your own flock health plan and vet advice for the right dates.
What Tupping Involves
Before and during tupping, you may be gathering and sorting ewes, checking body condition, handling rams, fitting raddle harnesses or marker crayons, moving groups between fields and checking flocks daily. That means kneeling, lifting, walking wet ground and standing around in autumn rain, wind and early frosts.
What to Wear for Tupping Season: Layer by Layer
1. Base layer
Early starts and cool evenings mean you need warmth that does not trap sweat. A thermal base layer works well from October onward. See our thermal base layers guide.
2. Fleece or gilet
A fleece gilet gives core warmth while leaving your arms free for handling sheep. Browse fleeces and gilets.
3. Waterproof jacket
Autumn weather is changeable, so a waterproof jacket is essential. Look for a tough, wipe-clean fabric that copes with gates, hurdles and sheep. Browse farming jackets and coats.
4. Waterproof over trousers or bib and brace
You will spend time kneeling, crouching and leaning over pens and gates. Waterproof over trousers or bib and brace keep legs, knees and your lower back dry. See our waterproof over trousers and bib and brace guide or browse waterproof bib and brace.
5. Wellies and socks
Wellies are standard for handling sheep because they are easy to clean and keep out wet grass and mud. Pick a pair with a grippy sole for slippery ground and enough room for warm socks. Browse farm boots and wellies and socks, and read our thermal socks guide.
6. Gloves
Wear tough, flexible gloves for gates, hurdles and handling. Keep a thinner pair for fiddly jobs like fitting harnesses. Browse gloves.
7. Hat
A cap or beanie keeps rain off your face and heat in on cold mornings. Browse hats and caps.
Tupping Season Kit Checklist
- Thermal base layer
- Fleece or gilet
- Waterproof, hard-wearing jacket
- Waterproof over trousers or bib and brace
- Wellies and warm socks
- Tough work gloves and a spare pair
- Hat or cap
- A change of dry clothes in the vehicle
Tips for Tupping Season
- Prepare kit before the season starts. Check waterproofs, boots and gloves in September, not after the first wet week.
- Wear washable layers. Handling sheep is messy, and wipe-clean outer layers save time.
- Dress for the weather change. Autumn mornings can be cold and afternoons mild, so wear layers you can remove.
- Take care around rams. Rams can be unpredictable, so wear sturdy boots and clothing that does not restrict movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tupping?
Tupping is the sheep breeding season, when a ram (tup) is put with ewes to mate. In the UK it usually happens in autumn so that lambs are born in spring.
What does tupping mean?
Tupping means a ram mating with ewes. A tup is another word for a ram.
When is tupping season?
Many UK flocks tup from around October into November for spring lambing, but dates depend on the flock, breed and farm. Check your flock health plan and speak to your vet.
What should I wear for tupping season?
A thermal base layer, fleece or gilet, waterproof jacket, waterproof over trousers or bib and brace, wellies with warm socks, work gloves and a hat.
What comes after tupping?
Pregnancy and then lambing, around five months later. See our lambing season clothing guide.
Next in the farming year, read our guides to winter feeding and stock checks and how to keep warm on a farm in winter, or see our year-round farm clothing guide. Browse the full Farm & Workwear range.
