Hill farming is extensive farming in upland areas, primarily rearing sheep, although historically cattle was often reared more intensively.
Cattle farming is usually restricted by a scarcity of winter fodder, and sheep stocks, grazing at about 2 hectares per head, are often taken to lowland areas for fattening.
Modern hill farming is often heavily dependent on state subsidy, for example via support from the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. Improved, sown pasture and drained moorland can be stocked more heavily, at approximately 1 sheep per 0.25 hectares.