FARMER Anthony Glaves is hoping the internet can save his business this year. With the help of a friend he has carefully taken photographs of some of his finest Suffolk sheep so he can display them on the web.

"This is my only option since all the agricultural shows have been cancelled," he said. "Usually I would be taking them along to all the major shows in the region and putting them on display for other farmers to view."

At just 31 years of age, Mr Glaves is one of the region's top specialist breeders. What started off as a hobby 15 years ago has gradually become a business.

With no shows this season, his only alternative is to place pictures of his sheep on a special website. "I'm hoping people will see the sheep on the internet and make an order that way," he explained.

"This is not an ideal substitute because ultimately the best way to sell sheep is to see and inspect them up close. That way you can check for leg defects and other things which might affect your decision to buy.

"Also, I'm more likely to get a higher price for my sheep if they win prizes - that won't happen this year so I won't get as much."

Besides earning money, Mr Glaves says he relies on the shows to meet other people in the same business and swap ideas and tips.

"When I first started, I wasn't winning anything," he explained.

"Now, though, I can be quite successful and this is because I have been given lots of useful advice by other breeders I have met at the shows.

"Information is largely shared because everyone knows this will raise the standard of the livestock."

The site on which Mr Glaves is showing his scheep can be found at www.suffolksheep.org.

- The Gazette & Herald thinks showing livestock on line is an excellent idea since the show season has been wiped out by foot and mouth.

We're working on a scheme that we hope will give all Ryedale area farmers a chance to show off their stock. Be sure to watch for details in next week's paper.

Updated: 09:28 Thursday, June 28, 2001