The formation of the Rough Fell Sheep Breeders Association dates from 27th November 1926 when a meeting was held in the YMCA room, Kendal, where a large company of interested sheep breeders were present. Mr. Jos Wood, Cooper House, Selside, being appointed chairman.
 
The area covered by the association embraces a large portion of the Fell land of the County of Westmorland and part of the old West Riding of Yorkshire, now part of Cumbria, all of which is renown for the breeding of this hardy type of sheep, which has proved to be well suited to endure the hardship of exposed and high lying grazing. The ewes are excellent lamb rearers and when sold from their native fells are in great demand for breeding on lowland farms. For the sake of convenience three districts have been formed, K for Kendal, S for Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale, and T for Tebay, Orton ans Ravonstonedale.