Dorset Sheep Newletter July 2014

DORSET HORN & POLL DORSET SHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION July 2014

D O R S E T D I A R Y

WORCESTER DORSETS HIT 530gns The Dorset Horn/Poll Dorset Sheep Society’s official Show & Sale at Worcester again proved a successful and popular venue with females enjoying the strongest following but it was the Overall Champion, a Ram Lamb from David Rossiter’s Devon based “Huish” flock that took the top price of 530gns to J. Potter, Faringdon, Oxon.

Shearling Rams were also in the reckoning with the Reserve Overall Champion “Wilsey T544” from W.L. French, Launceston, Cornwall selling to 500gns to M.J. Thomas & Co, Swansea, Glamorgan.

Whilst the rams took poll position in terms of top prices it was the female entry that proved most popular amongst a very strong company of buyers.

First prize winner in the Shearling Ewe section from Richard & Robert Hole’s “Sherborne” flock by the homebred sire “Sherborne Panache” out of a homebred ewe levelled at 420gns to Tim Pratt, Woodbridge, Suffolk. The Sherborne flock also had great success in the Ewe Lamb section again taking first prize and selling the “Huish Starlight” daughter for 380gns to M.J. Thomas & co, Swansea, Glamorgan.

David Rossiter’s “Huish” flock was very much in the fore in all sections, none more so than in the Shearling ewes with a top bid in that section of 410gns, the Ewe in lamb, scanned with twins, to “Granagh Nightrider” was secured by D. Beeby, Alderley , Cheshire, Mr Beeby taking several lots from the Huish consignment at 350gns, 300gns, 280gns, 260gns respectively.

A select consignment from Jim Dufosee “Blackhill” sold to a top of 360gns for the third prize Shearling ewes to A. Baker, Llanidloes, Powys.

The strongest entry in terms of numbers in the female section from W.L. French’s “Wilsey” flock was well rewarded with a total clearance and a top in the Shearling Ewes of 370gns to Windrush Farms, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire.

Averages were as follows: 30 7 8 9 4 4

Individual Shearling Ewes Individual Ewe Lambs Pens of Ewe Hoggets Pens of Ewe Lambs Shearling Rams Ram Lambs

£295.05 £270.00 £187.68 £150.85 £420.00 £401.62

Auctioneers: McCartneys LLP, Worcester 1

COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, 17th July, 2014 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 2014 Preparations are well underway for the 2014 Annual General Meeting to be held on the 25th October

at The Kilbirnie Hotel, Newquay, Cornwall. There will be flock visits and a dinner on the Saturday night and all members will be notified of further details in due course.

CARLISLE SHOW & SALE, 2014 It was proposed, seconded and all in favour, that the upset price for rams at Carlisle should be reduced from £350 to £300.

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP The following applications for membership were accepted: Mr Craig Clayton, Sheffield Mr Philip David & Mrs Rhiannon Richards, Wales Mrs Teresa Hoare, Devon Mr David Metcalfe-Holland & Ms Christine Hemming, Wales Mr David Peden, Northern Ireland Master Jack Potter (Junior), Oxon Mr Ben Stayt, Gloucestershire Master Steffan Thomas, Wales Mr Terry Treanor, Northern Ireland Mrs Carolyn Wilkins, Cornwall Associate Membership Mr & Mrs M Warner, Devon

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Prefix: Prefix: Prefix:

Cliff Treoes Rowden

Prefix: Prefix: Prefix: Prefix: Prefix: Prefix: Prefix:

Penybryn To be confirmed Jackpot Staytswell Plas-Y-Fforest Milltown Treliever

WORCESTER SALE PRICES, 2014 AV PRICE £

TOP PRICE £

Individual Poll Dorset Shearling Ewes that have run with the ram R & R Hole 2 av 404.25 441.00 MVA D W Rossiter 5 av 336.00 430.50 MVA/SMN W L French 15 av 305.20 388.50 MVA Mr J Dufosee 2 av 336.00 378.00 MVA/SMN Mr E Pocock 262.50 262.50 MVA R & D Huxter 2 av 189.00 210.00 MVA Miss L Crowther 3 av 157.50 157.50

R & R Hole Mr J Dufosee R & D Huxter J B May & Son

Individual Poll Dorset Ewe Lambs 2 av 378.00 2 av 299.25 189.00 2 av 173.25

399.00 304.50 189.00 189.00

MVA MVA/SMN MVA MVA

W L French Mr J Dufosee Mr E Pocock

Shearling Rams 3 av 455.00 315.00 315.00

525.00 315.00 315.00

MVA MVA/SMN MVA

D W Rossiter Mr J Dufosee R & R Hole

Ram Lambs 556.50 2 av 367.50 315.00

556.50 367.50 315.00

MVA/SMN MVA/SMN MVA

PENS Registered Poll Dorset Ewe Hoggets that have run with the ram Mr E Pocock P 189.00 – 304.50 3 pen MVA R & D Huxter P 152.25 – 189.00 4 pens MVA R M Eglin & Son Ltd. P 126 1 pen MVA

Mr E Pocock

R & R Hole

Registered Poll Dorset Ewes that have run with the ram P 178.50 1 pen Registered Poll Dorset Ewes (not in lamb) P 157.50 1 pen

Registered Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Ewe Lambs Mr J Dufosee P 147.00 – 168.00 5 pens R & R Hole P 147.00 – 157.50 3 pens R & D Huxter P 136.50 1 pen R M Eglin & Son Ltd. P 113.40 1 pen See Full show results on show results pages 3

MVA

MVA

MVA/SMN MVA MVA MVA

A Week of Activity in Scotland: Episode 1 It was half past three in the morning on Tuesday 27th May 2014 and I was rolling out of bed to embark on my 4 hour drive north from my home in the Scottish Borders to Plewlands Farm, near Elgin in Morayshire (35 miles from Inverness for those who don’t know the area!!). Not being a dairy farmer this was a shock to the system to say the least.

Plewlands Farm is part of a 3000 acre farming enterprise owned by Dean and Andrew Anderson and the location for this year’s Northern Agriculture Society’s Grasstech Event. Dean has been a long time advocate of the attributes of the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset sheep breed, having purchased his first ewes in 1956 and being featured in last year’s Breed Brochure. Their mixed farming enterprise was previously home to one of the most succesful black and white dairy herds in the UK, winning national titles on more than one occasion for the quality and productivity of their stock.

However, a couple of years ago it was decided that suckler cows would replace the milkers and the Anderson’s have quickly turned their exceptional stockmanship to beef and lamb production, with Dorsets maintaining their place at the core of the flock with 200 pure-bred commercial ewes, supplemented by first and second crosses.

5am saw me cross the iconic Forth Road Bridge and just on the other side I stopped to pick up Denis Rankine, farm manager of Gorgie City Farm and the Gorgie Flock of Dorsets. Over the next three hours we steadily made our way north-bound, enjoying a glorious morning of weather, through Perthshire and into the Cairngorm National Park. As we emerged out of the mountains we were met by the rich fertile plains of Morayshire and the coast, with a view across to the famous Black Isle and then Plewlands itself.

Dean and Andrew had kindly agreed to provide sheep for the event and had them penned for our arrival. To say that Denis and I were impressed with what we found was an understatement – a pen of two shearling tups (one from Blackhill and the other from Pembroke – both bought at Carlisle last year); a pen of two February born tup lambs; a pen of two ewes with pairs of February born lambs and finally a pen of two ewe hoggs with pairs of April born lambs.

Our stand space was given prime location across the end wall of the sheep breed area next to the entrance and exit of the shed, where people could not fail to see us.

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Immediately outside the breed society shed was a field full of purebred Dorset ewe hoggs, each rearing pure-bred lambs and Dorsets also played a large part in the high profile stock-judging competition ongoing throughout the day.

Even at 8am in the morning I could tell this was going to be a fantastic showcase for the Dorset breed in the North!

In addition to arranging some fantastic examples of the Dorset breed, the Anderson’s enjoyed one of the hottest days of the year so far to showcase their

farming enterprise and the full spectrum of machinery manufacturers (Krone, McHale, Lely, Sellars, Ravenhill and HRN Tractors) took full advantage of the conditions to demonstrate cutting, lifting, baling and wrapping silage in super-fast time – all to the amazement of the watching crowds.

With the official opening taking place at 9am, Denis and I thought we would have a few minutes to spare to grab a quick cup of coffee and a muffin but we had to fit this between the growing crowds of visitors to the stand. In general our visitors were commercial sheep farmers looking for a breed to maximise their profit margins. Seeing Dorsets working so succesfully in one of the best farming enterprises in the north-east of Scotland clearly got people interested.

Denis and I were joined by Martin Sheed from Strathbogie Dorsets in Aberdeenshire who ably assisted us in dealing with all the visitors.

The farm tour proved a real crowd pleaser too as hoards of farmers climbed aboard the trailers and set off on a circular tour of the farm. The first field had plenty examples of pure-bred Dorset ewe hoggs, with lambs at foot, having lambed at 12 months of age, demonstrating the early prolificy of the breed. This was quickly followed by some examples of the typical suckler cow found on the farm, with a combination of continental and traditional genetics, including limosin, British Blue, simmental and beef shorthorn. These cows had some 5

tremendous young calves at foot, showing why Andrew has topped the famous Thainstone Christmas Classic over a number of years and selling the prize winners who have gone onto win the supreme championship at the Royal Smithfield.

The next area really grabbed the interest of all the visitors to the farm. This was a large-scale demonstration area comprising ten two- acre plots of ten different grass seed mixtures, selected for different purposes. A third of each block was mowed two weeks prior to the event, a third the day before the event and the final third left standing to give visitors the opportunity to assess re-growth rates as well as a standing crop of grass.

The final area of the tour was the adult portion of the ewe flock, all rearing lambs on young grass. Leys at Plewlands are all renewed every four or five years with high yielding, high sugar varieties preferred to produce high dry matter grass for both grazing and cutting silage. The combination of sheep and cattle on the farm works well with the Dorests being particularly adept at scavenging behind the cows to keep the grass tidy. This strong field of ewes and lambs showed off some long-established northern Dorset genetics combined with purchases from some of the well-known pedigree breeders from across the country. This included lambs out of all of the five ram lambs purchased at Carlisle last August.

The interest shown by all the visitors towards the Dorset breed made for a very enjoyable day and the society not only benefited from the high level of exposure but financially too due to the exceptional generosity of the Andersons. Andrew auctioned the choice of a British Blue cross cow with Limousin calf at foot or a Limousin cross cow with Charolais calf at foot, with all proceeds being split evenly between all the cattle and sheep societies present on the day. This financial contribution is to be used specifically for encouraging junior members into cattle and sheep production.

It was 5pm before we knew it and Denis, Martin and I packed up the stand and headed for home, being very satisfied with our days work. At 10pm when I finally walked back through my front door I reflected on the positive showcase for the Dorset breed and the powerful impact on commercial sheep production they have the length and the breadth of the country.

A big thankyou must also go to the Andersons for their continued enthusiasim for the Dorset breed and the work they put into Grasstech 2014 to make it the success it undoubtedly was.

The following week I was headed for NSA Scotsheep in the Scottish Borders and the next installment will appear next month!

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Blackhill flock wins Most Improved Flock Award for the Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset breed The Blackhill flock, owned by Jim Dufosee of Warminster, Wiltshire, has been recognised by EBLEX as the Most Improved Flock of Dorset sheep in England for 2014.

The award is presented by the EBLEX Better Returns Programme (BRP) to the recorded flock that shows the greatest genetic gain for commercial characteristics over a 12-month period. There is a separate award for each of 10 UK breeds.

Jim Dufosee grew up on the Longleat Estate where the family has a farming tenancy and took over a farm business tenancy agreement on nearby Ministry of Defence (MOD) land to provide additional grazing. Moving away from the family farm in 1989, Jim and wife Jacqui now live at Farnicombe Farm, on the edge of the MOD land. Their younger son Joe has been working with them on the farm for two years now, while elder son, Sam, finished his degree and now works in Bristol for a recruitment company.

They run pedigree flocks of 300 Polled Dorset ewes and 60 Dorset Horn ewes which are all recorded through Signet and are managed as one flock. In addition they have 150 North Devon Cows (Blackhill Ruby Reds) and purchase 50 stores each year to finish.

The whole farm is now organic and a proportion of the land is involved in the Higher Level Stewardship scheme. There is around 810 hectares (ha) of permanent pasture available to them on the Salisbury Plain, this is Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status rough grazing and classed as an MOD “Danger Area�, so grazing rules apply.

Arable enterprises include spring oats, winter barley and spring barley.

They combine around 120ha with half as high clover/Italian ryegrass rotational leys; these suit their system as they are ready for grazing and cutting earlier. They grow around 40ha of roots and have 10ha of arable silage.

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Building up the Dorset flocks When Jim was establishing his pedigree flocks he had numerous grazing agreements with local dairy farms, so his Dorset ewes lambing in September suited the arrangement. In the summer months, when grazing was more restricted, he stocked ewes more tightly. The Dorsets’ natural docility made them welcome guests to the dairy farms, as they didn’t attempt to escape even when forced to graze at higher stocking densities!

Autumn lambing fitted their whole farm system well, making the best use of available grazing and tying in with the demands of the spring calving herd and spring drilling.

Production cycle The flocks lamb in two groups, the first consisting of 150-200 ewes lambing in September. The ewes lamb indoors and are turned out 48 hours later, grazing behind the cattle until the end of November when they are moved onto root crops. Their lambs are weaned mid-December and remain on roots, while the ewes are turned onto rough grazing to dry off.

The second group of up to 150 ewes are lambing mid-October. They lamb indoors and stay in for a week, after which they are turned out to grass for the first month and then moved onto roots where they remain for the rest of winter. They are weaned at the end of February, when ewes are moved to rough grazing and lambs are left on roots to finish.

Blackhill flock replacements are selected soon after weaning in the new year from the first batch of September-born lambs. Ewe lambs destined for the May Fair, which is the main Dorset sale, are also identified at this time.

In March all ewes are moved onto Italian ryegrass/clover-rich leys. Weather permitting, they are shorn early April and put into their single-sire mating groups from 16 April (up to 40 ewes per ram). The Dufosees use a lot of homebred ram lambs, with bought-in rams used to provide new bloodlines. They are keen to find rams with superior breeding potential for the Blackhill flock. Their understanding of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and overall breeding index helps to hone in on particular traits and narrow down the selection of prospective sires.

The flock is split into families and each year they will be served by two rams, at least one of which will be a high-performing ram within the top 10 per cent of the breed. Any unproven sires will be given a chance, but progeny from such rams will only be retained once he is proven through his own performance figures.

Selecting animals for breeding: Ewe lambs with above-average breeding merit are sorted into a group and then reselected based on breed type, feet and mouths.

“We are passionate about the Dorset characteristics and keen to ensure standards are kept to drive the breed forward,” Jim said.

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“Around 90 per cent of our Blackhill ewe lambs will be kept as flock replacements or sold for breeding.”

For the males they do the reverse, choosing between 30 and 40 ram lambs which tick all the boxes for appearance and type and then reselect them based on their EBVs and breeding index.

The Dufosees finish all their own stock and were one of the original suppliers to secure a contract with a well-known supermarket providing out-of-season lamb. Split lambing takes the pressure off available housing and land, as well as ensuring a prolonged supply of lamb for this contract. All lambs are finished within a target specification, grading as E or U and with an average 19 kilogram carcase.

The flock is wormed on the feedback from faecal egg counts. They dung-sample groups on a regular basis to monitor worm burden. In order to comply with their organic status, veterinary input is necessary to confirm treatment. In addition, they are keen to promote opportunities to export from their Blackhill Dorset flock, and dung sampling provides an opportunity for regular vet visits, building an important relationship for export certification. The latest consignment of recorded rams was exported earlier this year to Charlotte and Alex Moriarty, Pays de la Loire, in France.

Performance Recording Jim’s Blackhill flock have been an active part of the Centurion Sire Reference Scheme for over 15 years, making use of elite sires within the group.

The flock has been recorded since the service began in the late 1990s and throughout this time they have been weighing and back-fat scanning to monitor flock progress.

Through performance recording they have managed to improve carcase weight and quality, especially since the inclusion of back-fat scanning, which has given them the ability to record actual muscle depth and leanness.

Centurion Ram of the year

“Originally I wanted the figures to prove the Dorset performed,” Jim explained.

“Now I find the figures act as a tool to help me mould the flock in the direction I want it to grow.

“Ultrasound scanning has helped us to focus in on leaner traits; over the years we have seen carcase weights improve and fat levels reduce, making the Dorset more competitive as a terminal sire. We are satisfied that we are achieving good weights and leaner animals, the challenge now is to maintain this, while continuing to move the flock forward.

“The Dorset traits are important and must not be lost through selecting stock on index alone, they give me an informed approach but they do not run the flock!”

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Figures assist sales The Blackhill flock used to go to all the shows and have won numerous awards. More recently they focus on the breed sales with shows attached such as the May Fair and the breed sales at Worcester, Llandovery and Carlisle. Their son, Joe, has been at home farming for the last two years and is responsible for the sales, with two thirds being sold directly from the farm. Sales are built on a good reputation and established links with clients, a good proportion of which show an interest in EBVs, making selections based on traits that suit their systems.

Joe’s enthusiasm is contagious, he is very livestock-orientated and is keen to push the flock on again.

His desire is to increase the flock to 500 ewes and their focus now is to improve the lambing percentage of the September lambing group (currently 160 per cent) to reflect that of the later group, which is closer to 180 per cent. His motivation gives a new sense of regeneration to the farm and getting the award now on the back of his enthusiasm is very inspiring to them all.

Commenting on the win, Signet Breeding Services Manager Sam Boon said: “Rates of genetic improvement in Signet-recorded flocks are at an all-time high. The difference between the best highEBV breeding stock and average animals is increasing year on year.

“This means commercial producers have more to gain when investing in rams with superior genetics.

Pedigree breeders can capitalise on these differences too and this is exactly what Jim has done. The improvement in the genetic merit of their flock is clear and they are to be congratulated on their achievement.”

The Sheep Better Returns Programme (BRP) is funded by EBLEX and aims to help English sheep producers get better returns from their enterprises by improving their skills in five key areas:  Better breeding  Better selection  Better feeding and forage  Better fertility and health  Better systems and costing EBLEX is the organisation for beef and lamb levy payers in England, and is a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Find out more at www.eblex.org.uk.

For more information please contact Jo Biggs, in the EBLEX press office, on 024 7647 8836 or via jo.biggs@eblex.ahdb.org.uk.

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Great Yorkshire Show 2014 Considered to be one of the top agricultural shows in the country, the 2014 Great Yorkshire Show boasted a fine selection of Dorset sheep. Although entries were slightly smaller than last year, quality remained unaffected, even under adverse showing conditions! Although the weather looked promising, as Dorset judging got underway in the afternoon, the clouds broke and monsoon conditions followed.

Judge for the day, Mr Iolo Davies, was undeterred by the rain and efficiently examined and placed the sheep presented to him.

Taking the Open Class Supreme and Male Champion was Karen Hodgson’s senior ram, a Hilltop bred ram, being a strong contender from the out this was no surprise. The Reserve Male position also went to the Hodgson’s Marren flock with their ram lamb ‘Islaharnan Unique’, winner of the Ram Lamb class. Taking the judges eye and becoming Female Champion was Alec Steff’s Shearling ewe ‘Sherborne Tangerine’, already shown this season with success. She beat another entry from the Steff stable, a Sandy Lane bred aged ewe which won the adult ewe class and Edwin Pococks’s smart homebred ewe lamb.

In the Northern Dorset Breeders Club classes, which are only open to exhibitor bred sheep from members of the club. Edwin Pocock’s strong homebred Hall Lane ram lamb, who is to become a stock ram in the flock took the Male Championship. Female and Supreme Championship was awarded to Karen Hodgson for her ewe that topped the female class. This success rounded off an excellent day for Karen taking Supreme Champion in the open class and Supreme Champion in the club classes.

We would like to thank Iolo, for taking the time to travel and making an excellent job of judging.

Unfortunately he returned home laden with a lot of Yorkshire water! Thanks also to the exhibitors for making the time and effort to attend the show with quality stock. There’s no better shop window for the breed and interest is growing constantly.

Supreme and Male Champion from K Hodgson, Reserve and Female Champion from Alec Steff

Judging at Great Yorkshire

See Full show results and more pictures from Great Yorkshire in the show results pages.

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BACK TO BASICS Poll Dorset sheep fit into the ‘back to basics’ policy and have paid off for Somerset sheep producer Geof Davey.

The easily managed and adaptable breed is paying its way for Geof and his partner Sarah who are helped by their daughters, Abigail, 11, and Olivia, seven, at Bridge Farm, Shepton Mallet, a lowland grass unit in the Mendip Hills.

“I always wanted to keep sheep right from when I was at primary school and I used to go to sheep fairs with my dad who had dairy cows. Poll Dorsets were my chosen breed and at the age of ten I got two ewes,” said Geof.

Initially farming with his father and mother, Geof took on an eight year farm business tenancy of a 60 acre Somerset County Council farm from 1999 to 2007, initially milking up to 60 cows In 2001 when movement restrictions were in place because of foot and mouth disease prevented him using grass keep and the dairy herd was reduced in favour of the sheep and the foundation of the flock included 49 ewe lambs from Roger Huxter, of Crediton, Devon.

The move to the 160 acre Bridge Farm enabled further expansion of the flock from 250 breeding to today’s 870 ewes.

Now the flock is the main focus of the farming enterprise with the majority pure bred Poll Dorset and half the flock registered under the White Woolies prefix.

One of the attributes of the Dorset breed is its versatility and ability to lamb at any time of the year, unlike other breeds which naturally lamb in the spring.

Geof and Sarah - she also juggles farming with running her own floristry business - have used this to their advantage and they have been lambing the older ewes from September to October with ewe lambs lambing from January to March.

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Not only does this enable them to sell prime lambs at a premium early in the new year to a specialist Dorset scheme with a leading supermarket, which they have been doing since 2002, but now they are further improving on the profitability of their farm by rearing beef calves.

“Last year we started rearing mainly Hereford - Aberdeen Angus cross calves, buying them at two to three weeks old and selling them at three to four months of age, putting 140 through the system,” said Geof.

“This year (2014) is the last for lambing the ewe lambs in January-March so all the ewes will be lambed in SeptemberOctober. All the ewes are housed for lambing but by consolidating it all in the autumn, it frees up the housing so that we can keep the calves on until 12 months old and sell them as stores,” said Geof.

Geof has a ‘low input - back to basics policy’ and the ewes are fed no concentrates but are given high energy feed buckets before and after lambing.

After lambing when the weather is right, the ewes and lambs are turned back out on the autumn pasture.

Lambs are not creep fed to prevent poaching of the ground but from mid December lambs rare weaned and housed and fed ad lib on lamb grower finisher pellets from Crediton Milling and barley straw and hay, with most sold from January to March.

The finished lambs weigh 17-17.5kg deadweight with the aim of increasing this, grading mainly R3L with some U3L. “We find the September-October lambing suits us and the farm perfectly and if now we can add more value to the calves by keeping them on longer.

“I could recommend the system. The lambs don’t need worming and aren’t affected by fly strike because of the time of year. With the lambs being sold by April there is plenty of fresh, spring grass to turn out the rams with the ewes for autumn lamb production.

“It means we can keep more ewes throughout the summer grazing period and we scan stock at six ewes to the acre.

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“That’s the beauty of Dorsets - they lamb when you want them to. You are not working with the sheep - they work for you,” said Geof.

On the low-input system, Geof is happy with a lambing percentage of 1.4 lambs born. He says if he had to feed his Dorsets like other commercial ewes it would not be viable.

The ewes are easily managed and lambed.

In autumn 2013, 52 ewes lambed within 24 hours and nine lambed within half an hour and all had been served naturally.

Key inputs are the ewes are wormed/fluked and the ewes are given a trace element drench as well as an MoT to check teeth and udders and trim feet before the rams are let loose. The ratio for rams to ewes has been reduced from 1-50-60 ewes to 1-30 ewes which helps with productivity. Currently 25 pedigree registered Dorset rams and five ram lambs purchased from Joe Larder, of Sandford, Somerset, are run with the ewes.

The majority of the ewe lambs are sold finished with a few retained as flock replacements.

Some selective purchases are made for replacement females.

Both Geof and Sarah’s daughters are enthusiastic about the Dorsets and show them at their local Shepton Mallet Show - last year they showed nine sheep and came home with ten rosettes.

Geof said: “I’m dedicated to my sheep 24-7 which are also a hobby and, in fact, going to the May Fair in Exeter is my holiday!”

EBLEX – GENETIC IMPROVEMENT GRANT EBLEX are delighted to invite you to participate in the new Genetic Improvement Grant (GIG).

The genetic improvement grant (GIG) has been developed to help breed improvement by providing support to sheep breeding groups or breed societies wishing to linkage between flocks (flock connectedness) and enhance rates of genetic gain.

In February and June of each year breed societies, breeding groups or groups of breeders are invited to submit project proposals. Project proposal can be made using either of the available packages or by completing and submitting a blank project application form.

For more information visit the EBLEX website at: http://www.eblex.org.uk/research/funding-opportunities/genetic-improvement-grant/

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The Farmers Guardian have given me about 50 of the posters/notices below. If any members would like one, please let the office know and I will send you one (on a first come first served basis).

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SHOW RESULTS ABERYSTWYTH Judge: Mr David Eglin Reserve Supreme Champion: Interbreed Male Champion: Breed Champion:

Mr L James Mr L James Mr L James

Llyr James with Riverview Under Armour Riverview Under Armour

ARMAGH, Northern Ireland Judge: Miss Amy McConnell Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion:

David Hill & Judge, Amy McConnell with the Champion

Mr R Hill (Shearling Ewe) Mr A Knox (Ram Lamb)

Andrew Knox and Judge, Amy McConnell with the Reserve Champion 16

Ram, any age:

1. Mr D Gribben

Ewe, any age:

1. Mr R Hill 2. S & S Lyons 3. Mr D Gribben 4. Mr N Hylands

Shearling Ewe:

1. Mr R Hill 2. Mr R Hill 3. S & S Lyons

Ram Lamb:

1. Mr A Knox, U7/U18

Ewe Lamb:

1. S & S Lyons 2. Mr R Hill 3. Mr R Hill 4. Mr A Knox, U7/U17 5. S & S Lyons 6. Mr A Knox, U7/U19 ARTHINGTON (Any Native Breed)

Champion:

S M & J E Gray

Shearling Ram:

1. S M & J E Gray, N21/T153

Ram Lamb:

1. S M & J E Gray, N21/U154

Ewe Lamb:

3. S M & J E Gray, N21/U186

N21/T153

BALLYMENA, Northern Ireland Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion:

James & Craig Robson with Champion Shearling Ewe

Ram Lamb:

1. J & C Robson 2. A & P McNeill

Senior Ewe:

1. A & P McNeill

Shearling Ewe:

1. J & C Robson 2. Mr S Wilson

Ewe Lamb:

1. Mr J Patterson 2. J & C Robson

Pair of Lambs:

1. J & C Robson 2. A & P McNeill

Pair of Ewe Hoggets:1. J & C Robson Group of Three:

1. A & P McNeill 17

J & C Robson Mr J Patterson

Jack Patterson with Reserve Champion ewe lamb

BALLYMONEY, Northern Ireland Judge: Miss Laura Weir Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion:

Mr T Wright (Ram) J & C Robson (Shearling Ewe)

Ram:

1. Mr T Wright

Ewe, 2 year old & over:

1. Mr J Patterson 2. A & P McNeill

Shearling Ewe:

1. J & C Robson

Ram Lamb:

1. Mr T Wright 2. J & C Robson 4. Mr A Knox, U7/U18

Ewe Lamb:

1. Mr T Wright 2. J & C Robson 5. Mr A Knox, U7/U17

Pair of Lambs:

1. Mr T Wright 2. J & C Robson 3. Mr A Knox, U7/U17 & U18

Group of Three:

1. Mr T Wright BALMORAL, Northern Ireland Judge: Mr James Royan Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion: Second Reserve to Champion:

Thomas Wright with Champion, & judge, James Royan

Mr T Wright (Ram) Mr R Hill (Ewe Lamb) Mr T Wright (Ram Lamb)

Ewe Lamb Class winner & Reserve Champion

Class winners, with judge, James Royan 18

Ram, shearling or older:

1. Mr T Wright 2. Mr S Caldwell 3. Miss E McClure

Ewe, over one year old: 1. Mr T Wright 2. T & S Knox 3. Mr R Hill Shearling Ewe:

1. Mr R Hill 2. Mr S Wilson 3. T & S Knox 4. Mr T Wright 5. Mr S Wilson 6. Mr R Hill

Ram Lamb:

1. Mr T Wright 2. J & C Robson 3. Mr A Knox, U7/U18 4. Miss A McConnell 5. R & M Coulter 6. J & C Robson

Ewe Lamb:

1. Mr R Hill 2. Mr T Wright 3. T & S Knox 4. T & S Knox 5. Miss A McConnell 6. Mr S Wilson

Pair of Lambs:

1. Mr T Wright 2. J & C Robson

Group of Three:

1. Mr T Wright 2. Mr R Hill

DEVON COUNTY Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion: Champion Male: Reserve Champion Male: Champion Female: Reserve Champion Female: Best Opposite Sex to Champion: Best Dorset Horn:

Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Miss L Moorhouse

Group of Three:

1. Mr N Burrington 2. Mr T Clarke 3. Mr M Hayman 4. Miss L Moorhouse

Ram, Shearling or older:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr N Burrington 3. Mr N Burrington 4. Miss L Moorhouse

Ram Lamb:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr P Cole 3. Mr M Hayman 4. Mr T Clarke

Aged Ewe:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr N Burrington 3. Mr T Clarke 4. Mr N Burrington

Shearling Ewe:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Miss L Moorhouse 3. Mr T Clarke 4. Mr M Hayman

Chilver Lamb:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr M Hayman 3. Mr N Burrington 4. R & D Huxter 5. Mr P Cole 6. Mr M Hayman

Pair:

1. Mr T Clarke

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FIFE (Any Other Breeds) Reserve Champion:

Gorgie City Farm

Denis Rankine, Gorgie City Farm, with Reserve Champion, Bennachie Thor, S77/T8

Ram, any age:

2. Gorgie City Farm, S77/T8

Ewe Lamb:

3. Gorgie City Farm, W23/U2

Group of Three:

3. Gorgie City Farm, S77/T8; W23/U1 & U2 GREAT YORKSHIRE OPEN CLASSES Judge: Mr Iolo Davies Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion:

Mrs K Hodgson, (Aged Ram) Mr A Steff, (Shearling Ewe)

Iolo Davies (right), Supreme & Male Champion from Mrs K Hodgson, Reserve & Female Champion from Alec Steff 20

Shearling Ram or over:

1. Mrs K Hodgson 2. R M Eglin & Son 3. Mr A Steff

Ram Lamb:

1. Mrs K Hodgson 2. Mr A Steff 3. Mr E Pocock 4. R M Eglin & Son 5. Mr E Pocock

Adult Ewe:

1. Mr A Steff 2. Mrs K Hodgson 3. R M Eglin & Son

Shearling Ewe:

1. Mr A Steff 2. R M Eglin & Son 3. Braithwaite & Odgers 4. Mrs K Hodgson

Gimmer Lamb:

1. Mr E Pocock 2. Mrs K Hodgson 3. R M Eglin & Son 4. Mr E Pocock 5. Mr A Steff 6. Braithwaite & Odgers

Group of Three:

1. Mr E Pocock 2. Mr A Steff 3. R M Eglin & Son NOTHERN DORSET BREEDERS CLUB CLASSES (Open to Exhibitor bred sheep from NDBC members) Champion: Reserve Champion:

Mrs K Hodsgon, (Ewe) Mr E Pocock, (Ram Lamb)

NDBC Champion with Mrs K Hodgson & Sam Driver

NDBC Reserve Champion with Edwin Pocock

Female Class:

1. Mrs K Hodgson (Ewe) 2. R M Eglin & Son (Shearling Ewe) 3. Mrs K Hodgson (Shearling Ewe) 4. Mrs K Hodgson (Ewe Lamb)

Male Class:

1. Mr E Pocock (Ram Lamb), 2. Mr A Steff (Ram Lamb) 3. R M Eglin & Son (Ram Lamb) 4. Mr A Steff (Aged Ram)

ISLE OF WIGHT Breed Champion:

R M & J E Brown

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LLANDOVERY SHOW & SALE Judge: Mr G Jones

Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion: Champion Male: Reserve Champion Male: Champion Female: Reserve Champion Female:

Breed Champion with Judge, Geraint Jones and David Rossiter

D W Rossiter Griffiths & Davies D W Rossiter D W Rossiter Griffiths & Davies Mr J Dufosee

Reserve Breed Champion with Rowland Davies

David Rossiter being presented with the trophy by Welsh Club President, Tomas Jones

Ram:

1. D W Rossiter 2. Mr J Dufosee 3. Miss L Crowther 4. Miss L Crowther

Ram Lamb: 1. D W Rossiter 2. Mr J Dufosee 3. Mr D Lewis 4. Mr D Lewis Ewe:

1. Griffiths & Davies 2. Mr D Lewis 3. Mr J Dufosee 4. D W Rossiter

Ewe Lamb:

1. Mr J Dufosee 2. Griffiths & Davies 3. Griffiths & Davies 4. R & R Hole

Pen of 3 Lambs:

1. T E & D Jones 2. S & R Downes 3. Mr D Lewis 4. Mr J Dufosee 22

OMAGH, N. Ireland Judge: Mrs K Carson

Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion:

Mr B Lamb Mr K Thompson

Champion

Senior Ewe Senior Ram

Reserve Champion

Ram, 2 years old or over:

1. Mr K Thompson 2. Mr M Warnock

Shearling Ram:

1. S & S Lyons

Ram Lamb:

1. Mr B Lamb 2. J & C Robson 3. J & C Robson

Ewe, having reared lambs: 1.Mr B Lamb 2. S & S Lyons 3. Mr K Thompson 4. Mr S Wilson Shearling Ewe:

1. J & C Robson 2. S & S Lyons 3. Mr B Lamb 4. J & C Robson 5. Mr S Wilson

Ewe Lamb:

1. Mr B Lamb 2. Mr K Thompson 3. J & C Robson 4. S & S Lyons 5. J & C Robson 6. Mr M Warnock OTTLEY (Any Other Native Breed) Champion:

S M & J E Gray

Sheila Gray with Champion, Burley T153 23

Ram, any age:

1. S M & J E Gray, N21/T153

Ram Lamb:

1. S M & J E Gray, N21/U154

Shearling Ewe:

1. S M & J E Gray, N21/T130 ROYAL BATH & WEST Judge: Mr Les French Interbreed Champion: Mr T Clarke Champion Native Shortwool: Mr T Clarke Breed Champion: Mr T Clarke Reserve Breed Champion: Mr T Clarke Best Opposite Sex to Champion: Mr T Clarke Sherborne Flock Trophy: Mr T Clarke (Breeder with highest number of points) Reserve Champion Overall Shortwool Wool on the Hoof: Tucker & Jesse Reserve Champion Overall Performance Recorded Ram: R & R Hole

Tom Clarke with Champion & Judge, Les French

Donna Western with Reserve Champion & Judge, Les French

Tom Clarke being presented with the Sherborne Flock Trophy by Richard Hole for the breeder with the most amount of points

Arthur Jones being presented with a rosette by Judge, Les French

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Group of Three:

1. B A Wernham & Son 2. Mr T Clarke 3. Mr N Burrington 4. R & R Hole 5. Mrs J & Miss F Bissett & Mr D Frankham

Ram, Shearling or over:

1. Mr N Burrington 2. Mr T Clarke 3. B A Wernham & Son 4. Bramble Farms 5. Mr A Palk 6. Mr N Burrington

Ram Lamb:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. R & R Hole 3. B A Wernham & Son 4. Mr N Burrington 5. Mrs J & Miss F Bissett & Mr D Frankham

Shearling Ewe:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr A Palk 3. Mr N Burrington 4. B A Wernham & Son 5. B A Wernham & Son 6. Tucker & Jesse

Ewe Lamb:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. R & R Hole 3. B A Wernham & Son 4. Mr T Clarke 5. R & R Hole 6. Mr N Burrington

Pair of Sheep:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. B A Wernham & Son 3. Mr N Burrington 4. R & R Hole 5. Mr A Palk

Wool on the Hoof:

1. Tucker & Jesse 2. B A Wernham & Son

Fine Fleece:

2. Master A Jones

Performance Recorded Ram Lamb:2. R & R Hole ROYAL CORNWALL Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion: Champion Male: Reserve Champion Male: Champion Female: Reserve Champion Female: Best Opposite Sex to Champion: Best Dorset Horn:

Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Mr T Clarke Miss L Moorhouse

Ram:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr N Burrington 3. Mr N Burrington 4. R & D Huxter 5. A & C Kingdon

Ram Lamb:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr T Clarke 3. A & C Kingdon

Aged Ewe:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr N Burrington 3. Mr N Burrington 4. A & C Kingdon

Shearling Ewe:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Miss L Moorhouse 3. Miss L Moorhouse 4. Mr N Burrington 5. Mr M Hayman

Ewe Lamb:

1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr T Clarke 3. A & C Kingdon 4. Miss L Moorhouse 5. Mr M Hayman

Best Group: 1. Mr T Clarke 2. Mr N Burrington (1 ram, any age, 1 yearling ewe, 1 ewe lamb) Interbreed Pairs:

3. Miss L Moorhouse

Wool on the Hoof:

1. R & D Huxter 2. A & C Kingdon 3. Miss L Moorhouse 25

STIRLING (Any Other Breeds)

Ram Lamb: 1. Gorgie City Farm, 990/U2141 Ewe Lamb:

2. Gorgie City Farm, W23/U1 SURREY COUNTY (Any Native Breed or cross) Judge: Mrs Sue Taylor Champion:

Mrs S Dunsdon

Ram, any age:

2. Mrs S Dunsdon

Ram Lamb:

1. Mrs S Dunsdon 3. Mrs S Dunsdon

Single Ewe Lamb:

1. Mrs S Dunsdon 2. Lovejoy Farm Partnership 4. Mrs S Dunsdon

Shearling Ewe:

1. Mrs S Dunsdon 2. Mrs S Dunsdon 4. Lovejoy Farm Partnership THREE COUNTIES Judge: Mr David Rossiter Breed Champion: Reserve Breed Champion:

Griffiths & Davies Griffiths & Davies

Ram, 2 shear or over:1. B A Wernham & Son 2. Mr N Burrington 3. Miss L Crowther Shearling Ram:

1. Griffiths & Davies 2. Miss L Crowther 3. B A Wernham & Son

Ram Lamb:

1. B A Wernham & Son 2. G & E Jones 3. Miss L Crowther 4. R M Eglin & Son Ltd.

Ewe, 2 shear or over:1. Griffiths & Davies 2. Mr N Burrington 3. G & E Jones 4. Mr N Burrington Shearling Ewe:

1. Griffiths & Davies 2. B A Wernham & Son 3. G & E Jones 4. B A Wernham & Son 5. Mr N Burrington

Ewe Lamb:

1. Mr N Burrington 2. Griffiths & Davies 3. B A Wernham & Son 4. B A Wernham & Son WORCESTER SHOW & SALE Judge: Mr Mark Hayman Champion: Reserve Champion:

D W Rossiter, W L French

A26/U06011 D72/T544

Shearling Ram, or over:

1. W L French, D72/T544 2. W L French, D72/T519 3. Mr E Pocock, P43/T194 4. Mr J Dufosee, D26/T746

Ram Lamb:

1. D W Rossiter, A26/U06011 2. Mr J Dufosee, D26/U331 3. Miss L Crowther, P85/U335 4. R & R Hole, 990/U2201 5. Mr Dufosee, D26/U241 26

Shearling Ewe, or over:

1. R & R Hole, 990/T1687 2. W L French, D72/T563 3. Mr J Dufosee, D26/T16 4. Mr J Dufosee, D26/T15 5. W L French, D72/T484

Ewe Lamb:

1. R & R Hole, 990/U2004 2. Mr J Dufosee, D26/U310 3. J B May & Son, A21/U421 4. Mr J Dufosee, D26/U325 5. R & D Huxter, E4/U178

BREED SOCIETY OFFICE CLOSURE I am afraid that due to the breed secretary having a hip replacement operation the breed society office will be closed for at least six weeks from 24 July to 6 September, but I will be working from home from 4th August.

However post will be collected from the office on a weekly basis and e-mails will be responded to and dealt with. If you need to ring please ring the normal office number between 9.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. from 4th August, and your call will be diverted to a temporary number.

DORSET HORN & POLL DORSET SHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION Agriculture House, Acland Road Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EF Tel/Fax: 01305 262126

DISCLAIMER The Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Association produce this newsletter in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies contained therein.

e-mail: dorsetsheep@xlnmail.com website: www.dorsetsheep.org Breed Secretary: Marguerite Cowley

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