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2011The Journal of the Texel Sheep Society

Quality I Performance I Service I Success

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Commercial Texel – Whinfell Park, Cumbria

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For efficient meat production

tried, tested and proven

matched perfectly to UK conditions

Tel: 02476 696629 Fax: 02476 696472 E-mail: office@texel.co.ukwww.texel.co.uk

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Contents Page Index to advertisers 6Chairman’s Foreword 8Chief Executive’s Foreword 9Board of Directors & Area Map 10Committees 12The Breed 14AGM & Social Weekend 15 Wool Test 16National Sale Dates 17William & Carol Ingram Feature 18Robert Cockburn Feature 24Texel Female Invitational Sales 2010 30Making our mark at Eurotier 42Are your rams being overfed? 54HCC Elite Ram Project 57Heulwen and John Thomas Feature 62Iolo Prys Jones Feature 64Robbie Mulligan Feature 73British and French Texel production, a stark contrast! 80Judith Lapthorne Challonsleigh Feature 90Nesbitt Family Feature 96Society Club Sales 99Genetic Gains in Growth Pay Off 106Sandy and Isobel Lee Feature 120Royal Show Judges 2011 130National Show & Sale Judges 2011 132Royal Show reports 136Winter Fairs / Primestock Shows 148National Show & Sale Reports 150Regional Club Reports 168Regional Club Contact details 180 Flock Competition Results 192Female Club & Private Collective Sales 204Sire of the Year Trophy 208Texel Sponsorship 209Club Contacts 210

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of information contained within the Texel Sheep Society Journal 2011 no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions or any reliance on use of the information to readers. All prices and information is correct at time of going to press.

Acknowledgment

The Board of Directors and Chief Executive would like to thank our Members, Regional Clubs, Sponsors, Auctioneers, Show Judges and Staff at the Texel office for their continued support helping to keep the Texel breed successful. Thanks also go to the following people for their contributions towards the publication of the Texel Sheep Society Journal for 2011 with articles and photographs.

ArticlesSam BoonAngela Calvert Libby Clark Lynsey Clark Liz Genever Graham Hill Patsy Hunter Scottish FarmerBruce Mair Sylvia Rawlings John Yates

PhotographyJohn Eveson Scottish Farmer Doug Low Adrian Legge Catherine MacGregor Alfie ShawDaniele Oliveto

DesignGhost Design

Tel: 02476 696 629 Fax: 02476 696 472

office@texel.co.uk www.texel.co.uk

National Agricultural Centre,Stoneleigh Park,Kenilworth,Warwickshire,CV8 2LG

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Index to Advertisers

Flock Prefix or Name Member Flock Code Page No.Allanfauld/Tamtain MacGregor XMM 22Alloaks/Ashfield Emma Pamplin/Pinny PAD/PIN 21Alwent/Deneside Doug Nesbitt NTA/XDN 23Amersham David Unwin UDA 27Annan Keith Jamieson JMW 26Ballynadrenta/Ballymarlow Nigel Hamill/Geoff Fleck HNB/FDG 28Barnage Martyn & Son MWB 29Beautry Stuart Currie CUB 34Bold Venture Holden HBV 29Cambwell R Laird LTC 35Carmavy McCollam MSY 34Claybury Jamie Draper DHL 36Clougher & Bushmills V Chestnutt CVC 37Colwood / High Weald Peter Sutton-Triniidad TDV/TFW 114Cowal Keith Campbell CKC 212Derryvore Owen Donahoe XOD 38Drinkstone Arnold Park PJP 39Eglur & Kauri Robin Ellis ECE / JNB 47Einon Irena Lewis LSI 49Ettrick Gordon Gray GGH 48Forkins / cherryvale Alastair Gault GAF/GCN 52Fordwell Bec McLean CJF 50Garngour/Teiglum/Clarks Lynsey or Alan Clark CJN/CFT/DCX 51Glaves B W Glaves GGW 58Goldies Bruce T Goldie GJG 58Haddo Graem Knox KWJ 59Hen Gapel John or Del Owen OJH 60Heyworth Lodge Luke Lodge LSH 50Hobbs/Houldey/Durnford Carol Houldey HOU/HMW/DVV 46Hull House John or Linda Mellin MJH 68Humeston Ian Gilmour GIH 69Kelso Marina Reid MBZ 74/75Killochries Mari Anderson GHR 76Kingsland Vaughan VPK 78Llyfni/Llangwm Iolo Jones/Iwan Williams JLI 84Loosebeare Paul Quick QEL 85Marston Richard Cheshire CRM 88Millar's M & C Millar VMG 89Milnbank Robbie Wilson LYM 94Miserden Sue Andrews AAS 88Orrisdale Carol Kermode KAO 95Peacehay Sue Chave CFP 104Penstones C S Ponting PCP 101Proctors Jennifer Aiken PFD 102Salocin Nick Tavernor TNS 111Scholars McCaffrey YWM 111Stainton Peter Woof WPS 112

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Texel Journal Advertisers 2011 Page No.Derbyshire 40Dutch Texel 41Eastern Texel 125Glos & Borders 126Midlands 127North West 129Northern 92-93Northern Ireland 128Ruthin 144/145Shropshire & Borders 146/147South Wales 108/109

Flock Prefix or Name Member Flock Code Page No.Trujim Trudy Davies DDT 113Twelve oaks David or J Chambers CTO 115Twynewydd Deri Morgan MDY 113Twyn-y-cryn Will Davis DKT 116Waen Brian Joseph JJW 124Wester Moy David Coli, Alan Chisholm CHI 117Willow Moss Kevin Moores MVW 119

Wiston Sylvia Rawlings RHW 118

Texel Journal Advertisers 2011 Tel number: Page No.Allflex 01450 364 120 20Argyll Holidays 0845 459 9772 213Bleu De Maine Sheep 01291 673 810 27Celtic Sheep Breeding Services 01970 612 526 45Clee, Tompkinson & Francis 01874 622 488 38Cox Agri 0845 6008081 100D & C Fawcett 01768 890 935 45Daltons 0800 838 882 44EBLEX 02478 478 829 110Elaine Eunson 01856 741 205 101Harbro 01888 545 200 60HCC 01970 625 050 61Innovis 01979 828 236 70JG Animal Health 01886 880482 72Knockanboy Sheep Breeding Services 028 207 41252 77Lawrie & Symington 01555 662 281 79McCartneys 01905 769 770 87NEMSA 01387 371 777 86Paragon Veterinary Practice 01228 710 208 103QMS 01463 811 804 95Ritchey 01765 689 541 105SAC 01463 226 995 103Southern Ireland Texel Society 00353 879 873 264 71United Auctions 01786 473 055 124

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Chairman’s Report

Here we are 10 years on from the devastating effects of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreaks, with the breed recovered, and in my mind,

never in better shape to fulfil its role as the No 1. terminal sire in the UK. What a sterling example has been set by two 80 odd year olds in the shape of Keith Jamieson and Robert Forsyth who have risen from the depths of despair having seen their stock culled, back to the pinnacle of the breed - they should be held up as an inspiration for all those who may face such adversity in the future.

Having just recently attended the Paris Show it is hard to imagine that those with foresight nearly 40 years ago would pick on the modern day French Texel to import. UK Texels have evolved over the years to suit the demands of the terminal sire market in a way that our French counterparts haven’t and with a falling breed register it’s hard to see where they will make up this ground, which does seem ironic given the number of Texel x bred lamb carcases that are imported into France every year. It is pleasing to report that the two ram hoggets on display could have been sold a few times over, so who knows, this may open up a market to France following similar shows in Romania and Germany, which resulted in exports to these countries, as well as Switzerland. The Society presence in Brazil is now reaping dividends with the first shipment of semen recently exported with embryos set to follow later in 2011, if certification permits.

Nearer to home, marketing changes are afoot, with the very successful switching of the Welsh Premier Sale to the ultra modern and thriving Welshpool mart to be followed in Northern Ireland this year, when the Premier sale moves to Ballymena where I’m sure it will be equally successful.

Our finances continue to flourish under the watchful eye of our Chief Executive, which has enabled us to promote the breed more fully both at home and abroad. The unveiling of the new stand at Scotsheep in May was very well received, very busy (the news of strawberry tarts and cakes

soon spread!) and a big success due in no small measure to the help from the Scottish Texel Club who were heavily involved in manning it.

The club presence was also very evident and appreciated at Drimsynie where we held our AGM last November in conjunction with the Scottish Clubs 25th anniversary social weekend, an occasion that will be long remembered by all those present - roll on the 2011 AGM due to be held at La Mon hotel in Northern Ireland. Knowing the N. I. Texel club I’m sure it will be an event not to be missed.

The office staff have made great strides forward in the development of our website, now regarded as a first point of reference on all Texel matters with up to date reports regularly appearing. However, this can only continue providing we get feedback and material from YOU the members, so keep sending us your news as it happens.

The future of the breed lies in the youth of the industry and it’s encouraging to see so many youngsters involved at the many events held around the country.

As this is my last report as Chairman, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped make this such a memorable experience, especially my family who have supported and covered for me whilst I’ve been away and my fellow board members who have helped make the last two years run so smoothly. On this note, I would encourage as many of you as possible to stand for election when a vacancy arises and if successful I’m sure you will find your time on the board as rewarding as I have.

A huge thank you to John Yates our Chief Executive and the office staff for the very successful, efficient and courteous way that they have managed the Society’s affairs, we are fortunate to have such a dedicated and pleasant team available.

Lastly, many thanks for giving me the great honour of leading the Number 1. sheep breed society in the UK, you can be sure that your breed’s future is in very good hands.

Gordon GrayChairman

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Chief Executive’s Foreword

“Texel” is now synonymous with words such as quality, efficiency and productivity across all parts of the supply chain, where breeders, producers, technologists, processors, business managers and retailers are realising and experiencing the benefits the breed has to offer. It would be too much, however, to ask for supermarkets to endorse or accept the improvements in meat quality that have essentially been down to the widescale use of a single breed that consistently influences the quality of the end product produced in the UK.

Total UK production is expected to plateau at 270,000 to 290,000 tonnes/annum over the next four years, of which the export trade will be extremely influential for UK producers’ margins, taking up 32% of home production. Sheep meat exports will account for around 94,000 tonnes of which the French market takes the lion’s share at 62,000 tonnes or 21% of UK production. Texel carcases dominate our export trade, with levy boards investing further to develop new export markets, but these can only be sustained if a quality product is supplied by UK producers. Texels have had a significant impact as the industry reforms since the adjustment of CAP in 2005 and Texel has become a key solution offering production efficiencies for producers and processers alike ensuring margins are improved at every level.

The ‘Texel pedigree quality mark’ is proven beyond doubt as society sales increased their revenue by 9% in 2010, totalling £4.02 million, now eclipsing many competitor breeds. When taking into account the volume of purebred Auction sales, Texels sell well and they definitely sell in volume. Producers are clearly recognising the productivity and commercial benefit of using Texels across a diverse environment and grass finishing systems.

Society business health has strengthened on the back of restructuring financial inflow and effective cost controls. Pedigree Birth Notifications have begun to increase again after a short period of plateau over the past three years at 60,000. Ewe registrations have also increased significantly in 2010 by 13%, similar to the increase in the Hog retention within the national flock, which has seen close to 9% increase.

Whilst producers must focus on producing quality so do pedigree Texel breeders and the Society encourages members to listen to their customers and ensure the breed adapts as the market evolves. The Society’s work is dedicated to supporting the membership in meeting the challenges of a reforming industry, which will, I am sure, speed up as the 2013 CAP review draws nearer.

One fact is clear: producers staying in business will demand a breed that delivers production efficiencies, and clearly it will be the breed that meets these demands that will prosper in the future. A sound business rule that never fails to apply is “if you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it”. This will be as applicable to the commercial producer’s assessment of productivity and margin control as it is for a breed’s development. The Texel Society now has more fully recorded ewes in its population than at any time in its 38-year history, and vastly more than many whole breed populations. This is a very healthy situation for the Breed’s future success as many more breeders respond to their customers’ needs by measuring performance. Successful breeds adapt and evolve, so make sure that you are playing your part in the Texel’s future.

John Yates

Chief Executive

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Texel Sheep Society Board of Directors

Gordon GraySouth East Scotland Ettrick – GGHElected 2007 – Term expires 2012Chairman – President – Finance & Remuneration Committee – Compliance & Governance Committee - Directors Complaints & Registration Audit Committee – Staff Grievance / Disciplinary Appeals Committee Tel: 0175022386

Robert CartledgeNorthern & Central Northern Midlands of England & Isle of Man Plattin – CPRElected 2008 – Term expires 2013 Breed Development Committee

Tel: 01298814168

Alan ClarkCentral & West of Scotland Garngour – CJNElected 2008 – Term expires 2013Sales & Show Committee Chairman

Tel: 01555892965

John DaviesSouth Wales & BordersAman - DYAElected 2009 – Term expires 2014 Finance & Remuneration Committee

Tel: 01269592865

Henry GambleNorthern IrelandSpringwell - GRSElected 2009 – Term expires 2014Sales & Shows Committee – Compliance & Governance Committee Tel: 028 91 270 215

Roy HughesMid Wales & BordersTrefonnen – HRTElected 2006 Term expires 2011Sales & Show CommitteeTel: 01691652370

Tommy MacTaggartSouth West of Scotland & North East England Rascarrel – MTR Elected 2006 – Term expires 2011Sales & Shows Committee

Tel: 01556640210

Alwyn PhillipsNorth Wales & BordersPenygelli – PAPElected 2008 – Term expires 2013Breed Development Committee – Compliance & Governance Committee

Tel: 01286673519

Steve Richardson NE England Stonebridge - RSSElected 2007 - Term expires 2012Honorary Treasurer - Finance & Remuneration Committee Tel: 01226752359

Bruce MairNorth of Scotland Muiresk – MSK Elected 2006 – Term expires 2011Finance & Remuneration Committee – Staff Grievance/Disciplinary Appeals Committee Tel: 01888563340

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8Aubrey AndrewsCentral Southern MidlandsMiserden – AASElected 2008 – Term expires 2014Breed Development Committee Chairman – PRT Committee Chairman NSA Representative for the SocietyTel: 01285821576

9Nick TavernorSouth West EnglandSalocin – TNSElected 2005 – Term expires 2014Vice Chairman – Vice President – Finance & Remuneration Committee Compliance & Governance Committee - Directors Complaints & Registration Audit CommitteeTel: 01460241789

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Tim HealyEast & South East of England Wealden – HTWElected 2007 – Term expires 2012Breed Development Committee - Director to BASCO Data Ltd Tel: 01403741729

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Area Map

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Committees 2011

Finance & Remuneration Committee

Gordon Gray, Chairman

Nick Tavernor, Vice Chairman Steve Richardson, Honorary Treasurer Bruce Mair John Davies

Breed Development CommitteeAubrey Andrews, ChairmanTim Healy Alwyn Phillips Robert Cartledge

PRT Committee (elected full recorders/non Directors)Aubrey Andrews, ChairmanSimon Farmer Jack Lucas Arnold Park

Sales and Shows Committee

Alan Clark, Chairman

Roy Hughes Tommy MacTaggart Henry Gamble

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The Breed

The Texel sheep originates from the island of Texel, one of the north-western islands off Holland where the ancient native sheep was known as Pielsteert (Pin-tail, because of its thin short tail). In an attempt to improve prolificacy, growth rate and size several English breeds such as Lincoln, Leicester and Wensleydale were introduced at the end of the nineteenth century. Rigorous selection resulted in the development of a large, prolific and well muscled sheep. 1909 saw the formation of the first Texel breed society in North Holland which in 1911 issued the first description of type.

About 1933, the Texel was introduced to France and has since become established, particularly in the Northern provinces. In 1970, the first Texels were introduced to the United Kingdom with an importation organised by the Animal Breeding Research Organisation, who brought in four

rams for experimental purposes. Another four followed in 1971 and ABRO initiated extensive trials to compare the Texel with other terminal sires. The verdict was that the Texel excelled in carcass quality and, in particular, in lean meat yield.

In 1973, thirteen Lanarkshire sheep breeders joined forces with ABRO to import twenty-seven Texel females and thirteen rams from France. Further importations were made throughout the 1970s, with the first direct import from Holland at the end of that decade.

Texel has shown that they are capable of withstanding the rigours of the Scottish winter without any hardship and their progeny have proved to be as adaptable in our climate and altitude as the Flocks in Holland and France.

The Breed is well known in Europe and in the continents of Australia, Africa and South America as a provider or a high quality carcass that has a high killing out percentage. It is also well known in many countries as a breed that transmits it’s qualities to its progeny when used for crossing purposes.

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AGM & Social Weekend 2010

Drimsynie House Hotel, Lochgoilhead, Argyllshire Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th November 2010

A great time was had by over 200 members and friends at the AGM and Social Weekend held in conjunction with the

Scottish Texel Clubs 25th anniversary at Drimsynie Estate Lochgoilhead where the Campbell Family catered for our every need (although there was a rumour that Gin supplies ran out late on Saturday night, no doubt aided by the thirsty girls from the Texel office and Brian Ross!!). Friday evening started off with a bang courtesy of a pre dinner drinks reception followed by the drawing of the teams for the following days curling, bowling and laser clay pigeon shooting competitions along with the gimmer sale ballot.

Gimmer Sale viewing took place on the Saturday afternoon, followed by a very well attended AGM where our Chief Executive ably answered any questions from the floor, after reflecting on what had been an extremely successful year for the Society both financially and socially on the back of the breed’s increasing popularity in the commercial sector.

A quick spruce up was all that was required before attending the pre sale drinks reception followed by the sale of 11 in lamb gimmers and 2 ewe lambs with a fantastic top price of 13,000gns achieved from the Cowal entry selling to Trinidad Investments. Brian Ross then auctioned off 3 items for charity the highlight of which was an Elaine Eunson (Halley Flock) painting of the 2 sheep on the front of the 2010 journal which was snapped up by Cyril Millar (Millar’s) for the sum of £3,000. Many thanks to Elaine and Lindsay Clark who also donated a painting as well as Dane Love who donated a crook. These items along with the proceeds from the sale commission, kindly donated by Lawrie & Symington and the prize money donated by the winners of the Scottish Jubilee Trophy show circuit competition helping to boost the charity fund to around £8.500, with a gallon of whisky which was won and re-presented

by the Texel office girls still to be re-auctioned. What a great effort from everyone. The formal part of the evening concluded with Society and Club presentations. Sylvia Rawlings was presented with an engraved clock after retiring from the Board after 15 years. James Innes was the inaugural winner of the Society’s “1st Season Sire of the Year Trophy” which he won with his ram Strathbogie Python, who produced the goods for the Glenside Flock.

The Scottish Club Jubilee Trophy was won by Alistair Beaton (Crosshill) with further presentations made to Brian Ross to mark his 25 years of service to the club. An engraved crystal glass was presented to all the past Chairmen of the Scottish Club as well as a table lamp to Mary Gibb (Rusha) for the many hours of her excellent Secretarial and administrative support. The evening was rounded off dancing to the sounds of Cafe Royale with the last man standing (just) being the effervescent and ageless Keith Jamieson (Annan) - if it were possible to bottle his spirit it would be priceless!

Sunday morning and brilliant sunshine! So off we went to the farm for a look at the Cowal flock and stock judging before heading back for lunch and prize giving for sports and also the Limerick writing competition organised by Sue Andrews on Friday evening. Many thanks to the Scottish Club for organising the weekend with special mention to John Tough, Brian Ross and Mary Gibb, it will be long remembered by those present and we eagerly look forward to this year’s AGM hosted by the N.I Club when we will be staying in La Mon Hotel, located 25 minutes south of Belfast. We look forward to welcoming you there.

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Society Wool Test

The Society receives a number of allegations each year regarding sheep that have been presented for show or sale in an unnatural condition. The Society’s Bye-laws state pedigree Texel sheep must be shown in natural condition, any tampering with the fleece contravenes the Bye-Laws. Each sale is operated with strict inspection, with the decision of the Inspector being final.

The Society reserves the right to ‘wool test’ at shows and sales held under its auspices. A sample collection procedure that has a legally robust audit trail is used when a sheep is sampled. Any positive result will automatically be referred to the Society’s Disciplinary Committee.

All members must understand the seriousness of the offence and the implications of having a positive test result. Members are advised that if trimming of the wool is proven, the Committee can recommend to the Board any of a combination of the following penalties: -l Expulsion from the Membership of the Societyl Suspension from Membership of the Societyl Suspension for a period from entering sheep for Society shows and sales and taking part in any other Society sponsored activities.l Cancellation of registrations of the Member in the Flock book, or temporary de-registration of the Member’s sheep for a period, or disqualification of sheep from any Society event or activity for an unlimited period.l A fine, to include costs associated with the Disciplinary process, (in previous cases the costs have been substantial, amounting to in excess of £1,000).l A reprimand.

The Board are required to communicate the findings of any “disciplinary action” to its Membership. Two lots were sampled from different vendors at the Society’s 2007 National Sales; both cases were taken through a stringent and lengthy legal process and were proven to have been trimmed.

The Society rules are in place to protect all Members, please adhere to the Society’s rules.

A sample of wool in ‘pristine’ condition with individual fibres clearly seen twisting within the fleece.

A sample of ‘trimmed’ wool with individual fibres shown clearly cut.

An individual ‘trimmed’ wool fibre at greater magnification

NATIONAL SALES 2011 Northern Ireland PremierShow & Sale – Ballymena – NEW VENUEMonday & Tuesday15th & 16th August Scottish PremierShow & Sale – LanarkWednesday & Thursday24th & 25th August Welsh PremierShow & Sale – WelshpoolFriday & Saturday26th & 27th August English PremierShow & SaleMonday & Tuesday

29th & 30th August

For further information phone

02476 696629Or visit www.texel.co.uk

S H E E P S O C I E T Y

l Commercial producers

favour Texel for their

strong vigour and

premium lean meat

yield.

l Choose Texel with

confidence.

l Online sales

Catalogues available

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www.texel.co.uk

Q U A L I T Y P E R F O R M A N C E S E R V I C E S U C C E S S

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William & Carol Ingram – Logie Durno Inverurie

In the 12 years since the Ingram family established their Logie Durno Texel flock, at Pitcaple, Inverurie, their preferred type of

sheep has gradually changed – with the focus now primarily on breeding big, lengthy shearlings for the commercial market. But, flushing the best of their females has enabled them to keep a foot in the pedigree lamb market too, with their tup lambs reaching prices up to 12,000gns in recent years.The family – Willie and Carole, sons Gregor and Bruce and daughter Amy – have bred Charollais sheep for many years, and it was the success of later lambing with that breed which convinced them to go down the same route with the Texels.“It’s great to get big prices for lambs at pedigree sales, but you’re never guaranteed to get those big prices. By focussing on producing quality commercial tups, we can sell them at consistent, commercial prices, and if we do get a particularly good lamb that makes a good price, then it’s a bonus,” explained Willie, who is particularly busy January to March, when he spends seven days a week at his other job, as a sheep scanner.“Through scanning sheep, which I’ve done for 25 years, I’ve learned a lot from talking to commercial farmers and listening to what they are looking for in a tup. One of the most important needs is for easy lambing – there’s not as much labour on farms now and farmers don’t have time to deal with difficult lambings”.

“Our aim is to breed what the commercial man wants – big, long tups which are built to last, with good skins. The idea is to produce lambs which are easily lambed and then go on and grow – it’s weight that pays with fat lambs,” he added.It’s a family affair at Logie Durno, with the Ingrams all sharing an enthusiasm for working with sheep.

In fact, it was Gregor and Bruce, who are both now studying agriculture at SAC Craibstone, who encouraged their parents to buy into the Texel breed.

“Back in 1998, Texels seemed to be growing in popularity in this area and as the boys were really keen on them, we thought it was a good time to get into this growing market,” explained Willie.The first females were purchased from the Muiresk, Ettrick and Glenside flocks, and the main line for flushing today, comes from one of those Muiresk ewes. A daughter of hers, by Turin Fantastic (MDT99042), has proved the best breeding ewe in the 120-strong flock.The Ingrams aim for bigger framed, long and milky ewes, and Signet recording plays a big part in their breeding programme.

“The sheep have to look the part, but performance is also important, especially growth rate. Texels already have the quality, and now have the growth rates to compete with the Suffolks and Charollais,” said Willie.

Whilst the embryo lambs are born in February, the majority of the Texels and Charollais are lambed along with the 700-strong Lleyn cross ewes, in April. Those pure lambs are mainly destined to be sold as shearlings at the family’s on-farm sale, which is held in August each year.“We used to take 80-100 tups to Kelso each year, which involved three weeks of preparation, to get them all dressed. We decided to try cutting back on labour by selling the tups at home, in their natural condition – I’d seen similar sales working successfully in New Zealand,” Willie explained.The first sale of 40-50 tups took place five years ago, and since then, the numbers have increased to around 170 tups of all breeds. Last year’s sale averaged more than £500 a head.

“We’ve managed a 70% clearance every year, and those that aren’t sold on the day are sold privately later. The shearlings are lambed in April, and run with their mothers all summer on grass, before being fed from the following January to April, with no additional feeding from April until the sale in August.

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“The sale takes place at 6pm, with the shearlings having been chased in from the field at 2pm, with no feeding or dressing. That way, buyers know that the tups aren’t going to lose condition after they get home and they’ll hopefully live longer because they’ve not been over-fed. All our tups are sold with their indexes too, which more and more buyers seem to be looking for, as margins are becoming tighter,” added Willie.

“To produce the amount of rams that we are aiming to sell, you really need to be commercially minded. Before they are sold, we also use many of the shearlings as lambs, on the commercial flock.”Whilst the Ingrams are delighted with the success and growth of the on-farm sale at Logie Durno, they maintain that pedigree sales for the top end of the breed are just as important, and it’s to Lanark and Carlisle that they head with their best lambs. 2008 was a particularly strong year in the sale ring, with Logie Durno Odds On (IGB088027), making 12,000gns at Lanark and Logie Durno Orlando (IGB088037), taking the championship at Carlisle and selling for 11,000gns.

When it comes to selecting stock tups, the family place emphasis on length, size, skins and breeding figures. They say the Kelso purchase Scrogtonhead Lovejoy (GHL05127), bought for £2600, left a lot of long, milky females, while Langside New Approach (GAL07261), got at Kelso for £5000, has proved a strong shearling breeder. Slightly more expensive, were the shared purchases Cowal Rising Star (CKC1000223 - 9000gns at Lanark last year) and Rowandale Rocky (MCR1000007 - 14,000gns also at Lanark).

“They were two of the longest, growthiest lambs in the market, and we hope that they will be dual purpose, for breeding lambs and shearlings,” said Willie.

The lambing season begins in December, with the pedigree Charollais, and continues through to April, with the farm sale in August, so it’s a busy year at Logie Durno, but the Ingrams still find time to venture out to the shows through the summer. There, they’ve enjoyed much success with their Charollais and last year with Texels, they

stood third in the gimmer class at the Highland, and picked up the reserve championship at the Black Isle. The successful commercial approach to managing their flock also saw them secure the title of Farmers’ Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year 2010.

“With grain prices so high, I think the commercial route will become more popular in the future, with more sheep reared on a grass system. It’s certainly working well for us with Texels and we’re enjoying producing sheep for both markets, using performance figures as a management tool to improve the quality of the flock.

“As sheep farmers strive to become more efficient and make lamb more profitable, tools such as EID, despite being a big cost initially, could be really beneficial if used properly, allowing us to produce a more consistent, less wasteful product.”

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10,500gns on Ettrick Rainbow Warrior

Flashy breed type with Index 361

Allanfauld Rockafella18,000gns. Allanfauld Rockafella Performance

Index 389 A perfect combination of figures and powerful breed type

NTA XDN

M.V. Accredited - P.R.T Recorded - Scrapie Monitored - E.A. Accredited

2,000gns NTA 09 718Top priced gimmer

1st Choice sale

FOR TEXELS THAT MATCH PERFORMANCE WITH TYPE

T NESBITT & SONAlwent Hall, Winston, Darlington, DL2 3QH

Tel: 01833 660 769 Mobile 07515 022 561 E-mail: nesbitt@realemail.co.uk

ALWENT & DENESIDE TEXELS

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Robert Cockburn – Connachan – Crieff

Shepherd Robert Cockburn’s life has long revolved around working with sheep, and mainly the Blackface breed at that. But, the past decade has seen his passion extend to Texels, with the growth of his Connachan flock, established in 2002.

And, while most would find it difficult to identify many similarities between the two breeds, Robert says he uses the same principals with both, and that’s what enables him to run his Texel flock in conjunction with carrying out his full-time job as shepherd for Mary McCall Smith’s 1100-strong Blackface flock at Connachan, Crieff.

“I’ve always worked with Blackies, but I’ve not found too many differences when it comes to running the Texel flock. If I was judging a show, I’d handle both breeds the same way – I look for the same basic traits in Texels as I do with Blackfaces; sheep that handle well, with good skins and character,” explained Robert, who has worked at Connachan for the past eight years, following shepherding jobs at other well-known Blackface flocks, Burncastle, Elmscleugh and Midlock.At Connachan, the Texel journey began as a joint venture with the farm, with the first female, a Craighead ewe, bought in December, 2002. A

further five ewes were purchased in the first year, with the numbers building up to 30 females by the time Robert took over ownership of the flock in 2006. “To begin with, we were looking at the Texels from a more commercial point of view, and not concentrating too much on the pedigrees of the sheep. We originally crossed some Blackie ewes to the Texel with great results – the ewes lambed at the end of March and the lambs were away in July at 40kg+. We stopped that though, when the Texel flock went MV accredited and the two breeds had to be kept separate,” said Robert, who is able to manage such a busy working life thanks to the huge help from his girlfriend Dianne Wood. For the Texels, they rent around 50 acres of nearby ground and have the use of a shed at Connachan at lambing time.

Since taking over the flock himself, Robert says the back-breeding of the sheep has become far more important to him. He has put more focus on family lines, in order to build up a strong flock of females, and has started flushing his best ewes. There are four purchases which he feels have bred particularly well for him, including the Ettrick ewe (GGH04152), by Clynnog Joe Tex (ODC03024), a Cowal-bred daughter (CKC05075), of Baltier Kracker (FEB04045), the Springwell ewe(GRS06011), by Tullylagan Keystone (HPY04082) and (CMC07474), a Craighead-bred ewe by Craighead Masterpiece (CMC06285).

2.25

“They are the four main ewes in the flock that I’ve flushed, and they’re breeding really well, I’ve had show gimmers and ewe lambs out of each of those families,” Robert explained. Furthermore, it’s those same families which have produced Connachan’s best sellers so far. The Springwell ewe, which is shared with Gordon Gray’s Ettrick flock, is the dam of Robert’s top price ram lamb to-date, Connachan Rhino (YSM1000005), which sold for 7000gns at Lanark in 2010, and is also the mother of the reserve champion gimmer at the January, 2010, in-lamb sale at Lanark, which sold for 1600gns. The Ettrick ewe meanwhile, is grand-dam of Robert’s first prize novice lamb at Worcester last year, Connachan Rob Roy (YSM1000049), which made 4300gns, and the Cowal ewe has bred sons up to 3200gns.

The flock currently numbers 28 ewes, with a further 40 Mule ewes kept as recipients, and when it comes to picking tups to use on those ewes, Robert says his main priority is selecting ones that will particularly suit his females.

“The main things I focus on are tight skin, good conformation, and a good head, but you don’t get perfect sheep, they all have faults. It’s about looking for the bits that you need, and putting the tup to the type of ewes that will hopefully breed out any faults,” he said. “At a sale, a tup needs character to draw you into a pen, buts it’s the conformation of it that keeps you in that pen. I’d say, even in the short time I’ve had Texels, I’ve noticed that trends have changed. People are looking for bigger, stronger sheep, with better coats on them. I think after losing that a bit when Scrapie genotyping was dictating what people bought, the breed has definitely recovered and is improving overall.“Anyone interested in pedigree sheep will agree that the character of a sheep is important, but everyone’s perception of character is different,” he added.

Robert has been lucky to have had success with some home-bred tups, without having to fork out too much in the sale ring. He kept a share in the 4200gns Connachan O2 (YSM080002), which he sold at Lanark in 2008, and he bred a lamb at 3200gns, plus proved a strong shearling breeder.

Prior to that, Connachan Mr Majestic (YSM06001), which was in the belly of an Ettrick gimmer that he bought, was kept for breeding and produced good females and shearlings.

Other stock tups include Garngour Onyx (CJN085579), bought at Kelso for £2100, which sired the 4300gns Worcester seller. And, the current hopeful candidate for producing some star lambs this year is Baltier Rascal (FEB87021), which cost a bit more, being bought at Carlisle last year in a two-way split for 20,000gns.

Robert says his main goal with the Texels has always been to reach the stage where he’s selling quality lambs, shearlings and in-lamb females, to appeal to the pedigree and commercial market. He’s well on his way to achieving that, with three successful Lanark premier lamb sales under his belt, and last year’s batch of Kelso shearlings averaging out at just short of £600. Last year, he was invited to sell females at the Christmas Stars sale at Carlisle, where gimmers sold at 1250gns and 1200gns. Also, at the Scottish Club’s anniversary sale at Drimsynie in November, his in-lamb gimmer reached 1500gns.

And, showing has proved lucrative too, with Connachan sheep having collected four championships and two reserve intermediate accolades in the local circuit. Additionally, Robert showed Texels at the Highland Show for the first time last year, where his three entries picked up a second, a fifth and a highly commended, in some hugely competitive classes.

With two breeds to manage, it’s a wonder that he has any spare time for showing, but at lambing time, luckily the Texels are finished before the Blackies begin. And there’s not much chance of this busy lifestyle curbing Robert’s enthusiasm for his Texel flock – he’s enjoyed notable success in the sale and show ring with Connachan Blackfaces over the past eight years, selling tups at up to £44,000 – which gives him plenty to aspire to in the future with his other beloved breed!

2.26

EAE & MV AccreditedScrapie Monitored

JKA

Semen from Annan Braveheart and Annan won o won

for sale – eligible for export

JKA09044Sold for 11,000gns to S Cobbald. 3 full sisters sold to Proctor Farms.1 of his maternal sisters is the dam of Annan Pop Idol – stock ram (shared with Messrs Fleming, Mossknowe flock)

JKA09013Sold for 8,500gns at Drimsynie to Trinidad Investments. Her dam is the mother of Annan Jewel. Also 6 daughters and 2 granddaughters sold to Proctor Farms. Grand Dam of 6,500gns gimmer sold at Carlisle 2009 to S Cobbald and full sister to gimmer sold to S Cobbald at Carlisle 2010 for 4,000gnsStock Tups

New for 2010Annan Pop Idol – Sire Annan Number One & Maternal Brother to 8,500gns Drimsynie Gimmer. Dam Maternal Sister to 11,000gns gimmer sold at Carlisle.Ballynahone Rambo – a much admired lamb purchased at Dungannon 2010 (shared with Jim Black, Corrie flock)

13 gimmers sold Drimsynie and Carlisle 2010 to average £2,600

Flock reduction of a number of stock ewes and gimmers.Wishing all our customers every success with their purchases.

Visitors Welcome

JKA

Annan

Keith JamiesonSouthgillANNAN

DG12 6LET: 01461201257

John JamiesonWoodheadANNAN

DG12 6QWT: 0146140383

M: 07887918991E: johnjamieson@btconnect.com

2.27

AMERSHAM TEXELSBullscroft Farm

Established from the prize winning Little Knelle flock at Rye, with high indexes, some ewes from Cumbria, bred from high priced animals, a good ram from Lanark and a high index ram. We won 10 prizes at County shows last year. We offer terminal sires with a good chance of fecundity, easy lambing, high quality carcases and a small number for pedigree breeding.

David Unwin M.R.C.V.S.

01494 725228Dan Locke, Manager.

07500945179

www.bullscroft.co.uk

l Would you like to increase your lambing percentage?l Increase the milkieness of your ewes?l Have a very easy lambing so you have more time to spend managing your stock?

The Bleu will do all this for you!Look again at the Bleu for your crossbred ewe replacements & reap the benefits.

Society Sale Carlisle August 12th or visit our website for more information.

Jane Smith, Bleu du Maine Sheep Society Ltd.

Tel: 01291 673816www.bleudumaine.co.uk

BLEU DU MAINE SHEEP SOCIETY

2.28

BALLYNADRENTA & BALLYMARLOW TEXELS

HNB FDG

Cherryvale Popeye3rd Prize Stock Ram in NI Flock Competition 2010

Semen for sale:

l Cherryvale Popeye (son of Douganhill McFly) l Larkhill Paddy’s Pride (son of Brague Nixon)

l Mainview Rudolph (son of Cornerstone Jethro) l Templepark Rob Roy (son of Kelso Oxygen)

Inspection and visitors always welcome:

D & N Hamill & Sons26 Blackstown Road Crumlin

Co. Antrim

Tel: 07855316017 www.hamilltexels.com

Geoffery Fleck 85 Tully Road Kells

Ballymena

Tel: 07803151644

2.29

BARNAGE TEXELSMWB Est. 1980 MV Accredited Members PRT

Stock Sires for 2011CALLERTON ORION - SRC08702 ARR/ARR Index 3011st prize Signet/MLC Ram Lamb, English National Sale 2008. Sire Teilo Nerthol - VDT07039 (2)

MELLOR VALE ORION – BCM08017 (E) ARR/ARR Index 264Sire: Castlecairn Nile God RNA07149 (E)

PEACEHAY PRINCE CHARMING – CFP09133 (1) Index 292Sire: Cennum Magnum TCA06089 (2) Grown to a massive ram -1st prize ram lamb, Devon County Show, 2009 1st prize Shearling & Breed Champion Monmouth Show 2010

And introducing

CAMBWELL REMUS – LTC1000067 (2) Index 285 Sire: Cowal Powerhouse ckc09911 1st prize MLC ram lamb, English National Sale 2010

WK & CA Martyn & SonBarnage Farm, Alvington, Lydney, Glos. GL15 6AQ

Tel: 01594 529358 / 528249Mob: 07774461257Email: smartyn1@hotmail.co.ukEnquiries welcome.

Pictured Bold Venture Romeo at work, sold at Lanark Premier Sale 2010 to the Hullhouse flock (John and Linda Mellin).

Flock Code: HBV

MV Accredited

Sires for 2011: Knock Playboy (sire to Romeo) Bred exceptionally well in his 1st season.Tophill Rolex Purchased at Lanark 2010, showing great potential.

Semen Available.

W &A HoldenTel: 07929994732 Tel: 07974024610

Email: bl.2309@yahoo.com

2.30

Texel Female Invitational Sales 2010

At the eight invitational sales featured in this report the 71 flocks involved sold a total of 553 Gimmers to average £993. Although 56 fewer Gimmers were sold in comparison to 2009. The overall average was almost maintained in spite of prevailing arctic weather, there was a good turnout of buyers at most of the sale with both vendors and purchasers deserving immense credit with some travelling over 200 miles in very treacherous conditions.

Aspiring to top spot in the headlines were Albert & George Howie, who’s Aberdeenshire based KNOCK flock

achieved the magnificent average £4,321 for 16 Gimmers, setting up a new breed record of 24,000gns in the process. Buyers of the record priced animal, which was in-lamb to the 40,000gn Cambwell Rob Roy (LTC1000028), were Trinidad Investments. Robbie Wilson, who bought the entire MILNBANK flock from the late Margaret Lyon earlier in 2010 also had an excellent average of £2,784 for 14 Gimmers, mainly sired by the 29,000gn former Lanark Champion Millar’s Outstanding (VMG08528).

His top priced gimmer, in-lamb to the 40,000gn, Glenside Razzle Dazzle (FPG1000055), sold for 13,000gns to Procters Farms, who were also prominent buyers the following week. Apart from being under bidders for the record priced gimmer, Proctors Farms bought two Gimmers at 10,000gns and 7,500gns from the KNOCK pen, both by the same sire as the record breaker, Tophill Nockout (HPH07805).

The Gimmers sales season had a tremendous start this season when the Scottish club staged a 25th Anniversary sale in conjunction with the

Society AGM at Keith, Alan & Roy Campbell’s holiday complex at Drimsynie, Lochgoilhead. The Campbell brothers, who provided excellent hospitality, featured prominently both as buyers and sellers, attaining the top price when their very stylish COWAL gimmer sold for 13,000gns to Trinidad Investments, while they purchased two very smart Gimmers at 3,800gns apiece from the CAULDCOTS & WATCHKNOWE flocks respectively.

Another three flocks attained high averages in the £2,000+ category at Carlisle, namely RASCARREL, STRATHBOGIE and ANNAN. Tommy MacTaggart’s leading animal was a widely admired gimmer by Rascarrel Och Aye (MTR08456), purchased for 8,500gns by Alastair Beaton.

Jim Innes sold his two top Gimmers, both by Millar’s Outstanding (VMG08528) for 7,000 & 6,000gns respectively, to John Forsyth, GLENSIDE. The 7,000gn gimmer was in-lamb to the 40,000gn Glenside Razzle Dazzle (FPG1000055), while the 6,000gn gimmer was a full ET sister to the “Sire of the year” Strathbogie Python (IJS09289).

Veteran 80 year old breeder, Keith Jamieson, continues to set a good example for younger aspiring breeders to follow. Keith did well at both Lochgoilhead, where his entry by Annan Limmy (JKA05094), sold for 8,500gns to Trinidad Investments, while his leading gimmer at Carlisle by Ettrick McCoist (GGH06073), sold for 11,000gns to Acorn Farms, Norfolk. Keith’s close friend, Robert Forsyth, attained the highest average of £1,654 at Carlisle’s Twilight sale. Robert thought that the inclement weather had a definite negative effect on this evening sale, with many of the better Gimmers being bought worth the money while others failed to reach fairly realistic reserves. Two further consignors at the Twilight sale certainly merit a mention, namely Carolyn Hastings, COURTHILL, whose attractive pen of Gimmers achieved a total clearance with her top two animals setting at 3,000gns a piece while Messrs Quick, LOOSEBEARE, made the long journey from Devon to top the sale at 3,400gns with their show gimmer by Haddo Jogger.

2.31

At Lanark the Select Seven sale had a satisfactory outcome, again in spite of some very adverse weather conditions in the week preceding the sale, when central Scotland faced traffic gridlock. The consignors whom I spoke to following the sale included Gordon Gray, Jim Clark and Robert Laird, were all well satisfied with their personal trade. Top average at the sale was achieved by the HUMESTON flock of Messrs Gilmour, whose show gimmer by Baltier Nailer (FEB07712), sold for 4,500gns to Norman Douglas. The sale was topped at 5,000gns on two occasions with both Gimmers selling to Graham Morrison, DEVERONVALE, from ETTRICK and GARNGOUR respectively. Jim Clark said that the good quality Gimmers sold very well but some consignors were disappointed with around 20% of Gimmers forwarded failing to reach modest reserves. Ace salesman, Robert Laird, again achieved a total clearance with 10 of his 19 Gimmers attaining the 1,000gn+ mark, selling to a top of 3,200gns

The original dates set for the 2 major Irish invitational sales coincided with the worst spell of weather to hit Northern Ireland in living memory. Very deep snow forced the Northern Lights sale organisers to abandon the original date and reschedule for the 30th December, while in spite of driving snow, which reduced attendance, the Northern Stars sale bravely went ahead at Ballymena.

However in spite of the adverse weather both sales proved to be a resounding success, although attendance of potential buyers from the UK mainland was considerably reduced. Alastair Gault, FORKINS, was well satisfied with the overall trade achieved at the Northern Stars sale, but he also acknowledged that there were fewer very high prices for Gimmers at the top end of the conformation scale. The top priced gimmer at the sale from the MILLAR’S flock sold for 5,000gns to the COWAL flock, this gimmer is a full ET sister to the noted 29,000gn ram, Millar’s Outstanding (VMG08528).

Henry Gamble, SPRINGWELL, who is the Texel Director for Northern Ireland, also echoed

Alastair Gault’s opinion in relation to the overall trade for both sales. He added that the cancellation of the Northern Lights original date proved to be ‘A blessing in disguise’, as by the 30th December the snow had gone and the new date coincided with the Christmas week holidays in Northern Ireland. A large attendance at the Northern Lights sale included many new breeders who were willing to pay up to 500gns for Gimmers of their choice, while the top priced lots were mainly bought by well known and established flocks, including four buyers from EIRE. The sale was topped at 4,150gns by a SPRINGHILL Gimmer sired by the 15,000gn ram Milestonehill O’Gara(ALL08010), while several others topped the 1,000gn mark.

Both the above sales indicate that the immediate future of the Texel breed in Northern Ireland looks bright, with the current 220 active breeders set to increase; such is the present high level of enthusiasm for the breed.

In conclusion congratulations must be given to all consignors for the magnificent overall achievement of attaining the combined average, just below the 1,000gn mark, with such a large number of Gimmers against a background of extremely adverse weather conditions which definitely reduced the numbers of potential buyers at some of the sales. At present no other sheep breed within the UK could aspire to such heights, either numerically or in terms of financial gain.

HAK091093 from Albert & George Howie’s Knock flock sold to Trinidad Investments for 24,000gns

2.32

Texel Female Invitational Sales – Overall Results Summary 2010

Sale Venue Flocks Top Price Gns Sale Average £

25th Anniversary Lochgoilhead 14 13,000 £4,305 (10)

1st Choice Carlisle 8 2,000 £367 (55)

Twilight Carlisle 12 3,400 £911 (62)

Christmas Stars Carlisle 11 13,000 £1,386 (96)

Christmas Crackers Carlisle 7 24,000 £1,830 (78)

Select Seven Lanark 8 5,000 (2) £986 (88)

Northern Stars Ballymena 5 5,000 £795 (83)

Northern Lights Hilltown 6 4,150 £600 (81)

Texel Female Invitational Sales – Overall Results Summary 2010

Top 20 flock averages at Texel Female Invitational Sales 2010

Flock Venue Sale Top Price (Gns) Flock Average £

1 Knock Carlisle Christmas Crackers 24,000 £4,321 (16)

2 Milnbank Carlisle Christmas Stars 13,000 £2,784 (14)

3 Rascarrel Carlisle Christmas Crackers 8,500 £2,129 (11)

4 Strathbogie Carlisle Christmas Stars 7,000 £2,109 (12)

5 Annan Carlisle Christmas Stars 11,000 £2,071 (14)

6 Baltier Carlisle Twilight 3,000 £1,654 (6)

7 Humeston Lanark Select Seven 4,500 £1,619 (6)

8 Hull House Carlisle Twilight 2,500 £1,435 (3)

9 Garngour Lanark Select Seven 5,000 £1,227 (15)

10 Deveron Vale Carlisle Christmas Crackers 4,000 £1,199 (6)

11 Penparc Carlisle Christmas Stars 1,800 £1,194 (4)

12 Cambwell Lanark Select Seven 3,200 £1,170 (19)

13 Millar’s Ballymena Northern Stars 5,000 £1,159 (12)

14 Courthill Carlisle Twilight 3,000 (2) £1,132 ((10)

15 Glenside Carlisle Christmas Crackers 4,600 £1,110 (16)

16 Loosebeare Carlisle Twilight 3,400 £1,070 (8)

17 Cairness Carlisle Christmas Crackers 3,000 £1,046 (12)

18 Ettrick Lanark Select Seven 5,000 £1,045 (15)

19 Forkins Ballymena Northern Stars 3,800 £1,015 (22)

20 Springwell Lanark Select Seven 2,600 £920 (10)

2.33

Consignor Flock Gimmer Sire Price Gns Purchaser

1 Knock Tophill Nockout – HPH07805 24,000 Trinidad Investments

2 Cowal Castleknowe Matchmaker –BKL06075 13,000 Trinidad Investments

3 Milnbank Millar’s Outstanding – VMG08528 13,000 Proctors Farms

4 Annan Ettrick McCoist – GGH06073 11,000 Acorn Farms

5 Knock Tophill Nockout – HPH07805 10,000 Proctors Farms

6 Milnbank Baltier Nijinski - FEB07769 8,500 Gordon Taylor

7 Rascarrel Rascarrel Och Aye – MTR08456 8,500 Alastair Beaton

8 Annan Annan Limmy – JKA05094 8,500 Trinidad Investments

9 Knock Tophill Nockout – HPH07805 7,500 Proctors Farms

10 Strathbogie Millar’s Outstanding – VMG08528 7,000 John Forsyth

11 Strathbogie Millar’s Outstanding – VMG08528 6,000 John Forsyth

12 Knock Garngour Nobleman – CJN07610 5,500 R I Henderson

13 Millar’s Mellor Vale Masterpiece – BCM06007 5,000 K, A & R Campbell

14 Ettrick Langside Nero – GAL07237 5,000 Graham Morrison

15 Garngour Kiltariff Osprey – BBK08071 5,000 Graham Morrison

16 Ballynahone Douganhill Mc Fly – GCK06073 4,800 A Kennedy

17 Glenside Muiresk Nearco – MSK07651 4,600 Robert Wallace

18 Humeston Baltier Nailer – FEB07712 4,500 Norman Douglas

19 Springwell Milestone O’Gara – ALL08010 4,150 J Allan

20 Milnbank Millar’s Outstanding – VGM08528 4,000 David McKerrow

21 Annan Annan Limmy – JKA05094 4,000 Acorn Farms

22 Knock Tophill Nockout – HPH07805 4,000 Esmor Evans

23 Deveronvale Millar’s Outstanding – VGM08528 4,000 R I Henderson

24 Garngour Teiglum Outlaw – CFT085759 3,800 J Innes & Sons

25 Watchknowe Milestonehill O’Gara – ALL08010 3,800 K, A & R Campbell

26 Cauldicots Straidarran Obama – WXS08011 3,800 K, A & R Campbell

27 Forkins Teiglum Magnum – CFT06231 3,800 Richard Henderson

Top 27 Individual Gimmers 2010 at Invitational Sales

2.34

Carmavy TexelsMV ACCREDITED - MSY - SCRAPIE MONITORED

Stephen & Jean McCollam33 Carmavy Road, Nutts Corner, Crumlin, BT29 4TG

Tel: 07860276376Email: mccollam@live.co.uk

Visitors and enquiries always welcome

O’ Kelly & Mullan

Photogenic(Semen available)

New for 2011CowalRico

Purchased Lanark 2010(Jointly owned)

2.35

STOCK RAMSCOWAL POWERHOUSE; sire of Robroy, full sister sold 13k at Drimsynie. ALLANFAULD ROCKAFELLA; Jointly bought for 18000 gns, index 389. CAMBWELL RANKIN; four generations perfect udders, one of a select few whose semen was sent to Brazil. CULTERALLERS RAIDER; massive son of Tullagh Pucha. CAEREINION NUMBER ONE; sire of Kelso Shearling. BEAUTRY PIECE OF CAKE and MITCHELLHILL POKERFACE.

CAMBWELLTEXELS

Est 1973 MV AC SCRAPIE MONITORED SIGNET PERFORMANCE RECORDED

Contact Robert Laird;

01899 860245 or 07719738229

Cambwell Farm, By Biggar, Lanarkshire ML12 6HE.

Or e-mail: robert@lairdy70.fsnet.co.uk

‘CARCASE’ ‘CHARACTER’ ‘PERFORMANCE’

Cambwell Robroy 40,000gns

Lanark 2500gns Drimsynie Gimmer

'CONSISTENCY'2010 was an outstanding year for the Cambwell Flock. 34 Ram lambs were

sold to average £2430 with the Reserve Champion Lanark as well. 15 Shearling Rams were sold at Kelso topping at £5200 for the 1st prize Performance

Recorded winner and averaging £1038. 20 in-lamb Gimmers sold to average £1242 topping at 3200gns. The icing on the cake was winning the overall

champion at the Scottish Texel Club Flock Competion and reserve overall with the ewe lambs. Cambwell Laird Semen exported to USA produced the 1st

Prize Ram lamb for Charles Wray at the National show and sale.

SEMEN ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR UK & EXPORTCROSS BRED MV AND SCRAPIE MONITERED

FEMALES ALSO AVAILABLE

Cambwell Powerhouse £5200 to Clun Flock

2.36

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2.37

Heading

Place you r m essag e h ere. Fo r m axim um i mpact , use two or t hre e se ntenc es.

Clougher & Bushmills CVC Texels CBU

Victor & David Chestnutt CLOUGHER FARM 9 Clougher Road

Bushmills BT57 8XP

Tel. 0282 073 1536 Mob. 07710 940 458 Email. v.chestnutt@btopenworld.com

Stainton Real McCoy Joint purchase Lanark 2011, 11,000gns

SEMEN FOR SALE

VISITORS & ENQUIRIES ALWAYS WELCOME

2.38

DERRYVORE TEXELS

ENQUIRIES & VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOMEOwen Donohoe, Derryvore, Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, BT92 9FF

Tel: 028 6774 8852 Mobile: 07919 123379

DERRYVORE TEXELS

Derryvore Rangerl Sold at Dungannon 2010 for 3,800gns. Lamb with character, correctness, carcass

Ballynahone Raiderl Purchased at Dungannon 2010. A lamb with a tremendous back end, power & correctness

Est 2005

2.39

Drinkstone flock in the top 1% of breed average

Arnold Park, Drinkstone, Hawick, Scottish Borders, t: 01450 370795 M: 07860 389 773 j_park@btconnect.com

www.drinkstone.com

SEMEN EXPORTED World Wide

plus embryos

Winners of the Carmichael Award for services to the Scottish Sheep

Industry

Winners of the Future Farming award for Pioneering achievements

in Genetic improvement 2010

DRINKSTONE PUNT GUN Highest Index Highest Index Highest Index

Stock Ram in BreedStock Ram in BreedStock Ram in Breed455 EBV

7.56Kg , 8wk wt; 14.5kg scan wt; 3.71mm muscle depth; 9.25mm muscle gigot

SEE CT SCANS ON WEBSITESEE CT SCANS ON WEBSITESEE CT SCANS ON WEBSITE

2.40

DERBYSHIRE TEXEL CLUBTHE QUALITY BREEDERS OF THE PEAK DISTRICT &

SURROUNDING AREAS.

Paul Johnson, CORRIECRAVIE, JTC Bignall End, Stoke on Trent, 01782 721 165

Frank Rushton, FRESHFIELD, RFF Pike Hall, Matlock, 01335 390 306

Matthew Prince, HIGHTECS, PSH Stonedge, Chesterfield, 01246 590 817

Martin Furness, WESTGATE, VFM Wormhill, Buxton, 01298 872 559

Ben Baggott, COLEY, BPY Little Haywood, Staffs, 01889 881 270

Andrew Weston, LIMESTONE, WFL Litton, Buxton, 01298 871 738

John Spillane, BARMS, SFF Fairfield, Buxton, 07813 973 558

Phillip Melland, BOTTOMHOUSE, MNS Bottomhouse, Leek, 01538 304 350

Ben Vernon, CHARBEN, VBC Rocester, Uttoxeter, 07966 016 477

Katie Martin, LLAMEDOS, SKR Stanley, Derbyshire, 07581 274 222

2011 SALE DATEWednesday 21st

September At

BakewellAgricultural Centre

Club Secretary Janet Young

Tel: 01332 519 494 07989 671 914

S H E E P S O C I E T Y

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DUTCH DOMINATION

Meating the challenge with EEE’s!

The Premier Dutch SaleFriday 9th September 2011

Telephone: 01824 702 025

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Making our mark at Eurotier – Hanover

Every two years a technical exhibition called Eurotier takes place in Hanover’s exhibition centre. This world famous five- day event attracts around 140,000 visitors from across the globe to a glittering show of gigantic proportion for the latest innovations in animal husbandry.

A meeting at Sheep 2010 with Henry Lewis who is well known to many Texel breeders, first from his MLC days and later as head of British Livestock Genetics (BLG), secured agreement from the Society to take part once more in the British Genetics stand at the 2010 EuroTier in November. A couple of fine shearling rams were sourced and prepared for export. Knowing your market is key and the two rams not only represented the British type but were also chosen to appeal to German breeders to help attract visitors to the stand.

Joining the support team were two German speakers, Sylvia Rawlings – for British Texels and Gail Sprake who had brought two beautiful and well behaved Southdowns who, like the Texel rams had been pre-sold. Also on the stand were two very shy Lleyn gimmers destined for Belgium. In comparison to the last Texel presence at EuroTier in 1998 the exhibition seemed even more impressive with daily on-stage appearances of various dairy cattle, sheep, goats and Alpacas. A

well-known Presenter was in charge of the show and introduced representatives who took turns in explaining the role of individual breeds. A couple of pretty girls, dressed in their traditional costumes ended the sheep show by passing samples of cheese around the audience. The emphasis was very much on educating visitors about natural and regional food and the health giving properties of sheep milk. Germany has a breeding population of less than 2 million sheep but demonstrates great professionalism and typical attention to detail in their efforts to improve consumption of lamb, which – as in 1998 – still lies around 1kg per person annually.

Visitors came from countries as far afield as Austria and Peru and most of them were asking about Texels. Amongst the thousands of international visitors to the event the majority came from Eastern Europe and many, not surprisingly from Russia. It would not have been difficult to sell the two Texel rams on the stand several times over.

Texels are known in most continents but the interest at EuroTier showed that it was visitors from countries with fast growing economies, keen to improve their own sheep population, who asked about Texel genetics. Clearly the fame of British Texels has reached global significance. The breed’s reputation for robustness, growth rate and carcass characteristics has spread rapidly over the last two decades and has generated real demand for export stock. So what next? What lessons can be learnt from taking part in livestock events such as EuroTier and others further afield?

Although a little more time consuming than selling breeding-stock at home sending Texel sheep abroad is definitely a worth-while challenge.Running a pedigree flock that is eligible for export clearly means planning ahead, it involves extra costs and stricter management and it may not lead to great rewards, at least not in the immediate future. But exporting a few really good examples of our breed to a new country will create interest from other breeders and open doors for future trade.

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It’s true that exporting sheep needs time and dedication but there is practical help and advice in fulfilling the orders from events such as EuroTier. Good breeding stock that performs and delivers will make all the difference to underperforming native sheep.

The very basic requirement for export to EU countries is Maedi Visna accreditation. Ideally the flock should be Scrapie monitored unless breeding stock for export has the Scrapie genotype ARR/ARR. Choosing the right type of breeding stock is crucial. Germany has different preferences – the fleece must be dense and fine and the head narrow. German breeders are neither used nor keen to assist many sheep at lambing time and some performance data are expected. Prolificacy, growth rate and carcass composition is important to breeders everywhere – particularly in countries, which aim to improve their own sheep production by crossing with imported breeds.

Performance recorded, robust and adaptable Texels will bring much needed vigour to old native breeds, just as the Texel did when it landed here on our shores.

Further information on BLG can be found at www.britishlivestockgenetics.com

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D & C Fawcett Ltd Braeside, Stainton, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0DX

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Einon TExEls

Champion early NSA sale Builth Wells 2010

Visitors and enquiries always welcome

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ENQUIRIES AND VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

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Semen Also Available:Haddo Neptune – 14,000gns Carlisle ’07. Daughters to 1,800gns.

Kelso Pure Perfection – Sired by the proven breeder Mellorvale Masterpiece. Sons to 900gns.Progeny looking terrific and available now. Semen Prices on application.

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A joint purchase at Lanark 2010 for 18,000gns, with Cambwell, Alwent & Stonebridge. An exceptionally

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the breed. His dam is the best ewe at Allanfauld, she was 1st prize ewe lamb at Biggar Show and 3rd

prize Shearling at the Royal Highland Show.

Heyworth Lodge TexelsScrapie Monitored MV Acc

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Heading

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Are your rams being overfed?

Dr Liz Genever, Sheep Scientist, EBLEX

The need to present well-conditioned rams at sales is driving some breeders to over-feed their animals, which is having a detrimental impact on their fertility and longevity. When selling a ram, you are basically selling a sperm producer, so any management practice that harms sperm production

needs to be avoided.

Over-feeding rams with concentrates can be defined at feeding more than 400g (approximately 1lb) per day. Feeding above this level will have significant effects on the rumen, skeleton and testicles, reducing the ram’s working life. The size of muscles will also be reduced and fat levels increased.

High levels of concentrates will increase the ph fall in the rumen, which will affect digestion and can damage its surface. If bacteria enter the bloodstream through the damaged rumen, liver abscesses and sudden death can result. The rapid growth resulting from over-feeding can affect skeleton and joint development, ultimately limiting mobility, as not enough minerals can be extracted and deposited.(see table opposite).

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being used for rams, together with a better knowledge of the nutritional requirements of ram lambs and shearlings for a range of breeds. The ultimate aim of the work is to develop a blueprint for forage-fed shearlings. Look out for the survey in the spring.

Further information:

Physiological effects of concentrate feeding – John Robinson and Colin Morgan. SAC KT workshop – Ram feeding, management and selection. July 2010.

EBLEX manual - Target ewe fertility for Better Returns (brp@eblex.org.uk or 0870 251 8829 for a copy)

EXTENSIVE INTENSIVE

Scrotal circumference (cm) 31.8 34.1**

Scrotal fat (g) 45 109**

Semen volume (ml) 1.1 1.1

Motility index 3.3 2.3**

Linear progression 2.6 1.6*

Semen concentration (x 106 / ml) 1170 732**

% of normal sperm 88 83**

Extensive = grass plus block, Intensive = ad lib concentrates, Fourie et al, 2004

While buyers continue to purchase over-fed rams, the practice will no doubt continue. However, the fact that an increasing number of producers are selecting rams off-farm rather than at sales means that the need for highly fed rams is reduced.

Feeding a forage based diet can reduce costs, and will improve the health, welfare and lifetime performance of rams. Good grass and forage management could meet most of the demands for shearling ram producers. For ram lamb producers lambing in the winter, the proportion of diet that is forage could be increased.

Do you know how many years your rams last? Three to four mating seasons should be the target. The average ram across all breeds lasts fortwo mating sessions, which combined with low ram to ewe ratios means that “standard” ram use is inefficient and costly. In commercial conditions ram cost per lamb for a ram lasting 2 years and put with 40 ewes is £4.58, while a ram lasting 4 years and put with 80 ewes costs £1.15 per lamb (figures from John Vipond, SAC).

The argument sometimes given by breeders that if rams last longer, the buyers will buy less frequently, reducing their opportunities to sell, is very short-sighted. The sheep sector must focus on improving its efficiency to ensure it has a sustainable future, as without commercial producers there will be no buyers.

EBLEX is working with Signet and Breed Societies to get an understanding on the feeding regimes

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Red Clover & Fertility

Red Clover & Fertility Dr Liz Genever, Sheep Scientist, EBLEX

Red clover is a short-lived perennial legume that typically lasts for two to four years. In contrast to white clover, it has an upright growth habit and a strong deep taproot. An increasing amount of red clover is being grown, generally for high protein silage production with some aftermath grazing for finishing lambs or cattle. Its benefits include nitrogen fixation (200-300 kg N per ha per year), yields (10-15t of dry matter per ha per year) and feed value (silage of 10-11 MJ of ME and 14-19% crude protein). It is also a useful break crop within an arable rotation.

However, red clover has a PR problem, as most sheep producers think it causes infertility and therefore avoid it like the plague. This is partially true - it can affect ewe fertility at certain times of the year - but work from Australia shows that it has no impact on ram fertility. It is also important to remember that the red clover needs to make up more than 20% of the dry matter of a ewe’s diet to have an impact.

The reason this occurs is that red clover (and diseased white clover) contains phyto-oestrogens, which interfere with the normal hormone balance in the ewe. If ewes are fed red clover (fresh or ensiled) around tupping, the phyto-oestrogens seem to affect egg transportation from the ovaries, which appears to be why lambing percentage can be reduced by 35-50%. Once the ewes have been removed from the red clover, normal function will resume within a month. The consumption of fresh or ensiled red clover around lambing appears to

have no impact on lamb losses.If ewes are exposed to red clover for more than four months of the year, it can start to have other effects. Changes can happen to the cervix and its mucus, which can affect the amount of sperm allowed to pass to the eggs. The ovaries appear to be unaffected, but conception rates will be reduced, and these changes may become permanent.

However, in most UK systems, long term grazing of red clover is unlikely. Ewes may be weaned onto it in the spring and graze it with their lambs for a couple of months, or fed it as silage during late pregnancy. Red clover is too rich to put ewes on it during their dry period, they shouldn’t be put on it during the late autumn due to the tupping risk and it doesn’t grow in the winter.

It is important to consider any ewe lambs that are being kept as replacements, and limit their exposure to red clover to less than four months. However, the ability of a ewe to be fertile on oestrogenic pastures is extremely heritable (estimated h2 of 0.73), so it can be bred into a flock.

In summary, red clover can work very well within a sheep system, as it produces very good silage for late pregnancy feeding with reduced needs for supplementation, and provides aftermath grazing for finishing lambs. But as with all good things, it isn’t without its downsides – just manage your pre-tupping ewes and possible ewe replacements carefully.

Further information:EBLEX manual - Managing clover for Better Returns (brp@eblex.org.uk or 0870 251 8829 for a copy)

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HCC Elite Ram Project

Funding still available for purchasing Elite rams in 2011

With demand for performance recorded rams on the increase, red meat promotion agency Hybu Cig Cymru has announced that its hugely popular Elite Ram Project will continue in 2011.

Launched last July, the ERP has proven to be a hit with sheep producers because it can improve their knowledge and provides 50

per cent funding – up to a maximum of £400 – towards the purchase of an Elite ram with high performance figures.

The HCC project, funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007 – 2013, is designed to provide training and support to commercial sheep farmers on how to select rams on performance figures. This ultimately improves the returns from their lambs.

It was originally hoped that up to 1,000 farmers would take part in the project over the course of a year, which involved successfully completing a bespoke online training course and prepare a breeding plan to help identify which traits they need to focus on when selecting a new ram for their flock.

In fact there was an overwhelming response from farmers. Just four months after launch, more than 1,600 farmers representing 850,000 breeding ewes registered for the scheme. To date, more than 1,400 of those have completed the training process, smashing the original target.

All those who successfully completed the course and breeding programme were issued with a voucher worth 50 per cent, up to a maximum of £400, towards the purchase of a premium quality ram for their flocks. These rams must be in the top 25 per cent of their breed in muscle depth, scan weight or maternal ability. The funding is made available on a first-come-first served basis.

The aim of the scheme is simple – the long-term improvement of the genetic performance of commercial flocks by understanding the potential benefits and purchasing a ram with high Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).

EBVs demonstrate the genetic traits of sheep and are becoming increasingly used across the world in order to breed sheep that produce lambs that grow efficiently and achieve the market requirements.

By purchasing a ram that has been performance recorded, farmers have the benefit of an additional tool which better informs their purchasing decision by highlighting the traits in which the animal is highest, and selecting on the EBV’s required by the farmer to improve his or her particular flock.

If you would like more information on the Elite Ram Project or to find out about the funding available for performance recording please visit www.HCCMPW.org.uk alternatively phone the office on 01970 625 050.

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BW & DJ GLAVES & Sons Ltd

Stock Sire GIBS FARM MAGSMale Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show 2008

SEMEN AVAILABLEBreeder of Outstanding Carcases and size

MV accredited teaser Rams and x-bred ewes available as embryo recipients

Also available Texel males and femalesVisitors welcome

Contact Antony Glaves on 07788 133921Or after 7pm 01723 850374

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HADDO TEXELS MV ACC SCRAPIE MONITORED

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• Very high energy levels, Omega 3 oils and natural protein• High levels of trace elements & vitamins - includes chelated zinc

and Sel-Plex• Use to supplement forage

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01555 820358

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01430 432121

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Contact your sales specialist direct or nearest sales office:

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OJH

Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales

Genetic Improvement Programme

HCC’s sheep genetic improvementprogramme has already provided avaluable platform for Welsh farmers tobuild on, with over 200 breedersreceiving support.

Profitability is the key to the success of theWelsh sheep flock and HCC is workingclosely with the sheep industry to develop andimplement technologies to create a modernsheep industry with a sustainable future.

As part of HCC’s Genetic ImprovementProgramme support is available for thefollowing activities:

Performance recording

To ensure that the best animals are selectedfor breeding and are made available tocommercial lamb producers, HCC providesfunding of 50% for pedigree sheep breedersto performance record their animals throughultrasound (muscle and backfat) scanning,weight recording and Signet membership.

Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET)HCC provides fundingto assist pedigreebreeders toincrease theirgenetic progressthough AI and ET.50% funding upto a maximum of£500/yr for AI and50% funding up toa maximum of £700for ET.

Support is also available for:

• Faecal Egg Count (FEC)

• CT Scanning

• Understanding EBV’s throughthe HCC EliteRam Project

For more information on any of theabove activities please contact HCC on01970 625 050 or visit our web sitewww.hccmpw.org.uk

www.hccmpw.org.uk

HCC Texel ad Jan2011:Layout 1 10/1/11 14:20 Page 1

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Heulwen and John ThomasBryn Garth – Anglesey

Heulwen Thomas has to find a new target in 2011 as last year she achieved her ambition of winning the Texel breed

championship at the Royal Welsh Show. This was with a home bred Bryn Garth shearling ewe and for good measure she also took the reserve female and reserve overall title with an aged ewe and won the ram lamb class.Heulwen says: “I remember visiting the show with the boys in pushchair, watching the Texel classes and thinking ‘that’s what I want to win.’ Given that her sons, Guto and Rhys, are now 21 and 22, and help with showing the sheep, that was a long time ago.

But Heulwen has always been competitive – a legacy of showing Welsh Section B ponies with her father. She explains: “We had always shown ponies with great success, but when I married John he wouldn’t let me have any ponies, he said they didn’t go with the cows, so I had to find something else. Showing is a bug you can’t give up and I decided on Texels.”

Heulwen now runs about 100 Texel ewes on just over 100 acres surrounding the family home at Llanerchymedd on Anglesey. She does, however, have help from Rhys, who as well as farming works for an agricultural contractor, Guto, who is a teacher and husband John, although most of his time is spent running his family’s farm. This is close by and has dairy and beef enterprises and a flock of 300 commercial ewes. This arrangement means Heulwen’s sheep can be kept as a completely separate enterprise, although she now also has a

herd of 30 Limousin cross suckler cows, which are put to a Limousin bull.

Heulwen started her Bryn Garth flock in 1985 with the purchase of two ewes from Tom William’s Ty Hir flock. She says: “They cost £1200 and £1000 which was a lot of money in those days, but I believe you have to start with good stock and build from there.”

Mr Williams died soon afterwards and Heulwen bought more ewes at the flock dispersal sale at Chelford. She says: “I put a lot of emphasis on breeding good females and then using good rams. Initially I used Tom William’s ram, but I studied bloodlines closely. I wanted to breed nice sheep which would suit the commercial producers and decided to use AI. I was one of the first people on Anglesey to do so and it meant taking the sheep down to the vet, Lorna Brown at Llanfyllin, near Oswestry. It was quite successful and enabled me to use a number of different rams and I have continued to use mainly AI and have used rams from the top flocks such as Muiresk, Tophill and Baltier, although we will sometimes buy in a ram.”

Although Heulwen admits that the Texels were a hobby for many years as numbers crept up the enterprise has now become more of a business. Most of the rams are sold locally to commercial producers who will pay up to about £1000. Some are sold as lambs, but about 40 ram lambs are usually kept back to sell as shearlings. Heulwen says: “I aim to breed good bodied animals, with length and good backends. The bodywork and topline are most important – I think there can be too much emphasis on heads within the breed. I also don’t like to see straight back legs, with no hock.”

ShowingHeulwen started showing in 1993, but much as she enjoys it she now usually only attends two shows a year – the Royal Welsh and Anglesey Show where she has taken the breed championship many times. The show team is sorted out early in the year, although Heulwen says she usually can pick out a show lamb at birth and she only ever shows home bred sheep.

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She says: “Showing is a great shop window, particularly the Royal Welsh, but it does take up time, so I don’t like to do too many. However, as a result of being seen at the shows I usually get a lot of enquiries and customers will then come to the farm to buy stock and I have sold ram lambs up to £4500 from home.”

Heulwen doesn’t often sell females, although she did take three to the Ruthin Club Sale in 2010 taking the female championship and selling to 1550gns. She says: “I like to keep the females for the flock, but you have to sell some as its good for business. I kept about 35 ewes lambs last year, but you have to be sure they are good enough. I think perhaps too many sheep are kept as pedigree which shouldn’t be, it’s important to maintain breed standards. I sometimes keep a home bred tup to use myself. Any lambs we don’t want to keep are finished and sold deadweight before September, usually grading at E+ and U’s, they all grade well.”

“I also cull the ewes hard. Elderly ewes don’t milk well and I like to keep a young flock, with the

exception of a few old favourites. Plus we sold cull ewes for £140 last year, so that all helps.”Lambing takes place in February with ewes coming in about 10 days before the start. They get no feed before lambing other than feed blocks and hay. Heulwen says: “I like good hay for sheep and we make all our own, but I don’t like them to get fat, so leave them out as long as possible and we have far less problems.”

Ewes are fed an 18 per cent protein nut after lambing and are turned out as soon as possible, with the lambs being creep fed. Weaning takes place in May before shearing. All lambs are wintered away from the farm on a neighbour’s grass, which doesn’t have any other sheep on. Heulwen says: “The lambs don’t get any concentrate, just grass. They grow better and are fitter – I don’t like to push them as lambs. Plus, you have to think about the additional costs. They are meant to keep us, not us keep them!”

Heulwen has continued to stick to her principles of using mainly AI and in 2010 it was used on 96 ewes. She is also using embryo transfer and flushed one of her best ewes, getting 25 embryos. She says: “John isn’t so keen of ET, but I think it’s the way forward and enables you to breed more from your best families. We bought some Tophill Joe (HPH03091), frozen semen at Chelford and have used that and also semen from Cornerstone Isaac (SID02004), and Millar’s Outstanding (VMG08528), on the embryos.

“We use Lleyns as recipients as they are such good mothers, but we didn’t expect to get so many embryos, so have had to freeze some.” Last year Heulwen kept her Royal Welsh winning ram lamb, Bryn Garth Robbie Coltrane (THB1000181), by Bryn Garth Major Tom (THB06497), out of a ewe who herself twice won the Royal Welsh and he has been used on those ewes which were not AI’d and any which came over.

One thing Heulwen has not yet tried is recording, although she has not ruled it out. “It is something I will consider. There does seem to be interest for it particularly from the commercial producers and I will try anything if it adds value to the flock.”

THB091598 - 1st Prize Shearling Ewe, Female Champion and Supreme Champion at RWAS 2010

Bryn Garth flock

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Iolo Prys Jones – Llangwm – Denbighshire

Achieving a good income from his relatively small flock of pedigree Texels has always been Iolo Jones’ aim. That ambition was given a huge boost in 2010 when he sold a home bred ram lamb, Llangwm Rocky (JLI 1000060) for 32,000gns at the Scottish National Sale at Lanark. Although very welcome it has not distracted him from his ultimate goal.

He says: “It did come as a surprise, but probably even more pleasing was selling a pen of four lambs to average 9293 guineas, which was the second highest flock average. “I believe it is your average price which is most important and my target is to sell 100 pedigree sheep to average £400, every year. The very high prices are a bonus, but you

can’t rely on that every year, so consistent realistic prices across the flock, on an annual basis is my target.”

Iolo started his Llangwm pedigree flock at the age of 11 with two ewe lambs, from the Eglur flock, bought for him as a Christmas present. From these small beginnings he gradually built up ewe numbers, initially mainly using AI to introduce new bloodlines. He now runs 75 pedigree Texel ewes alongside 300 commercial ewes on 100 acres at Llangwn, near Corwen, where his grandfather farmed, and he now lives with wife, Gwennan and children, Hari and Begw. After leaving Ruthin Agricultural College Iolo worked on a local estate for 10 years, took on sheep scanning and shearing jobs and has now gradually built up his own farming business. He says: “The Texels have always been a hobby. I live for them and plan my life around Texel Sales, but I can’t afford to subsidise them - they have to pay.”

The first stock ram Iolo bought was Cambwell Cracker (LTC 96044), at Chelford in 1996. He has always focused on producing good females to improve the overall quality of the flock, which in turn will produce rams to sell. The first ram bought specifically to breed females was Cowal Monarch of the Glen (CKC 06213), bought at Carlisle in 2005. The same year he loaned Clynnog Joe Tex (ODC 03024), from the Clark family and these two rams were used across the flock. Iolo says: “These two rams made a big difference to the flock and I sold a ram lamb by Monarch of the Glen, Llangym Noddy (JLI 07007), for 6,000gns at Lanark in 2006.”

Iolo has a clear idea of the type of sheep he is trying to breed. “I am looking to breed big, long sheep with tight skins and good backends, which will appeal to the commercial market. A good head is a bonus.

“I do show, but not too seriously. You can’t take it to heart if you don’t win – you don’t make a living out of the show ring, sales are the real test. I took Rocky to the Royal Welsh and he didn’t win anything, although I was offered a good price for him there and decided not to sell.”

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Iolo is beginning to make his mark in the sale ring and as well as the successes at Lanark he sold in-lamb gimmers for the first time in 2010 – 14 at Ruthin and aims to sell 20 this year. At the Ruthin Club sale he also sold 10 ram lambs to 1350gns, averaging 620 gns, a ram lamb to 1600gns at Worcester and five ram lambs to average 520gns at the Welsh Premier sale.

Lambing starts early February, followed by the repeats and the commercials, finishing in mid-March. Lack of space means ewes are only brought in a week before lambing and are out again as soon as possible. The land runs to 1000 feet above sea level and early grass can be scarce so ewes are fed until the grass comes and lambs creep fed. The majority of males are sold as lambs, with just the late ones retained to sell as shearlings. Commercial lambs are sold through Bala auction.

“I am trying to achieve consistency across the flock with from one to 75 being of the same

quality. You learn as you go along and I think success to breeding comes from producing your own females, sticking to your beliefs and not giving up. Then buy the best rams you can afford at the time and go with it. You have to back you own judgment and sooner or later it will pay off.” To achieve this goal Iolo has bought a number of rams with other people. In 2010 buying the Ruthin Club Sale champion, Hen Gapel Royal Gold (OJH1000008), in partnership with Charlie Boden and H. G. Williams, Llyfni. The previous year he bought Kelso Picasso (MBZ09040), from Malcolm Reid, at the Worcester Sale, again with H. G. Williams. A purchase which has already paid dividends as he was the sire of Llangwm Rocky (JLI1000060), who was out of a Monarch of the Glen (CKC06213) ewe and sold for 32,000gns.

Iolo says: “I haven’t used frozen semen as much in recent years instead I have been aiming to buy good rams and have found it works well sharing them with others. “We used Picasso across the

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Iolo Prys Jones – Llangwm – Denbighshire

whole flock, which could have been a risk, but as I say you have to stick to your beliefs and as it turned out it was the right decision as he left some exceptional lambs.”However, Iolo is constantly looking to improve

his flock by as many means as possible and first used embryo transfer in 2005. He says: “I don’t like to use ET too much as it can be expensive and you get good years and bad, but I did flush six ewes in 2010.” Iolo also recorded for the first time in 2010. He says: “The commercial buyers are becoming more selective in what they buy and they are the ones who are taking the lambs right through to finishing and they are showing more interest in figures.”

However, you still have to have confidence in your own judgment. It was interesting to see that the first two lambs at Lanark had the best figures, so it is nice to see figures backing up judgment. But I still think you have to buy what you like and use the figures to back that up.” “Selling a lamb for 32,000gns exceeded all expectations. My dream was to sell one for 10,000 but probably not for another 10 years. But it proves that whoever you are, if you produce good sheep people will look at them and buy them.”

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Edinburgh 01875 614500

Malvern 0844 800 9050

Belfast 07817 726714

Aberystwyth 01970 828236

Providing you with a full range of breeding services for your flock

WWW.INNOVIS.ORG.UK WWW.RAMS4EWE.CO.UK ENQUIRIES@INNOVIS.ORG.UK

Artificial Insemination

Embryo Transfer

Semen Freezing and Storage

Embryo Freezing and Storage

Ram Fertility Testing

Imports and Exports

Scrapie Genotyping

Export approved Centre for semen and embryos

Services available throughout the UK and Ireland

Call your nearest Innovis Centre today:

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Growvite Texel All IrelandShow KilkennySunday 5th June 2011in association with the All-Ireland Sheep Shearing

Premier Show & Sale 2011 Blessington Mart Co.WicklowFriday 12th August Judging @ 3.00pm Saturday 13th August!Sale @ 11.00amFor accommodation and pre-sale dinner contact our chairman.

www.irishtexel.comContact: Donal Mee Phone: (00353) 86 3276061

E-mail: info@irishtexel.com

Enquiries & visits from clubs/groups to view members flocks are very welcome.

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The Northern Ireland Texel Club has appointed Robert Mulligan with the honorary position of President as recognition of his tireless dedication to the breed that spans over three decades.

Robert, or Robbie as he is more often referred to was born into a family of 12 in 1925, and has lived and farmed at Brague, Banbridge ever since.

His love affair with Texel began in the late 1970’s when they first arrived in Ireland, and was the obvious choice for a new addition at Brague following on from reduced demand for some of the more traditional breeds at that time. Sales were attended at Blessington, Portadown, Banbury and Lanark in the early days, and Robbie enjoyed forming alliances throughout Ireland and the mainland which have stood the test of time ever since.

Upon formation of the Northern Ireland Club Robbie was appointed the first Chairman assisted with the task of promoting the breed by Tom Clarke who undertook the role of secretary. The popularity of Texel soon spiralled into one of the most widely used terminal sires in the UK and Ireland.

Robbie has thoroughly enjoyed his time breeding Texel sheep and would like to pay tribute to the men and women who have helped ensure their success story in the Province. These include fellow President Barbara Gamble who is worthy of special mention due to her endless work carried out on behalf of the NI Club whilst acting as Secretary. Barbara’s dedication was recognised by the Society in 2004 when she was awarded the Society’s President Award by Keith Campbell, President of the Society at that time. Robbie also gained much from the advice and guidance received from Sandy Grant who coordinated the importations during the late 1970’s and 1980’s.

The Brague flock remains very active today under the management of Robbie and his daughter Kim, and is never far away from the headlines when

exhibiting at shows and sales. Robbie’s expertise as a judge has been called upon many times over the years, and he has officiated at all of the five “Royals” during this time. His interest in Texel has also seen him travel to New Zealand, South Africa and South America with fellow enthusiasts.

The Northern Ireland Club itself has grown into a hugely successful organisation, and has recently formed a Young Members group which is growing in leaps and bounds. Club Chairman Victor Chestnutt added a personal word of congratulations on Robbie’s appointment.

“Robbie has been an inspiration for many within the Texel Club, and it is only fitting that he has been made President. He has a remarkable eye for stock of any kind which in itself is a gift. He is an exemplary Club & Society member and always on hand with advice for younger members”.

Robbie Mulligan – Brague – County Down

Robbie with Grandson Richard and Daughter Kim being presented with rosettes by Northern Bank representative John Henning, the Sale & Show main sponsor.

Robbie Mulligan with Grandson Richard Coleman receiving the Society Supreme Champion Trophy from Gordon Gray, Society Chairman, at the Texel Northern Ireland National Show & Sale of Texel sheep, August 2010

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Some leading prices by Kelso sired rams.

Meadowvale & Kelso TexelsGrassmainston Farm, Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 3PZemail kelsotexels@sky.com

Kelso Ozone MBZ08021Sire of 20,000gns Baltier Rascal

Kelso Oxygen MBZ08019Sire of the Year 2009

Sire of 220,000gns Deveronvale Perfection

Kelso Picasso MBZ09040Sire of 32,000gns Llangwym Rocky

Kelso Pavarotti MBZ09002Sire of 22,000gns Cowal Rob Roy &

9,000gns Cowal Rising Star

Kelso Prostar MBZ09116Sire of 9,000gns Kelso Referee

8,000gns Meadowvale Rolls Royce& 5,200gns Meadowvale Romeo

Kelso Personality MBZ09221Sire of 9,000gns Humeston Rarity

Kelso MBZ09223 Sire of 8,000gns Hullhouse Rothschild 1

Malcolm Reid Tel 07766 541247

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Meadowvale & Kelso TexelsBreeding without lim

its

“Our Standard” females

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Killochries Fold, Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire PA13 4TE

Killochries Texels Killochries Texels were formed in 2009, MVaccredited, Signet recorded. The stock Tups are,Loosebeare Panther and Millars Rocket Man, semen for both will be available in 2011.

Visitors and enquiries welcome. Call us on 01505 873 627 or 07766 246 167

lossebeare panther £10,000

www.killochriesfold.com

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KNOCKANBOYSHEEP BREEDING SERVICES

Arti�cial Insemination . Ram Semen FreezingSemen Storage

Ram Fertility Examinations

Knockanboy Veterinary Clinic 136 Knock Road, Dervock, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, BT53 8AB

Tel:- 028 207 41252 Fax:- 028 207 41040

For further information contact:- Peter Thompson B.V.Sc M.R.C.V.S.

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&PREMIER SHOW AND SALE OF TEXEL SHEEP

(Under the auspices of the Texel Sheep Society)

Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th August 20112010 AVERAGES

ANNUAL SHOW AND SALE OF TEXEL SHEEPFor the Scottish Texel Sheep Breeders’ Club

THURSDAY, 15th SEPTEMBER 2011

SHOW AND SALE OF TEXEL SHEEPFor North West Texel Breeders Club

At CLITHEROE MARKET

THURSDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2011

SELECT SEVEN GIMMER SALE

SATURDAY, 10th DECEMBER, 2011From the flocks of Ettrick; Cambwell; Watchknowe; Garngour; Craighead; Grougfoot and Turin

Also Guest Consignment

Lawrie & Symington would have much pleasure in conducting Production and Dispersal Sales for Breeders anywhere in the UK.

Enquiries welcome to Brian Ross (Mobile: 07774 124361)

Weekly sales of Prime Stock, Dairy Cattle, Calves and Store CattleSeasonal Sales of Breeding Sheep and Rams are held throughout the year.

Full detailed list of Sales on application

LAWRIE & SYMINGTON LTD, LANARK AGRICULTURAL CENTRE, MUIRGLEN, LANARK, ML11 9AX

Tel: (01555) 662281 Fax: (01555) 665368/665100E-mail: property@lawrie-and-symington.comWeb Site: www.lawrie-and-symington.com

361 Ram Lambs Top 65,000gns Average £2,444.96

9 Shearling Rams Top 3,200gns Average £854.77

45 Gimmers Top 7,000 gns Average £837.67

LAWRIESYMINGTON

LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS, VALUERS& ESTATE AGENTS

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British and French Texel production, a stark contrast!

The Society continued their EU promotion of British Texel by attending the 48th Paris International Agricultural Show, the annual

meeting place for the farmers and breeders from the world of agriculture. Every year the general agricultural competition for animals is one of the main events of the show. Attracting over 1,100 commercial exhibitors from 34 countries. 1,400 breeders with 7 species and 360 breeds, with a total of 3,512 animals represented, all witnessed by 652, 189 visitors, a bonanza of a show nothing that the UK has to compare.

British Texel promotions assisted the French team at the “L’Agneau St George stand”, the British brand that Eblex support for the promotion of English lamb. The French promotional team led by the very experienced Remi Fourrier have successfully developed a recognised brand that French consumers and retailers relate to, this is outstanding when it was not so long ago that hauliers lorries carrying British lamb carcases were being hijacked and their loads torched on the way to French processors.

The professional promotion of English lamb was evident. France is only 45% self sufficient in lamb meat (UK, 88% self sufficient) relying heavily on imports from Britain. With many native breeds focusing on milk production, that includes the famous Lacaune breed from the South West of France. Famous for the production of Roquefort cheese, heavily influencing the French Sheep industry with 20% of 5.8 million national flock of breeding ewes, which is also in decline by 2% in recent years.

English lamb takes the lion’s share of the imports to the French market, with L’Agneau St George brand and Eblex QSM logo accounting for 8% of the total British imports. Although considerable effort is exerted on gaining an increasing market share in a declining sector, consumption of lamb by French consumers continues to reduce at a greater rate than that experienced in the UK (-7%), with average per head consumption at 4kg/capita lower than in the UK at 6Kg/capita.

Competition is fierce from other proteins as retailers assess margins per metre of shelf space, no different a trend to that seen across the entire EU, with the affect of further downward pressure on the supply chain reducing margins for the producers. The UK is meeting this challenge by using more efficient and effective meat breeds, predominantly continental! Breeds such as the British Texel that has offered a solution for producers to increase productivity by utilising its main traits as a breed improver for the production of lean meat from grass.

Two excellent British Texel hoggets and two Border Leicesters, along with Hereford cattle were the main live exhibits on the stand, although the main purpose of the “St Georges” brand promotion is to develop relationships between the processing industry and develop the brand/product further into the French retail sector. The interest in the live exhibits from the wider public was intense, with plenty also attracted to the main plasma screen which screened the Texel promotional video “British Texel-something for everybody” along with the “St Georges” product promotional video.

Whilst French Texel is not currently a main stream breed within France, ironically they were the source of the very first imports to Scotland back in the seventies. The breed has surpassed expectation and developed within the UK over the past four decades to become the most effective breed in producing lean meat from grass across the UK’s diverse environment, demonstrating how important continued breed development is to ensure breed security for the future.

SIA 2011 Paris

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Current focus, based on clear commercial breed development traits of growth, muscle depth, and lean meat production are essential for future security of the British Texel as a mainstream breed within the UK Industry. Yet in France cereal based finishing systems being at the fore, have allowed for differing breeds to take up market share with many prime lambs produced finished indoors due to the best of the grazing available going to beef production or crops, during the hot summer season, where grass growth can be limited. One questions the efficiency of such systems with the continued increase of inputs as well as the investment in buildings required for this system.

With concerns on the sustainability of sheep meat production in many environments across the EU, the climate change challenges may influence a drier environment in the main production areas on the continent, as well as the transitional challenges of CAP reform within the EU15 further adding pressure on effective sheep meat production within France. French Livestock producers have also been sheltered from the full effects of the transition of CAP reform with French sheep producers receiving top ups of their single farm payments from 100Euros to 300Euros/hectare with an additional 20Euros per headage subsidy. Only Germany, Italy, Ireland and the UK implemented full decoupling in 2005 with the removal of production subsidies on cattle and sheep. France along with other member states opted to retain 50% of the annual ewe premium.

It is evident that the French Industry, as well as many EU countries, will need to improve the structure of production and utilise effective breeds, as the UK has where native breeds have become less influential. This will affect all EU sheep sectors if they are to move forward and achieve a sustainable outlook after the 2013 CAP reform protection ends. This offers a major opportunity to British lamb exports, supplying quality products to a home EU market and increasing market share. Climate Change challenges may see a wetter and warmer climate within the UK, with no reduction in the excellent grass growing environment we see today. Although continued reform of the UK industry is evident with a focus on production efficiencies, which offers further opportunity for the British Texel as an efficient producer of meat from grass.

UK SHEEP MEAT EXPORTS

(0000 tonnes) 2007 2008 2009

Total Sheep Meat 68.8 86.8 94.5

France 50.3 60.6 63

Belgium 5.9 6.8 9.8

Germany 3 4.6 5.2

Italy 3 4.3 5.2

Ireland 3.6 5.8 3.8

Source GTIS, Her Majesty’s Customs & Excise

French Texel administration is by OSON: “organisation de sélection ovine (sheep) du Nord”. It has government accreditation as the selection organisation of both the French Texel and Ille De France Breeds, and has an artificial insemination centre and an individual trial station. The office, progeny test station and AI centre are located at Verdilly, between Paris and Reims. OSON operate the administration for two breeds as it offered a structure that effectively met government regulations and draw of support funds for French livestock orgnisations.

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British and French Texel production, a stark contrast!

There was a golden age in the 90’s for French Texel, because of a tremendous demand for muscularity in the centre west of France (Limoges, Poitiers areas). The French Texel unfortunately did not evolve as the British Texel has and muscularity alone was not sufficient to maintain the French Texels popularity. Stark differences in the UK, where Texels can now match growth yield achieved by Suffolk’s, due to the utilisation of modern breeding technologies such as Ultra sound Back Fat and Muscle scanning, CT Scanning, BLUP and Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer.The British Texel has evolved with market needs maintaining ease of management and lean meat production from grass. So the fashion drove the French Texel as a terminal sire solely based on conformation alone, the French Texel failed to adapt losing easy lambing and easy management traits that the British Texel maintains with its lambs vigour and get up and grow ability. A resounding success for the British Texel has been the improvement of its growth rate whilst keeping the essential commercial traits required by commercial producers.

The recent inclusion of the Lambing ease EBV will further add to the breeds development along with the Birth Weight, and Litter Size EBV’s which will enable the breed to measure and improve its effectiveness to meet market demands over the next decade.

Also in contrast are the statistics on breed populations, whereby the French Texel breed amounts to 6000 registered ewes (half as much as it was at the peak) across 55 farms. 3500 extra pure non pedigree ewes are also recorded and linked to the main pedigree population for index calculation. The affect of the recent years Blue Tongue Virus outbreak in Northern France has also devastated the French Texel populations. In comparison the British Texel has 2000 member flocks, totaling 90,000 breeding ewes, with a significant unknown amount of pure bred flocks heavily influencing lamb production across the diverse UK Industry. Current health of the British Texel Pedigree population is strong with 2010/11 ewe registrations increasing by 13% (3,000/head) which is a similar trend in the wider industry with

the retention of Hogs within the UK national flock up by 8.7% (200,000/ head).

Every year 140 French Texel ram lambs are put on individual trial at the Progeny test station just North of Paris. 10 are progeny tested for meat quality carcass. The breeders inseminate part of their flocks with these proven rams. Within the UK the 2000 strong membership of British Texel producers used 2656 different sires within 2010 breeding season. Performance Recorded ewes now amount to 30% of the ewe population and many of the larger influential flocks, with a 10% increase of flocks fully recording in 2011 compared to 2010. Whole breed BLUP evaluation is benefiting the entire breed through pedigree linkage, further assisting in the breeds development.

The French Texel organisation “OSON” hold a sale by Auction in late September, where a small number of rams that have been held on the progeny trials are sold each year. British Texel Society sales continue to expand and now account for total revenue of £4.02M in 2010 a rise of 9% (£343,000) from the 2009 high of £3.68M (Not including Non Society sales) benefiting British Texel Members, adding value and premium, showing the importance of maintaining accurate records with the “Pedigree quality mark”.

French Texel breeders are also beginning to visit the UK, with a recent visit in 2010 by Perry Christophe of the Harcingny (02) flock to the RUAS Balmoral 2010.

Perry Christophe is pictured at the Paris event, along with the OSON President, Technical Director and Gordon Gray. Perry Christophe was extremely successful at SIA 2011 having been awarded the Champions prize for his two shear ram (25506090037), winning the 1st prize for wool and 1st prize meat section, (pictured).

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l A proven successful partnership between breeder organisations

and technologists from SAC and SIGNET

l Successfully established to benefit sheep and beef pedigree,

performance recording and breed improvement programmes over

the last 5 years

l A single focal point for information, dissemination and breed

improvement across the industry

The easy to use on-line pedigree

web facility

Visit www.texel.co.uk

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Iwan Williams Iolo JonesTel: 01286 660356

(07870583725) llyfnitexels@yahoo.co.uk

Tel: 01490 420087 (07803581106)

llangwmtexels@hotmail.co.uk

Kelso PicassoONE OF THE BEST BREEDERS OF 2010. HIS FIRST 10

SONS AVERAGED OVER 4,000gns

Outstanding new stock ram:Hen Gapel Royal Gold

Son of Picasso: Llangwm Rocky

32,OOOgns, NEW STOCK RAM AT KELSO FLOCK.

SIRE: MILLARS OUTSTANDING DAM: 2000gns HULLHOUSE EWE

Ch. Anglesey & Ruthin5,500gns

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Loosebeare Panther Breed top price shearling ram 2010. Sold 10,000gns. 123 sold at auction £826 ave.Note: Panther son of Cennen Magnum.

Semen available

Loosebeare Pow Wow Champion Builth NSA 2010, Son of Loosebeare Oh Yes. Sold 2,100gns

Semen available from Oh Yes

QEL09008 Our 2010 top 3,400gn dam bred ewes to

4,800gns crops from the same Dam coming soon!! Embryos to Summerwood Grand Union also 9 to Douganhill Jeronhimo

Loosebeare Priceless Our favourite of 2010 Son of

Glenside Nosey ParkerDam bred rams sold at 3,100 + 2,500 gns

E. W. QUICK & SONS Loosebeare Manor, Zeal Monachorum, Crediton, Devon

Tel: 01363 83243 or 07866833792 (Paul)

LOOSEBEARE

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SIMPLY THE BEST

STILL THE UK’s LEADING COMMERCIAL EWE

EASY MANAGEMENT AND ADAPTABILITY

GREAT LAMB CROPS AND MOTHERING ABILITY

UNBEATABLE PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFIT

THE NORTH OF ENGLAND MULETHE IDEAL MATCH FOR TODAY’S

QUALITY TEXEL

Contact Mrs Marion S Hope. 013873 71777www.nemsa.co.uk. nemsa@btinternet.com

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PEDIGREE & COMMERCIAL LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS

VALUERS, LAND & ESTATE AGENTS, FINE ART AUCTIONEERS

~~~~~~~~

Auction sales conducted throughout the UK with enthusiasm,

full back up and 25 years of involvement with the breed.

Further details from

Tel: 01905 769770 or 01584 872251

Fax: 01905 769772

E Mail: worcester@mccartneys.co.uk

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MAIN SIRES FOR 2011

Shearling Males and Females for Sale

Moulshill Stud of section A’s & D’S

Welsh Ponies & Cobs for Sale

Richard Cheshire, Manor Farm, North Marston, Buckingham, MK18 3PU

Tel: 01296 70258

M V ACCREDITED SIGNET RECORDED

Loosebeare RichardBaltier Outlook

Cambwell Onfire

Sire Cennen Magnum Sire Baltier NimrodSire Cambwell Laird

MARSTON TEXELS

MISERDEN TEXELSFlock AAS MV & EAEAccredited

Est. 1981Scrapie Monitored

Signet Recorded

Sires for 2011 Miserden Orient Express Index 294

Sire: Miserden Kracker

1st Prize Performance Recorded Ram Lamb RASE 2008

2nd prize Recorded Shearling RASE 2009

Miserden Petherton Index: 318

Sire: Salocin Nick

AlsoBishops Rich

Sire: Haddo PM Meon Down Rob Roy

Sire: Castlecairn PhoenixMeon Valley Robocop

Sire: Baltier Nailer

Semen for Sale from Miserden Kracker and Claybury Junior

Visitors always welcomeAubrey and Sue Andrews, Lypiatt Farm,

Miserden,Stroud, Glos. GL6 7JB

Tel: 01285 821576/ 07702 670808 enquiries@texels.co.uk

BLUE TEXELS ALSO AVAILABLE

Bishops Rich by Haddo MP

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Judith LapthorneChallonsleigh – Salcombe – Devon

The Challonsleigh Flock was founded in 1991 in Devon. Judith Lapthorne had commercial Texels before she bought her first Pedigree stock. Her first ram came from the Whitecross flock in Cornwall to work on her Pedigree ewes which were from the Hechtel, High Tor, and Rowden Flocks; from the Hechtel bloodline she bred her own tup, Wilkie (LCJ92006).

She started showing them at local shows with great success; she also had Rouge de L’Ouest sheep, which she ran alongside the Texels.

At the summer shows, the first real break was at The Royal Cornwall Show in 1993, where her two shearling tups Challonsleigh Wilkie (LCJ92006) and Challonsleigh Whisky (LCJ92008), in a class of 22, came second and fourth. She can remember what Bill Quick said to her friend (Bill stood first and third), ‘”your friend is up with the top ones now”. That gave Judith the feeling that she was breeding the right sort of Texel.

So where does the Challonsleigh Flock come from? Right from the South of Devon, in the South Hams, near Salcombe. Judith lived with her parents at Higher Challonsleigh Farm, and that is how she got her prefix. With the commercial flock of Texel crosses, she would supply Jaspers Abattoir in Cornwall. The owner always liked her lambs as they always killed-out very well, always in the top grade. They would read each ear tag number so Judith could follow through which tup produced which lamb and she put a lot of time and paperwork together to follow them from birth to abattoir.

Judith also liked to compete at Christmas Fat Stock Shows, taking champion at Exeter Market with a pair of Texel cross Rouge wether lambs. She found this to be a very good cross for the butcher’s trade and soon started taking orders

from family and friends to supply them with her lamb. The abattoir would kill and cut them up and during the year she would sell around thirty lambs locally with customers coming back every year and sometimes twice a year for her lamb.

Trindlewell has featured in her flock, a ram lamb was purchased and his bloodlines were from Ettrick and Edingthorpe. He produced some smart sheep, with clean faces and strong legs.Unfortunately half of Judith’s flock became a victim of the FMD cull in 2001, the other half was away on winter grass, kept at a neighbours farm. The ones that were killed were at Higher Challonsleigh and this was heartbreaking for Judith as all her best ewes, lambs and stock rams were at home while her second grade of Texels were away on winter keep. However, with the compensation money she acquired fourteen ewes from the ‘Chargot’ and ‘Lindridge’ flocks - their pedigrees were from ‘Annan & ‘Glenside’ flocks.

She has since moved her sheep out with her partner Robert Darke at Halwell Farm, a farm right beside the coast. The farm is a National Trust farm and has a lovely location in South Pool, near Kingsbridge. Robert owns another 45 acres adjoining Halwell. He farms 700 ewes, mainly Texel crosses and also has pure Texels and his bloodlines are from High Tor.

With the two flocks joining as one, the quality of lambs was exceptional. They managed to supply a local butcher every week for three years with their lambs and he would take any weight, some heavy, some lighter to suit trade.

With the farm being low-lying and very mild, they house all 700 ewes just before Christmas, for lambing mid February. This gives the whole farm the chance to have a break, whilst the replacement ewes lambs are away on National Trust ground about five miles away, near ‘The Lost Village’ at Hallsands. They put around 100 commercial ewe hogs to the tup. Last year they had 93 in lamb, only seven empty, and the pedigree ewe hogs stay closer to home on a neighbour’s farm. In total they usually keep back around 200 ewe lambs for replacements as the whole flock is MV Accredited. This makes it difficult to buy-in replacements, but

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at least they are not bringing in any disease. The only thing they buy-in is any new tups for the pedigree flocks.

While weighing the lambs through the summer they generally pick around 30 to 40 lambs for the Christmas Shows. Last year they won Champion at Kingsbridge, Exeter and Dartmouth.At tupping time, the whole farm is divided into several bunches. There are 100 Pedigree Texels, 120 pure Texels are tupped to Border Leicester for replacement females, there are 30 Pedigree Beltex ewes, and the rest of the flock are put to Texel rams, but they usually put 30 pure Texel ewes to the Beltex to produce some Beltex cross Texel rams for future sales.

They farm around 260 acres - all grass. They don’t use any fertilizer, only put slag on the ground and farmyard manure. The ewes are scanned and sorted into singles, doubles and multiples, this helps Robert and Judith for housing. They are then crutched, vaccinated and wormed and housed ready for lambing. As soon as the lambs are born, they are turned out within 24 hours for singles and around three to four days for doubles.The weather is a lot milder than most places because the farm is so close to the coast and they even have their own private tidal beach.When the lambs are a month old, they are drenched with Vecoxan as a precaution, and usually the first lambs are fit to go to abattoir in early May. The Devon County Show is in May, so they need to enter the carcass competition. These lambs are judged live-weight, then judged dead-weight, then the points for live and dead are added together to give a total point for the competition. With great successs two years ago achieving champion live, champion dead and overall champion with a pair of Texel cross wethers weighing in at 23.4kgs and 23.2kgs. Last year they just missed out on the overall championship but did win champion live.They find that the Texel sire suits their ground, producing an excellent carcass for todays’ trade.

The Challonsleigh Flock has won The South West Texel Club’s Carcass Cup for the last seven years. This cup is for the most points in carcass competitions throughout the year.

Challonsleigh Nookey Bear. This ram in 2009 won Breed Champion at Liskeard, Breed Champion Launceston. Breed Champion and Interbreed Sheep at Totnes, Reserve Breed Champion Honiton, Breed Champion at Kingsbridge Show. He has produced some strong and correct progeny.

Robert and Judith are breeding for carcass in their tups rather than size; they are great believers of quality rather than quantity. The comments they get at shows are all how their sheep are very even in their gigots, tight skin, strong legs, having clean faces. It all comes down to management and producing the right sort of quality rams for their customers.

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FIMBER FLOCKJ & RM Lucas & SonDriffiledTel: 01377 236698 www.fimber-texels.co.uk

BEECHTREE FLOCK (BSQ)D BurkillDriffieldTel: 01262 490276

FAR HEY FLOCK (BRF)R & J BradleyBarnoldswickTel: 01282 813479

FLASHLEY FLOCK (NMF)M C NorthDoncasterTel: 01405 785221

HANDBANK FLOCK (PRH)B & A PayneStocksbridgeTel: 01142 883241

HEYWORTH-LODGE FLOCKJennifer S LodgeDoncaster 01405 785238

KEARBY FLOCK (PAL)B BotterilHarrogateTel: 01132 886246

KISSTHORN FLOCK (FCK)C & K FawcettYorkTel: 01904 468355

LONGTON FLOCK (BJY)J BartonPrestonTel: 01772 612778

MANDERLEA FLOCK (KAM)Mark A KeighleyLeedsTel: 01132 843462

NORTHERN AREA TEXEL SHEEP BREEDERS

SECRETARYSARAH

BEACHELLTEL:

01377 270230

2011 SALE DATES

September15th – 16th

AtSkipton

Auction Mart

December3rd At

SkiptonAuction Mart

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OSBALDESON FLOCK (JPO)P Jewitt & SonScarboroughTel: 01723 862172

PERGILL FLOCK (PMS)M PerringsSettleTel: 01729 840129

SAINT-JOHNS FLOCK (CAX)A J ChapmanScarboroughTel: 01262 488718

STONEBRIDGE FLOCK (RSS)S & S RichardsonBarnsleyTel: 01226 752359

WELLINGLEY FLOCK (LJW)H M & P C LongdinDoncasterTel: 01302 742254

THORNCLIFFE FLOCK (WKT)RP & S Whiteley, Holmfirth01484 603564

WINKSLEY HILL FLOCK (MHW)B & A Myers & DaughtersRiponTel: 01765 658456

COVERDALE FLOCK (GCR)R GregoryGarstangTel: 01995 603474

MICKLEHURST FLOCK (SXM)A SteffBurnleyTel: 01282 411154

STONEBECK FLOCK (BUT)A C & J ButcherUlverstonTel: 01229 582868

STONESHILL FLOCK (RKS)C RibyBridlingtonTel: 01262 673043

QUERCUS FLOCK (QHJ)J HowardNorthallertonTel: 07774 268871

YORBUS FLOCK (ARY)Mr R J AtkinsonHarrogateTel: 01765 677400

NORTH VALLEY (WVJ)J WoodTrawdenTel: 01282 859469

LOXLEY FLOCK (NJL)J & A NorthGooleTel: 01405 785362

RAINDALE FLOCK (CKU)I & S CloughPickeringTel: 01751 474604

WIGGLESWORTH FLOCK (BEW)F & H J BoothSkiptonTel: 01729 840277

NEW DUNSLEY FLOCK (SYN)P D Sykes & SonHolmfirth01484 680731

QUALITY TEXELS IN THE NORTH

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MILNBANKMV ACCREDITED - FLOCK LYM - SCRAPIE MONITORED

GLENSIDE RAZZLE DAZZLE Joint Purchase 40,000gns Lanark 2010

LYM 09 666 sold for top price of

13,000gns at 2010 Christmas Stars to

Proctors Farms. Sire: Millers Outstanding

SIRES FOR 2011Glenside Razzle Dazzle (40,000gns)

Mossknowe Pudsey (7,000gns) Millers Outstanding (29,000gns)

Robert H Wilson North Dorlaithers

TurriffAberdeenshire

AB53 8AL

07971 206748 01888 562348MALES FEMALES & SEMEN FOR SALE

ENQUIRIES & VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

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OR

RIS

DA

LE

TE

XE

LS

Orrisdale RevolverRoyal Manx ShowChampion 2010

Mr & Mrs Kermode

Orrisdale farm

Isle Of Man IM9 3AE

T: 01624823534

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Nesbitt Family Alwent & Deneside – Darlington

Performance recording comes high on the agenda for the Nesbitt family who run the Alwent and Deneside flocks at Winston near Darlington.

Doug Nesbitt says: “The beef and pig men have always been way ahead of the sheep industry in terms of recording, but at last we are beginning to catch up. Sheep breeders have been slow to get involved, but now there is rapidly growing interest. “EBLEX have done a tremendous job in raising awareness of performance recording.

The commercial customers are now realising the undoubted benefits gained by buying rams with good figures and are prepared to pay for them. In the earlier days of recording some customers were more put off by the fact that some sheep with good figures lacked what they perceived to be an ideal type of Texel with an extremely short broad head. A recipe for lambing difficulties and throat problems. However recording flocks are now producing good looking sheep with good figures behind them. I think any pedigree breeders who don’t go down the recording route will shortly be getting left behind.”

Doug bought his first Texels in the late 1970’s and soon afterwards imported some Dutch Texels from Holland. Since then the focus has been very much on improving the flock year on year and recording has been an important tool in that process.

Only three females have been bought in over the last fifteen years. The most recent of these was a Cambwell ewe, bought in partnership with George Wilkinson, of the Arkle flock, for 4400 guineas, from Maurice Hardy Bishop at the dispersal of his Grey Peel flock, at Carlisle in January this year. She has an index of 392 and is by Cambell Laird (LTC05507), out of a dam by Cambwell Handsome (LTC01052), and is in-lamb to Mitchellhill Paparazzi (KJM09015). She had been bought by Mr Hardy-Bishop for 2000 guineas as a shearling. Doug says: “Her index of 393 makes her the third highest in the country, but importantly with every crop of lambs her index keeps going up, so we are hoping that will continue. She is also an extremely good looking ewe, so she brings together the best of both worlds.”

The new addition means that the Nesbitts now have the third and fourth highest index ewes in the country and the second one also has two lots of Alwent rams in her pedigree. The top two

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the same. “Your figures should be going up year on year, but it is important to make sure high index ewes go to high index rams. As well as carcase and growth traits we are also looking for easy lambing and have started to consider gestation length.

Alwent Major Force (NTA06007), a former stock ram, who has since been sold, had the highest eye muscle area of all rams in the programme, and Doug believes this is more important than muscle depth. Major Force was the first prize recorded lamb at the Royal Show and the Great Yorkshire in 2006 and first prize recorded shearling at the Royal the following year. He also produced lambs which repeated his achievements. Although they have shown quite extensively in the past, showing is now limited to the Great Yorkshire and Northumberland County, where Alwent stock has taken the championship many times. Doug says: “We don’t show as much now, mainly because of the time involved, but we like to do a bit as it helps with sales and you know if you are winning in the show ring you know you are keeping to the correct breed type.

New RamsNew blood will be introduced to the flock in 2011 with the first lambs by last year’s ram purchases being born. These are Allanfauld Rockafella (XMM1000014), who has an index of 389. He was bought for 18,000 guineas at Lanark, in partnership with the Cambwell, Stonebridge and Heyworth flocks. The second purchase was Ettrick Rainbow Warrior (GGH1000041), with an index of 361. He was bought at Carlisle for 10,500 guineas, with Gordon Gray retaining a quarter share and the Nesbitts and Geoff and Sue Wilkinson each taking three eighths. Doug says: “We find it usually

stock sires in the country are also descendents of Alwent Neutron (NTA07381), a son of Alwent Major Force (NTA06007), and are currently in the Drinkstone flock.

Doug farms the 200 acres at Alwent Hall with sons David and Steven. In addition to the sheep enterprise they run 20-30 pedigree Charolais cows and followers and have an animal feed business on site. Steven mainly takes responsibility for the cattle and David the sheep, although at lambing time everyone takes their turn.

Pedigree ewe numbers stand at about 120 and they run alongside an MV accredited commercial flock of 60 Mules and Mule/Texel crosses, some of which are used as recipients for embryo transplants. Sales are split between pedigree and commercial buyers, but the emphasis is very much on breeding sheep which will produce what the commercial market wants.

Numbers had been higher prior to the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak, after which the majority of the flock was sold to Jim Goldie for re-stocking. Embryos from the best ewes and the ewe lambs were retained and the flock has been built back up, with even more attention being paid to figures. Doug says: “Figures are important, but you must not forget the sheep. We are looking to breed good strong sheep, with some length. The most important traits are carcase and growth. The head comes after that. We are not looking for that broad type of head. It puts the commercial men off - they think it leads to difficult lambing and it can cause throat problems”, which is a complete turn off for commercial producers of quality slaughter lambs

RecordingLambs are weighed at eight weeks and 21 weeks weeks, when both males and females are scanned for backfat and muscle. A selection of ram lambs are also taken to Edinburgh for CT scanning. Doug says: “What is very important is that people are honest about their management and have a percentage of their sheep CT scanned. For the system to work everyone in the scheme has to do

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Heading

works quite well buying rams in partnership with other breeders. We each have our own AI dates and the ram will then go to the AI for semen to be collected and frozen. Sometimes we insure the sheep, we have insured our new ewe, but it can be very expensive and with a ram sometimes the best insurance is frozen semen.”

About two thirds of the flock is AI’d and a number of ewes flushed for embryo transplant. Doug admits they have had varying degrees of success with this and it can result in lambs being very expensive to produce. He says: “The costs are too high at the moment and we need to look at improving the consistency of the technology for greater success. But we intend to start flushing a bit later in future and probably will use Melatonin ear implants to see if this helps.”

SalesLambs not sold as pedigree are finished and sold through Darlington market where they consistently meet with a good trade. Doug says: “I think it’s a good thing to sell some fatstock locally as it enables people to see what your stock is producing”.

Around 15-20 in-lamb shearlings are usually sold at Carlisle each year. Of the 70 or so ram lambs sold about half go to pedigree and half to commercial producers. They are sold at Lanark, Worcester, Carlisle and Skipton pedigree sales and also at Barnard Castle and Darlington markets. A large number go straight from the farm to local farmers. Only a few are retained to sell as shearlings. Doug says: “Over the years we have developed a regular commercial clientele who come back year on year and will pay up to £1000 for the better ram lambs.

“It’s nice if you can achieve some really high prices at the pedigree sales, but you have to regard that as a bonus. What we are aiming for is a good price right across all sales and keeping a good average, including commercial sales.”

Ram lambs have been bought as stock rams for this reason. David explains: “We buy lambs because we want to produce ram lambs to sell. There has been a definite shift over the last few years in commercial producers buying lambs rather than shearlings. Their aim is to produce a fat lamb and I think that they have realised sometimes shearlings may have taken a longer time to mature and grow out and possibly will breed lambs which do the same. Whereas if they buy a lamb which is fast growing and has matured quickly it is likely to produce lambs which do the same.”

Both Doug and David are convinced that selling stock with figures has boosted sales and is proving financially worthwhile. David says: “we estimate the cost of recording and testing works out at about £10 per head for all lambs, but we are gaining definite benefits. We still have to market sound correct rams, but above average figures can add a minimum of £200 and rising fast for all sold”.

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1 August BUILTH WELLS – NSA Clee, Tompkinson & Francis Tel: 01874 622 488

13 August CHELFORD Frank Marshall & Co Tel: 01625 861 122

17 August EXETER NSA Stags of Tiverton Tel: 01884 255 533

20 August GAERWEN Morgan & Evans Tel: 01248 723 303

1 September SEDGEMOOR Greenslade, Taylor & HuntTel: 01278 410 250

1 – 2 September CARLISLE Harrison & HetheringtonTel: 01228 406 230

2 September LLANDOVERY Clee, Tompkinson & Francis Tel: 01874 622 488

Society Club Sales 2011 – England, Scotland & Wales3 September SHREWSBURY Halls Tel: 01743 462 620

8 September WILTON Southern Counties AuctioneersTel: 01722 321 215

9 September KELSO RAM SALE For Auctioneer details Tel: 02476 696 629

9 September MARKET HARBOROUGH Market Harborough AuctionsTel: 01858 464 850

9 September DUTCH TEXEL SALE RUTHIN Ruthin Farmers Tel: 01824 702 025

11 – 12 September RUTHIN Ruthin Farmers Tel: 01824 702 025

15 September LANARK Lawrie & Symington Tel: 01555 662 281

15 – 16 September SKIPTON Craven Cattle Mart Tel: 01756 792 375

19 September BUILTH WELLS NSA Wales & Border Clee, Tompkinson & FrancisTel: 01874 622 488

20 September THAINSTONE Aberdeen & Northern MartsTel: 01467 623 700

21 September BAKEWELL Bagshaws Tel: 01629 812 777

22 September CLITHEROE Lawrie & Symington Tel: 01555 662 281

24 September CARLISLE Harrison & Hetherington Tel: 01228 406 230

29 September WELSHPOOL Welshpool Livestock SalesTel: 01938 553 438

17 October WELSHPOOL Supplementary Welshpool Livestock SalesTel: 01938 553 438

28 – 29 November THAINSTONE Aberdeen &Northern MartsTel: 01467 623 700

2 December WELSHPOOL In-Lamb Welshpool Livestock SalesTel: 01467 553 438

3 December SKIPTON Craven Cattle Mart Tel: 01756 792 375

3 December WORCESTER In-Lamb McCartneys Tel: 01905 769 770

9 December CARLISLE Harrison & Hetherington Tel: 01228 406 230

16 December LLANDOVERY Clee, Tompkinson & Francis Tel: 01874 622 488

The above list is not exhaustive, dates and venues may change, be added to or cancelledRefer to the website or contact the office for updates. www.texel.co.uk - 02476 696629

29 August RATHFRILAND Rathfriland Farmers Co-OpTel: 028 4063 8493

10 September ENNISKILLEN Export Eligible Ulster Farmers Mart Tel: 028 6632 2218

15 September ARMOY D McAllister Tel: 028 2177 1227

Society Club Sales – Northern Ireland16 September SWATRAGH Sperrin & Bann Valley MartTel: 028 7940 1335

19 September HILLTOWN Hilltown Mart Tel: 028 4063 0287

21 September CO ANTRIM J A McClelland Tel: 028 2563 3470

22 September LISAHALLY Richard Beattie Tel: 028 8164 7105

29 September CLOUGHER D McAllister Tel: 028 2177 1227

6 October GORTIN Richard Beattie Tel: 028 8164 7105

17 October BALLYMENA HARVESTJ A McClelland Tel: 028 2563 3470

6 December (TBC)HILLTOWN In-LambHilltown Mart Tel: 028 4063 0287

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Penstones TexelsMV + EAE Accredited

Flock PCPMainly AAR/ARR

Est.1984Bred for size, conformation and growth rate

MEADOWVALE ROYALE

SIRE: Kelso Prostar

PENSTONES RED ADAIR

SIRE: Annan Limmy

NEW FOR

2011

NEW FOR 2011

Enquiries and visitors always welcome

Colin and Kate PontingFoxfield Farm, Stanford in the Vale, Faringdon, Oxon SN7

Tel: 01367 710240 Mobile: 07787 533 324

ALSO: MILLEND PIECE OF GOLDBreed Champion 3 Counties and Bath and West 2010, and First Shearling and

Reserve Male Champion, Royal Welsh 2010

All classes

of stock for sale

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Premium Sheep & Goat Health Schemes

For full details on Schemes, services available please contact: Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes PO Box 5557, Inverness IV2 4YTT: 01463 226995 • F: 01463 711103E: SGHS@sac.co.uk • W: www.sac.ac.uk/sghs

SAC is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SCO03712

Premium Sheep & Goat

Health Schemes

Have You a Pedigree Flock?

Contact the PSGHS to gain MV accredited status for your stock

Buying Rams?

• Protect your flock and select MV accredited animalsWorm Scan• Bulk Faecal egg count service

Scrapie Genotyping

• Private confidential genotyping service Join the Scrapie Monitoring Scheme

A full range of breeding services available: Embryo collection and transfer Embryo freezing Artificial Insemination Semen collection and freezing Ram and ewe fertility examinations

Townhead Farm

Newbiggin, Nr Stainton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HT 01434 600 566

Email: andrew.hambleton@paragonvet.com or victoria.bushby@paragonvet.com www.paragonvet.com

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Genetic Gains in Growth Pay Off

Conformation & Growth ....Texels do both!

When the Texel was introduced to the UK it was admired by many for its carcase conformation, but some of its critics had concerns about its growth rate. “ This article shows just how far the breed has come in improving this economically important trait.”Weight recording began soon after the initial importation of Texel sheep, with the first performance recorded Texel lamb weights collected in 1974 and 1975 in the Boghouse and Cambwell flocks.

The across flock analyses undertaken in 1992 established the basis for the recording scheme that operates today. There have

been several developments since 1992 including the introduction of Computed Tomography (CT scanning), new index weightings to penalise ultra-lean sheep and the launch of new EBVs for lambing ease, worm resistance and gigot shape. The ability to share pedigree and genetic data via BASCO has been a major advance for Texel breeders and Texel ram buyers.

“Over this time the breed has grown beyond recognition. During any expansion there is always the danger that standards fall as bloodlines are multiplied and in genetic terms the breed stands still. This is clearly not the case with the Texel breed.”

Data taken from the most recent Texel evaluations shows that although there are vastly more lambs in the 2010 analysis compared to 1992, the average breeding value for growth to 21 weeks of age is over 5kg higher. This is a massive shift in the genetic

potential of a population – in a relatively short period of time. Sheep that would have comfortably sat in the Top 10% of the breed in 1992 are now well below average.

Muscling accompanies growth

“While lamb growth rate is important – it must be accompanied by high levels of muscling. In the Texel breed selection for growth rate has improved muscling across the loin, indicating an increase in total carcase muscling.”

Diagram 1 shows the EBVs for a subset of stock rams with high accuracy values. As a general rule rams with high Scan Weight EBVs tend to have high Muscle Depth EBVs, selecting for growth has enhanced muscling – but the chart also highlights there is massive variation between rams.

Amongst these widely used rams there is an 8kg difference in the growth potential of Top 10% and Bottom 10% sires – this equates to a massive 4kg difference in the weight of their progeny to 21 weeks of age.

Interestingly whilst there are some stock rams being used with high growth rates and relatively average muscling across the loin, the converse doesn’t appear to be true. There are very few sires with poor genes for growth, but exceptional genes for muscling across the loin – emphasising again the need for sheep with acceptable growth rates.

Diagram 1

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“It is predicted that in the last 20 years the breeding potential for weight of muscle in the carcase has risen by over 1.5kg, with a small associated rise in carcase fat. At an industry level this is worth millions of pounds.”

Performance recording can’t take the credit for all of the changes in growth rate observed within the Texel breed. The selection of “big rams” at sales where EBVs were not available will have lead to improvements in growth rate – but this approach can be an expensive exercise. While some rams will have had superior genes for growth rate and worked well, others - despite looking fantastic on the day - will have disappointed.

“In an era with so many experts in the presentation of sheep at sales and more variation than ever in pre-sale feeding and management – there has never been a more important time to have an unbiased assessment of genetic merit.”

This was clear in 2010 when recorded rams realised a premium and those with high EBVs were rewarded. Clearance rates were also noticeably higher for recorded stock.

Selection of Sale Prices for Texel Ram Lambs in 2010

Scottish National

English National

Welsh National

Sold Average (£) Sold Average (£) Sold Average (£)

Top 10% in Index 76 3213 37 966 10 848

Overall Recorded 95 2760 54 849 22 686

Overall Non-Recorded 268 2173 97 703 68 594

In Summary

l Changes in the growth potential of Texel sheep have been immensel Performance recording has had an important role in this improvement and will have an even more important role in the futurel Selecting for growth rate has not been to the detriment of musclingl The demand for performance data is increasing as breeders search for sheep with the right balance of genetics to take their flock forward

Performance records don’t replace the stockman’s art – but they are the most accurate assessment of the economically important traits for which the Texel breed is now renowned.

Diagram 2

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TEXELS IN SOUTH WALESBANC OLIVE FLOCK (YJB) J & B Booker, Cae Cadno, Taliaris, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 7DP Tel: 07887 648710 Email: bancolivetexels@btinternet.com

TREFERE FLOCK (DBT) Davies Bros, Trefere Uchaf, Penparc, Cardigan, SA43 1RN Tel: 01239 810381 Mob: 07773 144709

IFANDDU FLOCK (DGP) D A & C Davies, 4 Gorsddu Terrace, Penygroes, Llanelli, SA14 7PETel: 07973 970088

CAEBETRAN FLOCK (DFC) G & H Davies, Caebetran Fawr Farm, Felinfach, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0ULTel: 01874 754460 Mob:07811 943351/07891 118594

BRIVAN FLOCK (BVD) I T Davies & Son, Danyreglwys FarmGarthbrengy, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9TW Tel: 01874 622616 Mob:07813 165064

TRUJIM FLOCK (DDT) T & J Davies, Cwmcynon, Llwyndafydd, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 6LE Tel: 01545 560426 Mob:07989 423776

SCURLAGE CASTLE (EKS) E Evans & Son, Scurlage Castle Farm, Reynoldston, Swansea, SA3 1BA Tel: 01792 390714 Mob:07790 565746

ABERCRYCHAN FLOCK (HXA) J W & J A Hardwick, Abercrychan, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0YLTel: 01550 720363 Mob: 07977 060225

MARLSBROUGH FLOCK (HMJ) Marlsbrough Farm Ltd, Marlsbrough, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest, SA62 3NP Tel: 01437 710395 Mob: 07974 967010

DWYNANT FLOCK (JDX) Mr & Mrs D Jewell, Bwlchgwyn Temple Bar, Felinfach, Lampeter, SA48 7SA Tel: 07943 312403

STEDDFA (JFG) D R & S L Jones, Eisteddfa Nantgaredig, Carmarthen, SA32 7PL Tel: 01558 669065 Mob: 07971 688521

PORTWAY FLOCK (JDP) G Deri Jones, Portway, Rhosgoch, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3JU Tel: 01497 851231

LLANTHOMAS FLOCK (JML) G P & M Jones, Llanthomas Farm, Llanigon, Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR3 5PU Tel: 01497 820096

MABON FLOCK (JGG) G W & F M Jones, Garth Hall Farm, Llanfabon, Pontypridd, CF37 4HP Tel: 01443 740292 Mob: 07768 936202

PRESWYLFA FLOCK (JPJ) Jim Jones, Preswylfa, Nantgaredig, Carmarthen, SA32 7NH Mob: 07989 420903/07779 002359

HATHREN (LCY) Carwyn Lewis, 18 Heol Hathren, Cwmann, Lampeter, CArmarthenshrie, SA47 7JR Tel: 01570 423349 Mob: 07890 794185

DAVICIA FLOCK (YMG) D C & P Meek, 5 Garnwen Terrace, Nantyffyllon, Maesteg, Mid Glamorgan, CF34 0ET Tel: 01656 737119/07917 563011

TYNEWYDD FLOCK (MDY) Deri J Morgan, Tynewydd, Llangors, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7UA Tel: 01874 658413

SCOLTON FLOCK (RWS) W O & P E Reed, Upper Scolton, Spittal, Haverfordwest, SA62 5QL Tel: 01437 731332

Combine business and pleasure with a visit

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TEXELS IN SOUTH WALESCombine business and pleasure with a visit

TURBO FLOCK (RJR) J Rodenburg, Rhydyceir, Capel Dewi, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA39 9NA Tel: 01559 395229

BRYNMEINI FLOCK (TYG) A Thomas, Gwarllwyn, Glandwr, Whitland, Pembrokeshire, SA34 0UA. Tel: 01994 419289 Mob: 07969 482455

CWMCERRIG FLOCK (WJJ) D J J Watkins & Co., Cwmcerrig, Gorslas, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 7HU Tel: 01269 843870

CAENANTMELYN FLOCK (WCQ) O Watkins, Caenantmelyn Bungalow, Hay-on-wye Herefordshire, HR3 5RH Tel: 01497 820597 Mob: 07812 685415

MILLEND FLOCK (WCM) R & G Watkins, Upper Cwm Farm Craswall, Herefordshire, HR2 0PH Tel: 01981 510249

STELFOX FLOCK (WES) E Williams & Son, Lower Solbury Farm, Walwyns Castle, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 3SD Tel: 01437 781246

PADEST FLOCK (WGP) G J & J E Williams, Cwmpadest, Crai, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8YS Tel: 01874 636285

FERN FLOCK (WAF) W L & A J Windsor & Son, Fforest Farm, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, SA34 0LS Tel: 01994 241078 Mob:07976 408966

DOLAU FLOCK (WFU) W H Williams & Son, Dolau Ifan Ddu,Blackmill, Bridgend, CF35 6DT Tel: 01656 840465 Mob: 07767 487790

CLUB EVENTS7th May Progeny Show at 5 p.m. at Llandovery

14th May A.G.M. at Cwmcynon, Llwyndafydd, LlandysulMid June Flock Competition

17th - 19th June Flock Visit – Venue to be confirmed

14th August Annual Ram Safari

11th November Annual Club Dinner

New Members Welcome

SALES 20111st August Early NSA Ram Sale at the Royal Welsh Showground

23rd August 14th Annual Production Sale of Pedigree Texels For Jim Jones (Preswylfa Flock) at Llandovery Market

2nd September Evening Club Sale at Llandovery

19th September Main NSA Ram Sale at Royal Welsh Showground

16th December In-Lamb Ewes at Llandovery

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SALOCINTEXELS

NICK TAVERNORBRIDGE FARM, SOUTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET , TA13 5LR

Tel: 01460 241 789 Mob:07977 274 040

TNS M V ACCREDITED

EST 1978SIGNET RECORDED

DAMS FULL BROTHER

PEACEHAY MASTERPEACENEW STOCK RAM

PEACEHAY PAVAROTTI

SIRECENNEN MAGNUM

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STAINTON TEXELS

Stainton Real MccoySold Lanark 2010 11,000gns

NEW SIRES FOR 2011Stainton Ricochet Full Brother to Real McCoy

Connachan Rhino - Purchased jointly for 7,000gns

Visitors and Enquiries Always WelcomeP K & R Woof

Storth End Farm, Stainton, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 0DZ

Tel: 01539 560674mobile: 07974 393083

Female Champion Scottish National Sale sold 7,000gns

Fachell Onapproval gimmer sold 7,000gns

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TRUJIM TEXELSTel: 01545 560426 Mob: 07989423776 Est 2002. Flock DDT. MV Accredited

Trujim Night Hawk DDT07 1862nd yearling Ram RWAS 20081st Yearling Ram Pembrokshire

Show 2008Second Aged Ram – RWAS 2009

1st Group of Three RWAS 2008Reserve Group of Three

– RWAS 2009SEMEN FOR SALE fromTRUJIM NIGHT HAWK

(Sire: Trujim Linol)

Visitors and Enquiries Always Welcome.James and Trudy Davies, Cwmcynon, Llwyndafydd, Llandysul, Ceredigion SA44 6LE

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COLWOOD & HIGH WEALD

FLOCKS

TFW TDV

FORKINS ROCKSOLID 65,000GNSTOP PRICE RAM LAMB LANARK 2010

HAK091093 24,000GNSRECORD “CHRISTMAS CRACKER”

CKC09912 13,000GNS JKA090013 8,500 GNS

SCOTTISH CLUB 25TH ANNIVERSARY SALE

GAYNES MA JORSTOCK RAM OF

COLWOOD FLOCK

SIRE OF COLWOOD ORIGINAL BOY9TH IN SIGNET STOCK SIRE LIST 2010

ALSO INTRODUCING TO THE STOCK SIRE TEAM: KNOCK RONICK, KELSO RAVIOTTI AND ALWENT MAJOR FORCE. JOINING: KELSO PATENT AND MEONHILL PRINCE.

BREEDING TYPE WITH STRONG PERFORMANCE

ALL ENQUIRES WELCOME TO TRINIDAD INVESTMENTS UK LTDROUT FARM, COLWOOD LANE, WARNINGLID, SUSSEX, RH17 5UQ

07824 388589 OR COLWOOD.PEDIGREE@LIVE.COM

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CHI

Photo of Millars Outstanding Lanark Supreme Champion 2008

we eagerly await 2011 crop of lambs to Humeston Rarity off-springs

MV ACC

Enquiries/Visitors always welcome

Wester Moy FarmUrray

Muir-of-OrdIV6 7UX

Stock TupsMillars Outstanding 29,000 gnsMuiresk Northern Dancer 11,000 gnsHumeston Rarity 9,000 gns

Semen For sale from above Sires

David ColiMobile 07719432450

Allan ChisholmTel: 01997 433381

Wester Moy Texels

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Email: kevmoores@hotmail.co.uk

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A commitment to breeding – Sandy and Isobel Lee – Fordafourie – Fraserburgh

The well known and highly respected North East couple, Sandy and Isobel Lee, recently celebrated their Golden Wedding. They have been very familiar personalities at pedigree livestock shows and sales throughout the UK over the duration of their marriage. Over the years they have enjoyed tremendous success with five pedigree breeds of sheep, namely Border Leicesters, Suffolks, Texels, Bleu du Maines and Rouge de l’Ouest, while in the cattle sector, pedigree Aberdeen Angus and Charolais were their chosen breeds. Isobel has always shown a very keen interest accompanying Sandy at all the major sales and shows, when Sandy has fulfilled many judging assignments.

To date, Sandy has judged at all the UK Royal Shows, with the exception of the Royal Welsh whose invitation he had to

decline due to its clashing with a vital sale date. However, his most satisfying assignment was in 1988 when he judged at the Royal Sydney Show during Australia’s bi-centenary year. Sandy is also very proud to have been elected president of the Suffolk Sheep Society during the year 2000.

Sandy and Isobel have also been regular travellers to New Zealand, where their younger daughter, Janice, and her husband Chris Marr run a large livestock enterprise, consisting of 6500 Romney ewes mated to hybrid Romdale rams, and 1200 Aberdeen Angus breeding beef cows. Elder daughter, Vivien, who followed a successful career in hotel management, has not moved quite so far from home. She lives with her husband, Graham Atkins an international financier, and family in Surrey. Sandy and Isobel are also very proud of their 6 grandchildren who are now in their late teens and early twenties. They include an 18 year old star rugby player, Stuart Marr, who has ambitions to graduate to New Zealand’s famous “All Blacks” team.

In the early years of Sandy and Isobel’s marriage, when they expanded their farming enterprise to 740 acres. Border Leicester sheep and a herd of 200 commercial beef cows were their main

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livestock enterprise. During the period 1940-70 Border Leicesters were Scotland’s main lowland breed producing the then very popular Half-Bred ewe when mated to Cheviot ewes, and the slightly more prolific Greyface ewes when crossed with the Blackface. Sandy, who concentrated on ram lamb production, sold annually at Aberdeen and Lanark, while at Kelso 3 rings were devoted to shearling rams. There was intense competition between rival flocks which were mainly based in 2 distinct areas, namely North East Scotland and in Ayrshire. Many current familiar names within the Texel world including Jim Douglas, Keith Jamieson, Robert and John Forsyth, provided Sandy with stiff competition during this era. However, the breed rapidly lost popularity from 1970 onwards, with the Blue-faced Leicester breed simultaneously gaining ground. In Sandy’s opinion this was due to many breeders concentrating on the heads with extreme Roman noses and long erect ears, rather than producing animals which had essential commercial characteristics, such as carcase conformation and maternal ability. He also stated that there was no official recording system which was also a factor in possibly hastening the breed’s rapid reduction in popularity.

During the early seventies, Sandy noted that it was probably an opportunistic time to invest in Suffolks which due to their rapid weight gain and early maturing ability, were swiftly gaining ground in Scotland. When buying foundation stock, as was also the case when he entered the Texel world, his approach was to “buy the best he could afford” often after doing background research on his potential purchases. Sandy still advises younger breeders that early mistakes can be very costly and that good breeding stock of both sexes “is your greatest investment”. He obviously did his homework well, as within 6 years of his initial Suffolk purchase Fordafourie produced the 13,000gn breed record holder.

Over the next 30 years, Suffolks provided many major successes for Sandy and Isobel prior to their final flock dispersal in 2002. When reminiscing on his flock achievements, Sandy highlighted “Lauderdale Sportsman” who was a joint private purchase with Jimmy Douglas as

his most successful stud ram with 4 Edinburgh Championship winners to his credit, while the 15,000gn Fordafourie The Real McCoy was his pride and joy amongst the many high profile rams he produced.

When their retirement years approached at the turn of the century, coupled with the sale of their farms including Fordafourie, their home base, Isobel and Sandy decided to build a new home “Feurdies” and retained 15 acres of land to allow Sandy to continue breeding Texels albeit on a reduced scale, as a profitable retirement hobby. Sandy chose Texels rather than Suffolks, due to their far greater ease of management, coupled with the fact that they were gaining in popularity at the expense of the Suffolk on a UK basis. It has proved to be a wise decision as during his retirement period, Fordafourie Kracker (LAF04022) won the supreme championship at Lanark prior to his 32,000gn sale to the Garngour and Watchknowe flocks respectively. At Watchknowe he has sired Watchknowe Lanark Kracker (WJW05043), which sold for 44,000gn to the Castlecairn and Glenside flocks, while at Garngour he became the maternal grandsire of the top breeding 16,000gn ram Garngour Nobleman (CJN07610) currently jointly owned by Fordafourie and Knock flocks.

Looking to the future, Sandy has no immediate thoughts towards total retirement, having single-handedly delivered a very promising 2011 crop of lambs, mainly sired by Sportsmans Rooney (BGS1000036) . “I only lost one lamb when I was diverted during a lambing via a phone call and had only to resort to 2 caesarians to avoid breach births” was Sandy’s quote on his 2011 lambing. Sandy is also very optimistic as to the future of the Texel breed. Based largely on his observations at the recent Kelso sales, he feels that with many pens of truly outstanding commercial shearlings on view, that Texels are currently well ahead of some of their rival breeds. Based on his own experience with Suffolks, he is also adamant that official recording will further enhance breed improvement.

Both Isobel and Sandy stated that they have greatly enjoyed their half century of pedigree breed

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participation, meeting many interesting individuals from throughout the UK and abroad and striking up many lasting friendships. On behalf of the many past visitors to both Fordafourie and Feurdies, I would wish to thank them both for their excellent hospitality that they always provide. Sandy, who is essentially a very quiet, modest individual, has certainly earned the accolade of “Master Breeder” with the many honours he has achieved over the years.

Flock Summaries

Key Summary Facts &Achievements:

Fordafourie Border Leicesters

l Flock founded in 1925 by Sandy Lee’s great uncles, who were succeeded by Sandy’s father, Alec C Leel Following graduation from Agricultural College in 1952, Sandy entered a partnership with his father who was also a great Border Leicester enthusiastl Following his father’s death in 1970, Sandy took over the entire farming enterprisel Fordafourie won its first Lanark Championship in 1968 with ‘Fordafourie Triumph’, which sold for 1,800gnl Ram lambs sold annually at Aberdeen and Lanark. Numerous championships won, including 6 at Lanark and 3 successive Aberdeen championsl Opposition very strong including: Annan, Baltier, Glenside, Park and Skerrington flocks at Lanark, Cairness, Newhouse of Glamis, Milton of Philorth flocks at Aberdeenl Like Fordafourie, many Border Leicester flocks switched to Texelsl From 1980 onwards, flock numbers reduced as breed lost popularity with final Border Leicesters being utilised as Texel recipients

Fordafourie Suffolks

l Flock founded 1973 with purchase of 4 ewes from Fife based Kinneston flock at its flock

dispersall Major flock achievements:l Bred breed record holder “Fordafourie Four Square” which sold for 13,000gn in 1979 to Findowrie and Kirkton flocksl Bred a second breed record holder “Fourdafourie Noble Lad” which sold for 18,000gn in 1981 to Scryne flockl Won 4 Edinburgh Championships and 2 Reserve Championshipsl Won 2 English National Championships and 1 Reserve Championshipl Fordafourie-bred rams won 6 “Sire of the Year” trophiesl At its peak, flock consisted of 180 ewesl Two major reduction sales held prior to very successful final dispersal in 2002

Fordafourie Texels

l Flock founded in 1993 with purchase of 4 gimmers at Annan draft sale, including 4,200gn ewe JKA92070 by Turin Union. Further private purchases followed from Muiresk flockl Influential rams, used in build up of flock to 80 ewes, included in early years Kirtle Cavalier; Muiresk Breakthrough; Glenside Festival; and Crookholm Golden Millarl More recently, rams which had positive influence in the flock included: Tophill Joe; Durisdeer Instructor; Garngour Nobleman; Tima Look at Me; and Millars Outsmart – all high-priced syndicated ramsl Present stud rams, with very promising lambs now on the ground are Sportsmans Rooney (5,000gn purchase) and Tima Rob Roy (4,000gn purchase)l Present flock consists of 32 ewes and 20 recipients (top 5 ewes flushed annually)

l Flock’s major achievement to date has been winning the Lanark Supreme Championship with the 32,000gn Fordafourie Kracker (LAF04022) in 2004 Top 6 Individual Pedigree Purchases by Sandy Lee Over All Breeds: (His Personal Opinion)l While on a New Zealand visit, purchase of 20 Aberdeen Angus embryos which resulted in 12 pregnancies. They included

A commitment to breeding – Sandy and Isobel Lee – Fordafourie – Fraserburgh

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“Kim of Fordafourie” which sold to W McLaren, Netherton, Blackford for 7,000gn as a heifer, who later resold her for 16,000gn. With subsequent embryo transfer work, her progeny have fetched over £300,000. She will have a certain long term impact on the future of the breed

l His decision after 2 visits to France to invest in Bleu du Maine and Rouge de l’Ouest sheep proved to be a short term, but very profitable, investment, as Sandy exited both breeds prior to the financial bubble bursting

l His joint decision with Jim Douglas to purchase privately the Suffolk ram lamb Lauderdale Sportsman from the late Jimmy Dun. Sportsman lived to 8 years of age, siring 4 Edinburgh champions and twice gaining “Sire of the Year” award

l His decision to join the 122,000gn Tophill Joe syndicate. Joe sired Kracker (32,000gn) and Lee (16,000gn) in addition to many top quality females still in current Fordafourie flock

l His purchase of a top quality Suffolk ewe but with “no udder” at Duncan Barr’s Dalhousie dispersal. She subsequently produced the outstanding “Fordafourie Gold Barr” who became “Sire of the Year” with progeny selling to 20,000gn

l More recently the purchase of 2 embryos from George Howie’s magic ewe HAK04-034, sired by Garngour Nobleman. They resulted in the prize winning stud ram “Fordafourie Pure Gold” and a full ET sister to the current 24,000gn female breed record holder. George agrees with Sandy that she might be a superior animal to the breed record holder and has given Sandy a fantastic offer for its re-purchase, which to date he has resisted

Fordafourie Kim sold at Perth 7,000gns resold later for 16,000gns

A youthful Sandy with his then teenage daughters 1982

Fordafourie Kracker Champion Scottosh National Sale 2004 32,000gns

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Brian Joseph, Waen Farm, Hope Bowdler, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 7DD

Baltier King Annan Limmy Watchnowe Nakamura

Cowel President Obama Kingsland Razorlight Oldford Ratty Redman

Phone 01694 724 939 Mobile 07885 290 390

E-mail brian.joseph@virgin.net Website www.texel.icom43.net

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Show Judges 2011

RHAS ROYAL HIGHLAND 23 – 26 JuneSTEVE SMITH of PENPARK (SJP) Steve became a member of the British Texel Sheep Society in 1981; his commitment to the breed’s characteristics, conformation, skins and gigots has stood him in good stead throughout his farming career. During this time he has served as Chairman of the Shropshire & Borders Club, is a current member of the Welsh Northern Regional British Wool Board committee and a former

winner of Welsh Sheep Farmer of the Year, not bad for an Englishman! The Penparc prefix has had consistent success at the Royal Welsh show and also secured many County championships, culminating last year with the Supreme Champion Pairs at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. Steve is well known in the judging circles and has been invited to judge many of the major shows and sales throughout the UK and Southern Ireland. His sale successes includes Penparc Lexus sold at Lanark (10,000gns), Penparc Olive sold at Carlisle (4,500gns). Steve farms 1,200 ewes and 100 suckler cows and operates Mid Wales Falconry Centre at Pen-y-Bryn, near Welsh pool, none of which would have been achieved without his wife Helen and daughter Anna.

RUAS ROYAL ULSTER 11 – 13 May JOHN FORSYTH of GLENSIDE (FPG)

John has been a member of the Society since 1978. His noted Glenside Flock is now a household name within the Texel breed, with major honours won by the flock in recent years, including: 7 supreme championships at the Royal Highland, 3 supreme championships at the Royal Show, where he also won the Inter-breed and Pairs competition in 2009 and Champion flock on 5 occasions in the Scottish Club Texel Competition from 2001-2007 (only times shown) John is

a very experienced judge himself, having officiated at the Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire, Devon County, amongst other major shows. John acknowledged that he has received great support from family over the years, with his wife Kathleen and daughter, Mrs Eileen Paterson, both being very keen Texel enthusiasts, while his son, Andrew, is in full charge of his 150 cow Holstein dairy herd. John served as Judge at the N.I Premier sale 2010 then went on to take Supreme Champion Texel at the Royal Highland and Reserve Champion Female at Great Yorkshire show.

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GREAT YORKSHIRE 12 – 14 JulyGERWAINT JONES of ERW – (JGE)

Geraint has been a member of the Society since the ERW flock was established in 1979 with his late wife Linda, running around 140 Texel sheep alongside 1000 commercial sheep, and beef cattle, on an upland farm near Corwen.He has had the pleasure of judging at prestigious shows and sales over the years, including the English National Show & Sale, the NSA sale at Builth, the Scottish

Club sale at Lanark, the Northern Ireland Club sale and the Irish Premier show and sale, as well as judging at County and local shows all over England and Wales.Show success over the years include female champion and reserve male champion at the Royal Welsh Show, numerous champions and interbreed champions at local and county shows, and notably winning the ‘Champion Flock of Wales’ title on five occasions since the competition was established thirteen years ago. Geraint is one of the founders and past Chairman of the successful Ruthin Texel Breeders Club, established 24 years ago, renowned for a high standard of quality Texels.

RWAS ROYAL WELSH SHOW 18 – 21 July ROGER STRAWBRIDGE of TAMNAMONEY (SRY)

Roger Strawbridge runs the Tamnamoney Texel flock on the family farm just outside Coleraine in Northern Ireland. Roger grew up working with his father’s commercial sheep before branching into the pedigree world. His late father, Ivan, firmly believed in the potential of Texels way back in the early 80’s both for breeding and as a terminal sire. The Tamnamoney flock was founded in 1990 and over the past twenty years the Tamnamoney prefix has been linked to major

successes both in the show and sale rings. Roger is a regular exhibitor at the sales in Dungannon and Lanark reaching a top price of 22,000gns for Tamnamoney Lynbrook in 2005. Roger’s breeding policy is to breed quality lambs with traits essential for both the pedigree and commercial producers. In 2008 the Tamnamoney flock was awarded the Janssen Animal Health Texel flock of the Year Championship, having won the Medium Flock section the late Jim Currie chose Tamnamoney as his overall winner. Roger is married to Barbara and they have a daughter, Ivanna, aged 6yrs.

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National Show and Sale Judges 2011

NORTHERN IRELAND NATIONAL SHOW & SALE 15 – 16 August 2011 ALASTAIR GAULT of FORKINS (GAF)

Alastair has been breeding Texels for 15 years, currently keeping 30 Texel ewes. His flock – Forkins, holds the NI record price for rams (£65000) and females (£8000). Alastair also won Champion flock of the Northern Ireland Club flock competition 2010. Alongside his Texel flock he also runs Suffolk sheep and

Limousin cattle. He works as a stockman for a 250 cow suckler herd. Alastair is married to Joan; they have 2 children, Beth 12 and Jack 10, who also run a Texel flock – Cherryvale. Outwith the agricultural world Alistair enjoys watching Hockey and Motorcycling and taking part in the odd football game and skiing.

SCOTTISH NATIONAL SHOW & SALE 24 – 25 AUGUST 2011 STEVE RICHARDSON of STONEBRIDGE (RSS)

Steve formed his Texel flock in Great Houghton in, South Yorkshire, with his wife Sherry, daughter Hannah and son Adam in 1991. His ambition was to win the Ram Lamb class at The Great Yorkshire show and to sell a Ram for a £1000; 20 years later they have won the Ram Lamb class twice, Overall Champion

once and sold for in excess of £8000! Steve has judged at the Royal Ulster/Balmoral show and the Royal Norfolk amongst others and is known for his concentration while judging. He has been on the Texel Board of Directors for 9 years. During this time he has served twice on the Show & Sale Committee and is currently Honorary Treasurer. His most enjoyable judging venue to date was in 2007 for the Scottish Texel Clubs Flock competition. Along side the Texel flock Steve and family run a very successful herd of pigs numbering 200 breeding sows with 2,000 followers and 300 acres of arable crops. The Stonebridge flock were awarded runner up in the EBLEX best improved Texel Recording flock for 2011.

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WELSH NATIONAL SHOW & SALE 26 – 27 August 2011DAVID HOUGHTON of TOPHILL (HTH)

David has been a member of the Society since forming the Tophill flock in 1987. He has been Chairman of the North West Texel Breeders Club for the last two years. The Tophill flock is currently running at 72 pedigree ewes plus followers. The pinnacle of the flock’s achievements so far being

the sale of Tophill Joe (HPH03091), for 122,000gns at Lanark in 2003. David has judged at numerous shows around the country including the Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire, All Ireland Championships and the Scottish National sale. David farms on a Lancashire hill farm, where along with the Texels; he runs a flock of mules, a small herd of Limousins and rears turkeys for the Christmas markets.

ENGLISH NATIONAL SHOW & SALE 29 – 30 August CRAIG RIDLEY of HALTCLIFFE (RHT)

Craig established the Haltcliffe Texel flock back in 1988 with his father Matthew. Run alongside a herd of 100 pedigree limousine cattle and a flock of Swaledale hill ewes. In 2003 the flock had great success taking the Champion Texel sheep at the Cumberland show with ram lamb, Haltcliffe Jetsetter (RHT03179), and

Reserve Champion at the Scottish National at Lanark with Haltcliffe Jaguar (RHT03170). The flock is now lambing about 80 Texel ewes. The Haltcliffe flock is also selling successfully, mainly in Carlisle and Lanark, successful sales from the flock have seen ram lambs sell to 26,000gns, 16,000gns twice and 15,000gns with shearling rams having sold to 4,200gns. They also hold the record for the 1st and 2nd highest priced beef bulls ever sold, Haltcliffe Vermount and Haltcliffe DJ for 100,000gns and 72,000 respectively. He has judged both cattle and sheep previously at the RWAS and the Great Yorkshire Show. Craig and wife Shiela live on the family hill farm on the northern edge of the Lake District along with children Matthew, Katie and Emma.

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2010 Royal Ulster Show

Judge: Mr Alan Clark, Lesmahagow, Lanark – GARNGOUR Flock

AGED RAM

1st Exhibited by Mr John TW Foster, Springhill (FTS) – WWB08019

2nd Exhibited by Mr John TW Foster, Springhill (FTS) – FAO08419

3rd Exhibited by Mr John TW Foster, Springhill (FTS) – FTS08088

First prize Aged ram, Male Champion

RAM, SHEARLING

1st Exhibited by Mr Samuel Kerr, Fairyglen (KSF) – KSF09033

2nd Exhibited by L and K Beacom, Castleknowe (BKL) – SCY09114

3rd Exhibited by Mr Stewart Ferris, Leapoges (FLS) – MKR091212

First prize Shearling Ram

AGED EWE

1st Exhibited by Messrs M & C Millar, Millar’s (VMG) – VMG07341

2nd Exhibited by Messrs M & C Millar, Millar’s (VMG) – VMG06180

3rd James Ruggeri, Gyrhos, (RUJ) - RUJ 1000018

EWE, TWO SHEAR OR OVER THAT HAS REARED LAMBS IN 2010

1st Exhibited by Messrs M & C Millar, Millar’s (VMG) – VMG07341

2nd Exhibited by Mr Martin TC Millar, Millar’s (VMG) – VMG06180

3rd Exhibited by Mr Steven McCollum, Carmavy (MSY) – MSY06257

EWE, SHEARLING

1st Exhibit by Beth and Jack Gault, Cherryvale (GCN) – GAF090031

2nd Exhibited by Mr Henry Gamble, Springwell (GRS) – GRS09072

3rd Exhibited by Mr Henry Gamble,, Springwell (GRS) – GRS09029

First Prize Aged Ewe, Female Champion & Supreme Champion

First prize Shearling Ewe, Reserve Female Champion & Reserve Champion overall

RAM LAMB

1st Exhibited by Beth and Jack Gault, Cherryvale (GCN) – GCN1000105

2nd Exhibited by Mr M & C Millar, Millar’s (VMG) – VMG1000166

3rd Exhibited by R Henderson, Ballynahone (HBR) – HBR1000023

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EWE LAMB

1st Mr David Warwick, Braehead (QDA) – QDA1000028

2nd Mr Thomas James Carson, Downkillybegs (CTD) – CTD1000030

3rd by Mr David Warwick, Braehead (QDA) – QDA1000017

First prize Ewe Lamb

First Prize Ram Lamb, Champion Male

MILLAR’SVMG07341

S: MELLOR VALE MASTERPIECEBCM06007

D: MILLAR’SVMG04003

GS: CASTLECAIRN L.A. LOVER RNA05065

GD: MELLOR VALEBCM04095

GS: CRAILLOCH GALAXYMAE00048

GD: SENEIRLCAS01045

Supreme Champion Pedigree

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Supreme Champion

M & C Millar’s aged ewe – Millar’s (VMG) VMG07341

Reserve Champion

Beth and Jack Gault’s shearling ewe – Cherryvale (GCN) GAF090031

Male Champion

Exhibited by Beth & Jack Gault, Cherryvale (GCN) - GCN1000105

Reserve Male Champion

Exhibited by Mr John TW Foster, Springhill (FTS) – WWB08019

Female Champion

Exhibited by Messrs M & C Millar, Millar’s (VMG) – VMG07341

Reserve Female Champion

Exhibited by Beth and Jack Gault, Cherryvale (GCN) – GAF090031

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Royal Highland Show

Judge: Keith Campbell, Lochgoilhead, Argyll - COWAL Flock

AGED RAM

1st Exhibited by Myfyr Evans, Accar (EML) - HAK08957

2nd Exhibited by Alasdair Beaton, Wester Crosshill (BWG) -

BWG08280

3rd Exhibited by John M McKerrow, Grougfoot (MDG) - WXS08011

First prize Aged Ram & Male Champion

RAM, SHEARLING

1st Exhibited by M Hardy-Bishop, Grey l & G Gray, Ettrick

(GGH) - HAK091075

2nd Exhibited by G Gray, Ettrick (GGH) & Messrs T and I Walling,

Whitlaw (TIW) - KJM09015

3rd Exhibited by S Renwick, Craig Douglas (XSR) - XSR092944

First prize Shearling Ram

RAM LAMB

1st Exhibited by G Gray, Ettrick (GGH) - GGH1000033

2nd Exhibited by J P Forsyth, Glenside (FPG) - FEB1000055

3rd Exhibited by J P Forsyth, Glenside (FPG) - FEB1000054

AGED EWE

1st Exhibited by J P Forsyth, Glenside (FPG) – FPG091559

2nd Exhibited by Alasdair Beaton, Wester Crosshill (BWG) -

FPG06769

3rd Exhibited by W J Knox, Haddo (KWJ) – KWJ091577

EWE, SHEARLING

1st Exhibited by S Renwick, Craig Douglas (XSR) - XSR092908

2nd Exhibited by Robert Cockburn, Connachan (YSM) - YSM09050

3rd William and Carole Ingram, Logie Durno (IGB) - IGB09058

First Prize Ram Lamb

First prize Aged Ewe, Female Champion & Supreme Champion

EWE LAMB

1st Exhibited by James C Innes and Sons, Strathbogie (IJS)

2nd Exhibited by Clark Farms, Teiglum (CFT) - CFT100145

3rd John J Wight and Sons, Midlock (WKM) - WKM100075

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PERFORMANCE RECORDED RAM LAMB

1st Exhibited by T A and R Laird, Cambwell (LTC) - LTC1000129

2nd Exhibited by G Gray, Ettrick (GGH) - GGH100040

3rd Exhibited by G Gray, Ettrick (GGH) – GGH100013

First prize Shearling Ewe, Reserve Female Champion &Reserve Champion overall

First prize Ewe Lamb

First prize Performance Recorded Ram Lamb

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Supreme Champion

J P Forsyth, Glenside (FPG) - FPG091559

Reserve Champion

S Renwick, Craig Douglas (XSR) - XSR092908

Male Champion

Myfyr Evans, Accar (EML) - HAK08957

Reserve Male Champion

Alasdair Beaton, Wester Crosshill (BWG) - BWG08280

Female Champion

J P Forsyth, Glenside (FPG) - FPG091559

Reserve Female Champion

S Renwick, Craig Douglas (XSR) - XSR092908

GLENSIDEFPG091559

S: MUIRESK NEARCOMSK07651

D: GLENSIDEFPG06824

GS: COWAL MAVERICKCKC06067

GD: MUIRESKMSK05855

GS: LOOSEBEARE IMPQEL02434

GD: GLENSIDEFPG00074

Supreme Champion Pedigree

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Great Yorkshire Show

Judge: Paul Quick,Crediton, Devon. LOOSEBEARE Flock

AGED RAM

1st Jointly owned & exhibited by J D Houghton, Tophill (HPH) & Dr S R Symes, Anglezarke, (SSQ) - HAK08955 2nd exhibited by Messrs Boden & Davies, Sportsman’s, (BGS) - RNA07149 3rd exhibited by Mr Jeff Aiken, Procters Farms, Procters, (PFD) - CFN08005

First prize Aged ram, Male Champion

SHEARLING RAM BRED BY EXHIBITOR

1st Exhibited by Stuart Currie, Beautry, (CUB) - CUB09632 2nd Exhibited by A C Butcher, Stone Beck, (BUT) - BUT09013 3rd Exhibited by Messrs Alex & Gemma Brown, Brookhill, (BGB) - BGB09056

First prize Shearling Ram bred by exhibitor

SHEARLING RAM OPEN TO ALL

1st Jointly owned & exhibited by R & E Forsyth – Baltier, (FEB) & Messrs Boden & Davies Ltd, Sportsman’s, (BGS) - FEB09977 2nd Jointly owned & exhibited by J & M Perrings, Pergill, (PMF), John L North, Loxley, (NJL) & John Currie, Tullagh, (CJT) - CJN096494 3rd Exhibited by Messrs G H & G G Wilkinson, Arkle, (WGA) - EDH09018

RAM LAMB

1st Exhibited by John Forsyth, Glenside, (FPG) - FPG1000028 2nd Exhibited by Dr S Symes, Anglezarke, ((SSQ) - SSQ1000024 3rd Exhibited by G Riby, Stonehills, (RKS) - RKS1000103

EWE

1st Exhibited by J Forsyth , Glenside, (FPG) - FPG05050 2nd Jeff Aiken, Procters Farms, Procters, (GAF) - GAF080053 3rd Exhibited by HM & PC Longdin, Wellingley, (LJW) - LJW07587

First prize Shearling Ram, open to all, Champion Male, Supreme Champion

First prize Ram Lamb

SHEARLING EWE

1st Exhibited by J & H Clark , Garngour, (CJN) - CJN096513 2nd Exhibited by K, A & R Campbell, Cowal, (CKC) - CKC09912 3rd Exhibited by Mr Jeff Aiken, Procters, (PFD) - PFD09555

EWE LAMB

1st Exhibited by John Mellin, Hull House, (MJH) - MJH1000230 2nd Exhibited by Clark Farms, Teiglum, (CFT) - CFT1000143 3rd Exhibited by John Forsyth, Glenside, (FPG) - FPG1000109

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First prize Aged ram, Male Champion

PERFORMANCE RECORDED CLASS FOR RAM LAMBS

1st Mr & Mrs P Kermode, Orrisdale, (KAO) - KAO1000047

2nd Exhibited by T Nesbitt & Son, Alwent, (NTA) - NTA1000054

3rd Exhibited by T Nesbitt & Son, Alwent, (NTA) - NTA1000030

First prize Ewe

First prize Shearling Ewe, Champion Female, Reserve Champion

First prize Ewe Lamb

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Supreme Champion

Exhibited & Jointly owned by R & E Forsyth – Baiter (FEB) & Messrs Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsman (BGS)- (BALTIER PANTHER - FEB09977)

Reserve Champion

Exhibited by J & H Clark – Garngour (CJN) (CJN096513)

Male Champion

Exhibited & Jointly owned by R & E Forsyth – Baiter (FEB) & Messrs Boden & Davies Ltd – Sportsman (BGS)- (BALTIER PANTHER - FEB09977)

Reserve Male

Exhibited & Jointly owned by J D Houghton – Tophill (HPH) & Dr S R Symes – Anglezarke (SSQ) (HAK08955)

Champion Female

Exhibited by J & H Clark – Garngour (CJN096513)

Reserve Female Champion

Exhibited by J Forsyth – Glenside (FPG) (FPG05050)

BALTIER FEB09977

S: KIDSTON OLYMPIANWYK0800010

D: BALTIERFEB06602

GS: CORNERSTONE ISAACSID02004

GD: MUIRESKMSK04532

GS: WATCHKNOWE JIMMY’S PRIDE WJW03013

GD: BALTIERFEB04043

Supreme Champion Pedigree

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Royal Welsh Show

Judge: David Chave,Sampford Arundel, Somerset – PEACEHAY Flock

RAM, TWO SHEAR OR OVER

1st exhibited by Gareth Jones, MEIFOD, (JXF) - GEB080541

2nd exhibited by M and T Pritchard, Crickheath, (PMI) - QEL08151

3rd exhibited by G & A Evans, Chargot, (MLF) - RMK07061

First prize Aged ram, Male Champion

RAM, SHEARLING

1 exhibited by C S Ponting and Co, Penstones, (PCP) - WCM09706

2 exhibited by G & A Evans, Chargot, (MLF) - JRV09002

3 D J J Watkins and Co, Cwmcerrig, (WJJ ) - MTR091811

First prize Shearling Ram, Reserve Male Champion

RAM LAMB

1st J and H Thomas, Bryn Garth, (THB) - THB 1000181

2nd G W Jones, Erw, (JGE) - JGE 1000073

3rd James Ruggeri, Gyrhos, (RUJ) - RUJ 1000018

EWE, TWO SHEAR OR OVER THAT HAS REARED LAMBS IN 2010

1st J and H Thomas, Bryn Garth, (THB) - THB 081347

2nd S I Lewis, Einon, (LSI) - HPH081013

3rd Robin Clwyd Ellis, Eglur, (ECE) - ECE 05002

EWE, SHEARLING

1st J and H Thomas, Bryn Garth, (THB) - THB 091598

2nd S I Lewis, Einon,, (LSI) - LSI 09111

3rd John Mellin, Hull House, (MJH) - MJH 094596

First Prize Ram Lamb

First prize Aged Ewe, Reserve Female Champion, Reserve Champion

EWE LAMB

1st G V Hardwick and Son, Talcoed, (HQT) - HQT 1000002

2nd J and H Thomas, Bryn Garth, (THB) - THB 1000130

3rd John Mellin, Hull House, (MJH) - MJH 1000228

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GROUP OF THREE

1st S I Lewis, Einon, (THB)

2nd D J J Watkins and Co, Cwmcerrig, (WJJ)

First prize Shearling Ewe, Female Champion, Supreme Champion

First prize Ewe Lamb

First prize Group of Three

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Supreme Champion

J & H Thomas, Bryn Garth, (THB) - THB091598

Reserve Champion

J and H Thomas, Bryn Garth, (THB) - THB081347

Male Champion

Gareth Jones, MEIFOD, (JXF) - GEB080541

Reserve Male Champion

C S Ponting and Co, Penstones, (PCP) - WCM09706

Female Champion

J & H Thomas, Bryn Garth, (THB) - THB091598

Reserve Female Champion

J and H Thomas, Bryn Garth, (THB) - THB081347

BRYN GARTHTHB091598

S: GLANLLYN MORGANPUG06008

D: BRYN GARTHTHB071098

GS: CORNERSTONE ISAACSID02004

GD: MILNBANKLYM03035

GS: HADDO JORDANKWJ03324

GD: BRYN GARTHTHB04297

Supreme Champion Pedigree

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RUTHIN TEXELBREEDERS CLUB

SHOW & SALE11th & 12th SEPTEMBER 2011

Left: 2010 Show Champion & Top PricedJudge Mr Colin Ponting awarded the 2010 Show Champion to J L Owen, Hen Gapel, Anglesey with ‘Hen Gapel Royal Gold’ which sold for 5,200 gns

Right: Reserve Show ChampionReserve Show Champion was awarded to J F Hughes & Son, Tredath, Anglesey with ‘Tredath Perfection’

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE CLUB SECRETARY

SION OWENS TEL: 01824 702025

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CLWB BRIDWYR TEXEL RHUTHUNOne of the premier club sales for breeders and commercial buyers

Left: 2nd Prize Ram LambThe judge awarded the 2nd prize Ram Lamb to ‘Cambwell Really Good’ shown by T & A Laird, ‘Cambwell’ Texels which went on to sell for 2,100

Right: 2009 Show ChampionJudge JimClark awarded our 2009 Show Champion to Beidwen Omega sold by Eiddwen Jones ‘Beidwen’ Texels purchased by Roy Hughes, ‘Trefonnen’ Texels for 2,600 guineas

23 years of strict inspections has resulted in a very high

standard of stock being presented.

Come and see for yourselves.

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Texel On Target at Primestock Events

The Texel Society through its sponsorship programme has encouraged participation at a range of Primestock shows, with Dutch Texels taking many of the championships of live and carcase competitions.

Royal Welsh Winter Fair

Produced tremendous success for the breed. The champion lambs, pure Texels, bred by Andrew Bishop and shown by S J & H Smith (PENPARC). The champion carcase, a pure Texel from Adrian Windsor (FERN), the reserve another pure Texel,exhibited by Gwyn Davies, (CAEBETRAN) and the Supreme Champion pair of Texel carcases allowing the breed a prestigious 1st and 2nd prize within the high calibre carcase competition. Texel also appeared in many of the other awards, showing the influence of the breed at this premiere event.

English Winter Fair

Robin Slade, (WEEKFIELD), enjoyed considerable success in the winter show arena, taking both champion, reserve champion pen of lambs, and pedigree sheep champion at the English Winter Fair primestock show, Stafford. His winning pen of matching ewe lambs came from a 400 ewe flock of Dutch Texels entered in the EWF’s TrimmedButchers Lamb class. Weighing a combined 80kg these then made their way through to win the championship.

Presentation to Supreme Champion Pair of Lambs - Dutch Texels – S J & H Smith, Powys. Pictured L to R: Anna Smith (daughter), Mrs Helen Minnice - Smith, Welsh Assembly Government (sponsors), Mr G Denley Jenkins (judge), Steve Smith, representative from Dunbia (sponsors) and Sarah Williams from HSBC (sponsors).

The Royal Highland Winter Fair

Taking the Texel championship at the Royal Highland Winter Fair, and with it the Francis Brown PerpetualChallenge Trophy, were a pair of lambs from the Hall family, (INGLEWOOD). Reserve Texel champions were a pair of 88kg lambs from Richard and Granville Colegrave, (GUARDSWELL).

O A & P Beresford, (HOLLYFIELDS), took Reserve champion overall in the Lamb Carcase class.

The Slade team with Peter Phillips of championship sponsor Blue Merle

Francis Brown Trophy being awarded to the Hall Family by Scott Brown

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Smithfield at East of England

Taking the reserve overall and reserve Continental title at the East of England Winter Stock Festival, which hosted the Smithfield championships was a 104kg pair of Texels from Michael Owens, Pontsian, Llandysul (M OWENS). These purebred Dutch Texel lambs are from the Owens family.

N. Ireland Winter Primestock Fairs

Yet again the Texel cross has taken the Primestock Show and Sales by storm taking the Championship at Garvagh YFC Show and Sale in Kilrea mart, the Show and Sale held in Lisahally Mart and Gleno Valley YFC Show and sale in Ballymena. Elizabeth McAllister (ARTNAGULLION), took the Overall Championship at Kilrea having already secured the Texel Champion with her pair of Texel cross lambs. Taking the Reserve Texel Champion was a pair of lambs shown by Brian Jamison, Ballycastle. The Texel and Texel cross has consistently featured at the top of these Primestock shows and sales. These are the show cases for the commercial lamb and the Texel has consistently proven to be the breed which efficiently produces a high proportion of lean meat, improving margins for all involved.

Andrew Bishop (judge) presented the Overall Reserve Supreme Championship to Michael Owens (left) pictured here with his helper Dewi (right).

Countryside Live 2010

Robin Slade (WEEKFIELD) was successful in the Single Butchers Lamb class which went on to win the Champion single butchers lamb class overall.

Agri Expo 2010

The Overall Champion with a pair of Ewe Lambs at Agri Expo 2010 were from Texel breeder R Hall & Sons, Carlisle (INGLEWOOD) with a combined weight of 103kg. The pair were first place in the Continental Lambs class (up to a weight of 40kg) and went on to take the overall Supreme Champion prize.

In the Continental Lambs class (up to 40kg), Robin Slade, Leominster, (WEEKFIELD) took second place and James Whiteford of Tercrosset (MIDDLE) came in third.

In the over 40.1kg class Robin Slade (WEEKFIELD), achieved first place with a pair of pure Dutch Texels with 30 years of his own breeding behind them. Scott Dempster, Lockerbie (CASTLE HILL) took second place with Michael Dunlop, Biggar coming third.

Gilbert Crawford (Crawfords supermarkets) with Stephen Pepper (Butcher) and Richard Henderson of the NI Texel Club displaying the Overall Champion Carcases at Kilrea.

Adam Henson from Countryfile with the Continental breed Supreme Champion pair of Texel lambs from R Hall & Sons.

Robert Pigg, Solway & Tyne Texel club Chairman (centre) with Johnny Aiken and Joanne Hall winners of the Overall Supreme Championship

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2010 Northern Ireland National Show & Sale

17000gns Blackstown Rambo packs a punch at Dungannon ringside!

A successful sale of all classes culminated in the Gimmers, clearing 82% to average a respectable £536, an increase of £6 on the 2009 productive sale. The Shearling Rams exceeded expectations with £614 average to a 89% clearance, £23 up on 2009 average, with 106 lots forward and 94 finding new homes with solid interest from the South. The Ram lambs topped with a powerful punch from Blackstown Rambo (WWB1000053) to a topper of 17000gns, with a similar clearance rate to 2009 at 70%, averages were up on the year by £55 to a decent £792, a buoyant early sale for Northern Ireland’s finest Texel breeders.

Demand for Gimmers from Scottish and Southern Irish Breeders kept the elite female trade strong at Dunngannon

Highlight of the Gimmers sale was the high price for the female Reserve Champion, carefully selected earlier in the day by Judge Mr John Forsyth, Maybole, Scotland, and owner of the prestigious Glenside flock. An embryo lamb, daughter of the well proven Brague Nixon (MRB07055) out of a Tophill Joe (HPH03091) Dam from the Mullan flock owned by the Hanthorn family, selling at 4,600gns and moving across the water to Scotland. The Mullan flock also achieved 1,000gns with one of the five gimmers to exceed the 1,000gn mark in the evening sale with a female by Milestone hill O’Gara, (ALL08010) and out a daughter of the 120,000gns Loosebeare Imp (QEL02434.) The Mullan flock pen completed averaging a healthy 1,685gns

The Champion Female attained the second highest of the evening at 1,550gns from Kenneth Wilsons Firgrove flock, sired by the 10,000gns Cambwell OBE, (LTC083082) and out of a home bred ewe by Pergill Monarch, (PMF06006) Emma, Megan and Robert Shaws Mounthill flock Lot 16, achieved the third top of 1,300gns, an ARR/ARR Cherryvale Nijinsky (GCN07004) daughter, again out of a home bred ewe.

Lot 51 from Murray Annett topped at 1,200gns with a daughter from one of the top families in

the Milestonehill flock, Sired by the homebred Milestonehill Outlaw, (ALL08031) himself a son of the renowned Mellorvale Masterpiece (BCM06007), bred by Charlie Boden, Cheshire.

Commercial demand ensured Shearling rams cleared to a healthy 89%.

Ring 2 at the Dungannon Marts attracted a strong commercial interest. Topping the trade were two lots, the first, Heathmount Powerpack (MHR09028), at 1,300gns from McKinney Brothers, Heathmount flock, sired by Austin Shaws Fairmount Napoleon (SAF07062), out of a Baltier King (FEB04050), daughter. Joint high price went to second place in the pre sale show, Farmhill Pirot, (WBO09002), bred by Brain Williamson, a Garngour Nobleman son(CJN07610).

John Foster’s Springhill flock had a roaring trade with four out of the top ten prices, three of which topped the 1,000gns mark. Best of the bunch was the 7th place Shearling from the show, Springhill Perfection (FTS09007), by the prominent Douganhill McFly (GCK06073), and out of a Teiglum Magnum (CFT06231), daughter taking 1,250gns. Daughters from Perfection performed well at the recent Omagh show. Springhills consignment of eight strong Shearlings averaged a respectable 867gns.

Mary E Clarke, Ballyrussell flock, achieved 1,080gns with Polo II , while John Watsons, Duvarren Pluto (WWD09039) along with John Foster’s, Springhill Prince(FTS09096) and Adrian Liggett’s 1st prize Shearling ram, Corbo Playboy, (LIG090046) all achieved 1,050gns.

Young breeders Beth & Jack Gault watched their Cherryvale consignment and 4th prize Shearling, Cherryvale Popeye (GCN09103), another popular Douganhill McFly (GCK06073), son make 1,100gns.

The highlight of the sale saw a massive 17,000gn bid for the 3rd place lamb, with Brague Nixon (MRB07055), as his Grand Sire this Millcomb Powerhouse (VMM09008), son proved popular ringside. Out of a home bred dam who is a Mellorvale Masterpiece (BCM06007) daughter. Rambo delighted the ringside audience with strong

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Highest price at sale, Blackstown Rambo – sold for 17,000gnsKerryhill Renegade, Supreme Champion – sold for 3,200gns

Heathmount Rhinestone – sold for 6,400gns Highest Priced Female & Reserve Best Female, Mullan - Sold for 4600gns

Farmhill Pirot, Joint highest price Shearling – sold for 1,300gns2nd Highest priced female & Champion Female, Firgrove – 1,550gns

Milestone – sold for 1,200gns2nd highest price of sale BALLYNAHONE RAMBO – HBR1000059 - Sold for 9.500gns & 8th place Ram Lamb

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2010 Northern Ireland National Show & Sale

bidding to the 17,000gns mark eclipsing last year’s sale topper by 11,000gns.

Adding to the highlights of the ram class was a Richard Henderson bred ram, Ballynahone Rambo (HBR1000059), Rambo gave a left hook to achieve 9,500gns. Sired by Mullan Playboy (HBN09052), who was himself purchased jointly at the Dungannon sale in 2009 for 5,200gns. A proven sire that has bred ram lambs to 1st and 3rd prize at RUAS.

John Forsyths Overall Champion lamb, bred by James Adams, Kerryhill Renegade (ABK1000027), reached 3,200gns with this, another Brague Nixon (MRB07055), son out of a home bred ewe. Johns reserve champion didn’t disappoint breeder Robbie Mulligan with a 2,300gn bid from County Down.

The McKinney Brothers flock added to their haul from the Shearling rams with 6,400gns for a ram lamb, Heathmount Rhinestone (MHR1000060), a Kelso Oxygen (MBZ08019), son out of a Douganhill McFly (GCK06073), daughter. A substitute Lot 1146 achieving 1,000gns to make a well worthy sale day for the Heathmount flock.31 lambs exceeded the 1,000gns mark pleasing a plethora of Northern Irish breeders. Great success for Springhill with two to 1,600gns. Richard Henderson adding to his sale of Rambo with Ballynahone Rocket (HBR1000021) out of the best breeding ewe in his flock, with sons to 2,800gns, 1,400gns, Rocket reaching the heights of 1,400gns and Rossi lot 348 sired by Richard Henderson’s Mullan Playboy (HBN09052) to 1,100gns. Millars flock also had a notable sale for their Millar’s Rocketman (VMG1000015) and 1st prize ram lamb propelled to 2,000gns from a Scottish bid. Millars 6th prize lamb, Millar’s Ranger, (VMG1000084) a Kelso President (MBZ09001) son and out of a home bred ewe, went for 1,100gns.

Show ResultsJudge: John Forsyth - Glenside Supreme ChampionJames Blair Adams Kerryhill Renegade ABK1000027Reserve ChampionRobert Mulligan Brague Rosco MRB1000027

Male ChampionJames Blair Adams Kerryhill Renegade ABK1000027 Reserve Male ChampionRobert Mulligan Brague Rosco MRB1000027

Female Champion Kenneth Wilson Firgrove WFI09021

Reserve Female Champion Mr Brian Hanthorn Mullan HBN09006

Class Results Shearling Ewes Class1st Kenneth Wilson - Firgrove WFI090212nd Brian Hanthorn - Mullan HBN090063rd J & R Currie - Tullagh CJT09018

Shearling Rams1st Adrian Liggett - Corbo LIG0900462nd Brian Williamson - Farmhill WBO090023rd Andrew Fyffe - Fairywater FAO09439

Novice Exhibitor of Ram Lambs1st James Carey - Crommelin Hill CJY10000042nd Michael Smyth - Foyle view SMV10000183rd S & R Simpson & Calvin - Ballyhivistock SCY1000001

Ram Lambs1st James Blair Adams - Kerryhill ABK10000272nd Robert Mulligan - Brague MRB10000273rd James Wilson - Blackstown WWB1000053

Performance Recorded Ram Lambs1st Martin & Cyril Millar - Millar’s VMG10000152nd Henry Gamble - Springwell GRS10000293rdFraser Tweed - Ballycoose TQB1000012

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Number Top Average

Gimmers 76 4,600 £536

Ram Lambs 177 17,000 £792

Shearling Rams 94 1,300 £585

Main Sponsors of the 2010 National Show & Sale

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2010 Scottish National Show & Sale - Lanark

Texel sheep breeders enjoyed a flying trade at the Scottish National show and sale at Lanark, where a top price of 65,000gns, complete with a further 14 ram lambs selling at five figure prices, and 22 selling at between 5000gns and 10,000gns, ensured overall averages improved on the year. More impressive, however, was the fact that an increased demand breeders commercial sheep saw averages improve on 2009 world record breaking 220,000gns sale, which added £650 a head to the 2009 average alone. Clearance rates were also noteworthy compared to other terminal sire breed sales, with the 2010 sale witnessing a 77% clearance despite more than 100 lambs turned out unsold..

Taking the 2010 sale by storm at 65,000gns was the best from Alastair Gault’s Forkins flock from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim,

which only three years ago produced a 28,000gns pen leader. His topper this time sold to the Brennand family, owners of Trinidad Investments, who run 120 pedigree Texel ewes at Warninglid, Haywards Heath, West Sussex. “He’s all size and he’s one of the longest sheep here,” said flock manager Peter Sutton, who together with his wife Dawn run the High Weald Texel and Lleyn ewe flocks established just three years ago on this 180-acre farm “He’s got a good tight skin, a great back end and he’s still good on his legs with a good head. I know he’s not got the flashiest of heads – his head is smaller but a lot of Texels are getting too big of the head,” Mr Sutton said, explaining the purchase for Cornelio Brennand and his seven sons, who own various industries in Brazil to include ceramics and glass. They also bought another two ram lambs at the sale, in a bid to breed and bring out some of the best breeding sheep in future years to come.

Their 65,000gns purchase should do the job too, having a cracking pedigree behind him. Forkins Rocksolid (GAF1000046), which stood inter-breed champion on his sole previous outing at Ballymoney, is a direct son of the noted 5200gns sire, Tamnamoney Ned (SRY07010), a tup sold at Dungannon in 2007 which bred the second top priced lamb there in 2009 in the shape of

the 5800gns Livery Predator (VTL09922), and has since been sold on for further pedigree use. Just as impressive is the dam, a home-bred ewe by Clynnog Joe Tex (ODC03024), that bred the reserve Texel at Balmoral in 2010 for Alastair, who runs just 30 Texel ewes alongside 20 pedigree Suffolk ewes in his Forkins flock.

Next in the bidding stakes at 50,000gns, the Knox family – William and sons Andrew and Graeme – Mid Haddo, Turriff, produced their best ever trade in the shape of Haddo Ringleader (KWJ1000063), purchased by Jeff Aiken, flock manager of the Proctors Farm flock from Slaidburn, Lancs. Described by Jeff as “the most correct lamb in the yard,” this cracker, which stood fourth at the pre-sale show and first at Turriff, is another with an impressive pedigree behind him, being bred from the most successful line in the flock and by the 8,000gns Knock Powerpacker (HAK091057). The mother, a home-bred ewe by Cowal Maverick (CKC06067), is maternal sister to the 32,000gns Haddo Inquirer (KWJ02076), and dam of the 11,000gns Haddo Knockout (KWJ04436). A show winner into the bargain, she was also reserve champion female at the Highland in 2006 and has twice secured the inter-breed championship at Turriff.

John Forsyth’s much talked about Glenside pen from Lochlands, Maybole, was another in the money, producing no fewer than three five-figure prices, a pen top of 40,000gns and the lead flock average of £9332 for eight. Star of the show here was the number three lamb, Glenside Razzle Dazzle (FPG1000055), reckoned to be “the best headed lamb in the market”, which made 40,000gns, selling to Robbie Wilson, new owner of the Milnbank flock from Turriff; Graham Morrison, Inchbruich, Cornhill, Banff; Jim Innes, Dunscroft, Huntly and Ian Farquhar, Insch.

Again top breeding is behind this eye catcher, with the mother, Glenside Lulu, by Castlecairn Keltic Star (RNA04375), being the flock’s star show ewe which not only scooped the breed honours at the Highland , 2010, but also at the Highland and the Royal as a gimmer. The sire is the 9000gns Strathbogie Python (IJS09289), bought here last

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George making a pick in the Gimmer classLooking in on the show ring

Highest priced ram lamb - FORKINS ROCKSOLID - GAF1000046 65,000gns Kim & Amy Laird helping out with fathers group of 3

Female champ from STAINTON sold for 7,000gns.CLINTERTY RONALDO show sup champ & later sold for 11,000gns.

CAMBWELL ROB ROY reserve male champ & later sold for 40,000gns. GARNGOUR ROBROY Recorded class winner & later sold for 11,000gns

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2010 Scottish National Show & Sale - Lanark

year from Jim Innes. His full brother, Glenside Ring A Ding (FPG1000054), which also stood third at the Highland, was another in the frame, selling for 10,000gns to better known Blackface sheep breeders, Angus Kennedy, Mitchellhill, Biggar, Malcolm Coubrough, Hartside, Abington; the Renwick family, Craig Douglas, Yarrow and John and Richard Wood, Tweedsmuir. Matching the 10,000gns bid, John and his shepherd Brian Robb, saw Glenside Rocket (FPG87014), another the same way bred, but out of a different Keltic Star daughter, sell to John McKerrow, Grougfoot, Linlithgow and David Milne, Balbinny Farms, Forfar.

The reserve champion at the pre-sale show, Cambwell Rob Roy (LTC1000028), from Tom and Robert Laird, Cambwell, Biggar, was another hitting a big five-figure price, selling for 40,000gns in a three-way split between Kenny Pratt, Oldtown, Peterculter, Aberdeen; Albert and George Howie, Knock, Stuartfield, Peterhead and Cumbrian breeder, George Wilkinson, Aspatria. The breeding behind this first prize MLC lamb at the Highland with an index of 299, which also stood first at Lesmahagow, includes the 8000gns Cowal Powerhouse (CKC09911), out of a home-bred ewe by Cambwell Laird (LTC05507), that bred the 2800gns Pioneer.

Welsh breeder, Iolo Prys Jones, received his best ever trade too selling Llangwm Rocky (JLI1000060), from his 60-ewe flock from Denbighshire, for 32,000gns. His pen leader, by the 4600gns Kelso Picasso (MBZ09040), and out of a Cowal Monarch (CKC83003), of the Glen home-bred daughter, was bought by the breeder of the sire, Malcolm Reid, who now farms at Grassmainston, Alloa.

On the income side, Mr Reid sold to a top of 9000gns for Kelso Referee (MBZ1000015), a son of Kelso Prostar (MBZ09116), the tup retained for breeding in 2009 after having been turned out of the sale ring at 45,000gns. He is out of a Baltier embryo ewe by Baltier Mercedes (FEB06638), and sold in a three-way split to Orkney. Keith Hourston, Orphir, who bought half while the remainder sold to R Rendall, Longhouse and A & V Copeland, Overhouse. Jimmy Douglas, Woodhead

of Cairness, Fraserburgh, sold a son of the world record priced 220,000gns Deveronvale Perfection (MGV09436), bought from Graham Morrison in 2009 for 30,000gns to John Sinnett, Stockton Court, Worcester. The mother is by Baileys Money Maker (E.EBE06025).

Lambs from the Campbell brothers – Keith, Allan, and Roy – who own the Cowal flock from Drimsynie Estate, proved extremely popular, securing the award for the second prize pen of three, along with a top price of 22,000gns for Cowal Rob Roy II (CKC10000214). Selling at this mark was the pen number two, a son of last year’s 40,000gns Kelso Pavarotti (MBZ09002), out of a ewe by Muiresk Northern Dancer (MSK07634), that is also the mother of the 8000gns Cowal Powerhouse (LTC09911), the sire of Cambwell’s 40,000gns lamb sold earlier and the dam of the best gimmer up for grabs and the in-lamb sale at Carlisle, in November. Forking out the cash for this topper was Charlie Boden, buying for the Sportsmans flock from Mellor, Cheshire.

Another Pavarotti (MBZ09002), son out of one of the best ewes in the 45-ewe Cowal flock which also made up part of the second prize pen, then sold for 9000gns to William and Carole Ingram, Logie Durno, Pitcaple, Inverurie, and Angus Howie, Millhouse, Dunning, Perth. Cowal Rising Star (CKC10000223), out of a show ewe by Ettrick Jackpot (GGH03082), was also fourth prize in the performance recorded class at the Great Yorkshire.

Father and son team of Archie and John MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth received 18,000gns for Allanfauld Rockafella, (XMM1000014)a Livery Predator (VTL09922), son, boasting one of the highest

Equally well bred on the female side, this lamb which stood reserve at Campsie Show is out of the best ewe in the flock by Baltier Nailer (FEB07712), which stood first at Biggar as a ewe lamb and third at the Highland as a gimmer. Four breeders came up with the goods for this cracker, including the Lairds at Cambwell; Doug Nesbitt, Alwent, Winston, Darlington; Steven Richardson, Mount Pleasant, Great Houghton and Jennifer

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GLENSIDE RAZZLE DAZZLE sold for 40,000gns

HADDO RING LEADER sold for 50,000gns STAINTON sold for 11,000gns

CAIRNESS RANGER sold for 30,000gnsCROOKHOLM reserve champion female sold for 2,000gns

ROWANDALE ROCKY sold for 14,000gns COWAL ROB ROY sold for 22,000gns

STAINTON sold for 7,000gns

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2010 Scottish National Show & Sale - Lanark

Lodge, Moseley Grange, South Yorkshire.

Keeping the Irish to the fore, Darren McKay, who runs the Rowandale flock at Rathkenny, Ballymena, sold his best at 14,000gns to the Ingrams at Logie Durno and Angus Howie, Millhouse. Rowandale Rocky, (MKR1000007), which stood third in the open class at the pre-sale show, is by the Cornerstone Isaac son, (SID02004)Tullagh Legend (CJT05007), and out of a bought-in ewe by Brague Jethro. (MRB03066).

George Howie, who judged the pre-sale show, and his father, Albert, West Knock, also had a good day selling Knock Ronick (HAK1000053), a son of the 14,000gns Garngour Playboy (CJN096510), for 11,000gns to Trinidad Investments. Maternal brother to the 20,000gns Knock Oregano (HAAK08960), the 10,000gns Knock Orion (HAK08955), and a 12,000gns gimmer, he is out of a home-bred ewe by Anglezarke Krug (SSQ04424), Three other lambs came under the hammer for 11,000gns including the first prize MLC lamb from the Clark family – Jim and Helen and sons, Alan, Andrew and David – Garngour, Lesmahagow. Theirsale leader, Garngour Rob Roy (CJN1000050,)a March-born substitute is by Rascarrel Panther (MTR091805), and out of a home-bred ewe by Craighead Masterpiece (CMC06285) that stood inter- breed champion at East Kilbride this year. He sold in a two-way split, to Tom and Sue Bagan, Waterlands, Stewarton, and Archie and John MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth.

Later, the pre-sale champion, Clinterty Ronaldo (BBY1000050), from Brian Buchan and son Brian, Clinterty, Fraserburgh, attracted the same money in a joint bid from John Forsyth, Glenside, and Bruce Renwick, of the Castlecairn flock at Legars, Kelso. A full brother to the £9000 ewe lamb sold privately earlier in the year to Deveronvale, he is by Clinterty Par One (BBY09643), a tup retained for breeding by Kelso Oxygen (MBZ08019), the sire of the 220,000gns Deveronvale Perfection (MGV09436) , out of a ewe by Ettrick Mighty Mouse (GGH06167). Another breeder with plenty to smile about was Peter Woof, who has been breeding Texels for the past 20 years at Storth End, Stainton, Kendal. He produced his best ever sale for a tup lamb at 11,000gns and also topped

the gimmer trade the previous night. His lamb, by Fachell on Approval (MIF08827), a tup that has bred sons to 8000gns, is out of a home-bred ewe by Cambwell Mountain (LTC06046). Forking out the cash this time were a quintet of Irish breeders to include Victor Chestnutt, Clougher; A and J Thomson, Bush Valley; A McCartney, Cloughmills, L Linton, Ballymoney and I Olphert, Bushmills.

Not far behind, on 9000gns, John Gilmour and son John, Humeston, Maybole, sold their best to D Rankin, Kilmaluag, Isle of Skye. Their Humeston Rarity (GIH1000022), the number three lamb, by the 2800gns Kelso Personality, (MBZ09221) out of a home-bred ewe by Baltier Nailer (FEB07712), that stood 10th at the Highland as a gimmer.

Leading the shearling trade at 3200gns was Ettrick Polaroid (GGH09170), from Gordon and David Gray, Lindean, Selkirk, purchased by J Leitch, Evie, Orkney. A son of the 7000gns Ellen Valley Nightrider, (YGW071625), he is out of a ewe by Hewer Hill Mr Big (SHM06017), and a grand-son of the Royal Show champion Ettrick ewe in 2004.

Gimmers Texel females from Peter Woof, who runs the 60-ewe Stainton flock at Storth End, Stainton, Kendal, proved the star attraction at the gimmer sale, securing both the female championship and the two top prices at 7000gns. First to hit the 7000gns mark was a daughter of Fachell on Approval (MIF08827), a tup bought at Carlisle in 2008 that has bred sons to 8000gns and 11,000gns, out of a home-bred ewe by Skiddaw Lion (RPS05007), which in turn is an ET out of a 3000gns Stainton female. The buyers were Tom and Sue Bagan of Waterlands Texels, who also bought Mr Woof’s second gimmer, the female champion, at the same price. She is by Gib Farm Mouchie (SSX06053) and out of a home-bred ewe by Hilltop Jupiter (PKH03002), that has bred sons to 4000gns. Reserve female came from the firm of KD and DE Millar, Crookholm, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire, shown by Andrew and Kay Watson. This was a Millar’s Olympian (VMG08536), daughter out of a 1600gns bought in ewe by Crookholm Montys Pass (MKC06031). The buyer at 2000gns was David McKerrow, Nochnary, Fife.

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Show Results Judge: George Howie Knock

Supreme Champion Brian Buchan - Clinterty Ronaldo - BBY1000050Reserve ChampionT & A Laird - Cambwell Rob Roy - LTC1000028Male Champion Brian Buchan - Clinterty Ronaldo - BBY1000050Reserve Male T & A Laird - Cambwell Rob Roy - LTC1000028Female Champion P K Woof - Stainton - WPS09045Reserve Female K D & D E Millar - Crookholm - MKC09523

Class Results Gimmers1st P K Woof - Stainton WPS09045 2nd K D & D E Millar - Crookholm MKC09523 3rd Mr A McColm - Crailloch MAE094199

Shearling Rams1st Gordon Gray - Ettrick Pythagoras GGH09173 2nd A C Lee & Co. - Fordafourie Powerdrive LAF090351 3rd Brian Buchan - Clinterty Par Two BBY09644

Novice Exhibit of Ram Lambs1st D Kerr - Duncryne Ringmaster JRV1000001 2nd Mr Michael Leggat - Maka Raver LMG1000008 3rd Mrs Fiona MacTaggart - Auchencairn Rooney MFU1000040

Ram Lambs1st Mr Brian Buchan - Clinterty Ronaldo BBY1000050 2nd Messrs T & A Laird -Cambwell Rob Roy LTC1000028 3rd Master Darren McKay - Rowandale Rocky MKR1000007

Performance Recorded Ram Class1st J & H Clark - Garngour Rob Roy CJN1000050 2nd K, A & R Campbell - Cowal Rock Steady CKC1000218 3rd Gordon Gray - Ettrick Royal Highland GGH1000033

Group of Three1st Gordon Gray – Ettrick 2nd Messrs K, A & R Campbell - Cowal3rd Messrs James Innes & Sons – Strathbogie

Auctioneers: Lawrie & Symington

Forward Sold Average

Gimmers 58 45 £834

Ram Lambs 462 361 £2,445

Shearling Rams 16 11 £782

Main sponsors of the Scottish National Sale 2010

ALLANFAULD ROCKAFELLA sold for 18,000gns

LLANGWN ROCKY sold for 32,000gns

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2010 Welsh National Show & Sale – Welshpool

Glenside flock rules the roost with the sales topper Glenside Royal Welsh at the Societies NEW Welsh National.

The AMC sponsored Welsh National proved popular for vendors at its new home in Welshpool. Auctioneers Welsh Livestock Sales proudly hosted the event with clearances and averages exceeding expectations for the first Pedigree sheep sale of the 2010 season to be held at the new £13.5 Million sales mart. The auctioneers commented that it had been “A highly successful sale”.

Sound trade throughout the day with quality sheep in demand from buyers that had travelled from across Wales and the Midlands, clearances for Gimmers up 6% to 78% on the 2009 Builth National, averaging £417. Shearling rams 15% up at 80% clearance with an increase of £70 to end at £694. Ram lambs had the best of the day with clearances improving by a massive 31%, with averages also increasing by £192 to finish at an impressive £643 for 90 sold, the second highest average since 1997, with only the peak of 2002 slightly ahead but with 30 less sold.

Trade topped at 4000gns for Glenside Royal Welsh (FPG1000045), an embryo son of Strathbogie Python (IJS09289), purchased in 2009 for 9000gns and the sire of John Forsyth’s 40,000gn sale at the 2010 Scottish National. The dam is an ET daughter of his multi show winning ewe Lulu, the buyer was S I Lewis from Wales. John Forsyth sold another by the same sire to D R Owen & Sons, Tywyn, Gwynedd, for 2,800gns, not far behind Charlie Boden, who sold Mellorvale Reyna (BCM1000030) for 3,800gns to P J Evans, Brecon. Reyna was sired by the 2010 Yorkshire Show Champion, Baltier Panther (FEB09977), who is shared between the Mellorvale and Baltier flocks. An ET brother, Mellor Vale Raul (BCM1000024), made 1,800gn, sold to G Probert, Leominster; both were out of a Claybury ewe purchased for 4,000gns at their reduction sale.

The pre sale show champion was Procters Robbie, (PFD10000179), a February born son of Kerryhill Oliver (ABK08035), out of a Douganhill

Masterpiece (GCK06016), ewe; he sold to D J Morgan, Brecon, for 3,000gns. Making the long journey south worthwhile was the reserve champion from the Ettrick flock, Ettrick Rio Grande (GGH10000132), who now makes his way over to the Isle of Man having been purchased by the Kermode family, Orrisdale, for 1,500gns, having spotted him at the Great Yorkshire show in July. He is by Mitchellhill Paparazzi, (KJM09015), out of a maternal sister to Ettrick Jackpot (GGH03082Top for the Claybury flock was 1,000gns forClaybury Ruler a Douganhill Ferrari (GCK99025), son, he went off to work for B Thomas, Llangadog.

Shearling rams made a steady trade to achieve the 3rd highest average since 1997 at £694 for premier breeding stock. Topping at 1500gns for Clun Python, consigned by the well known shearling & Son, sire of this was Wolfclyde Nitro (JJW07416), purchased at the Kelso ram sales in 2008 for 3,800gns. Regular top shearling sellers from the South West weren’t far from the action during the very busy trading day, which had the Welshpool Livestock Sales Ring 1 bursting with an audience in excess of 400 keen breeders, the Chave and Quick families sold at 1,100gns and 1,000gns twice for sons of the 3,100gns Cennen Magnum (TCA06089), a ram bought in partnership at the NSA ram sale in 2007. Tops were Peacehay Pavarotti (CFP09055), out of a Lyonshall King of Clubs (LAY04046), daughter. 1,000gns Loosebeare Paris (QEL09337), out of a Kingsland Lion (VPK05034), daughter topped for the Quick family.

A massive daughter of Glenside King II (FPG04308), out of a Mortimer Faithful (PGM99001), dam sold at 1500gns for Angela Nairey, Meinspride, and topped the Shearling ewe section, having been placed Reserve Champion female at the pre sale show, she joined J S Raffles’ flock, Anglesey.

At 700gns the female champion from T MacTaggart, Rascarrel, headed off to D G Davies, Dinbych, to join his other purchases from Llangwm and Ettrick. Second top of the shearling ewe section was 850gns paid for a Magnum daughter consigned by the Quick family, Devon.

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Female Champion - Rascarrel – MTR091738 – sold for 7,000gns Highest priced ram lamb - Glenside Royal Welsh – sold for 4,000gns

Male Champ & Supreme Cham - PROCTERS ROCCO -sold for 3,000gns Reserve Male Champion - ETTRICK RIO GRANDE – sold for 1,500gns

Mellor Vale Reyna – sold for 3,800gnsReserve Female Champ - Meinspride – LNM099046 – sold for 1,500gns

The Auctioneer, the Judge and the DirectorThe Novice class

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2010 Welsh National Show & Sale – Welshpool

Show ResultsJudge: Wynne Davies Bronallt

Supreme ChampionJeff Aiken/ Procters Farm Procters PFD1000212

Reserve ChampionGordon Gray Ettrick GGH1000132

Male ChampionJeff Aiken/ Procters Farm Procters PFD1000212

Reserve Male ChampionGordon Gray Ettrick GGH1000132

Female ChampionThomas MacTaggart Rescarell MTR091738

Reserve Female ChampionA Nairey Meinspride LNM099046

Class ResultsShearling Ewes1st Thomas MacTaggart - Rascarrel MTR091738 2nd A Nairey - Meinspride LNM099046 3rd Iolo Prys Jones - Llangwm JLI09029 4th Mr E W Quick - Loosebeare QEL094355th Vaughan Farms Ltd - Kingsland VPK09032 6th David A Davies - Ifan Ddu DGP09068 7th Frank H Chave & Son - Peacehay CFP09094 8th Jeff Aiken / Procters Farm Procters PFD09536

Shearling Rams1st A E Williams & Son - Clun Phantom WSF09758 2nd J & T Davies Trujim Power Ranger DDT09383 3rd Frank H Chave & Son - Peacehay Pavarotti CFP09055 4th T G Williams - Caron Prime Star WLT09664 5th E W Quick - Loosebeare Panache QEL09394 6th Phillip J Evans - Ffostyll Potter EPF09426 7th Thomas MacTaggart - Rascarrel Pele MTR091775 8th A Nairey - Meinspride Power LNM099017

Novice Exhibit of Ram Lambs1st Gordon Gray - Ettrick Rio Grande GGH1000132 2nd Robert Bennet - Plasucha Robs Very Best BFE1000007

3rd Boden & Davies - Sportsmans Roscoe BGS10000484th Jeff Aiken / Procters Farm- Procters Ranger PFD1000143 5th A J Meredith - Hardwicke Rising Star MBH1000037 6th Frank Griffies - Tushingham Raider GAR1000021 7th Alex & Gemma Brown Brookhill Rolls Royce BGB1000005 8th C Boden - Mellor Vale Ramirez BCM1000029

Ram Lambs1st Vaughan Farms Ltd - Kingsland Runaway VPK1000066 2nd Claybury Texels - Claybury Ruler DHL1000051 3rd R Black - Corrie Raffa BCE1000024 4th E W Quick - Loosebeare Rogue Trader QEL1000179 5th Deri J Morgan - Tynewydd Rascal MDY10000516th R M & G L Watkins - Millend Ray Of Sunshine WCM1000058 7th C S Ponting & Co - Penstones Real Deal PCP1000037 8th R J Hughes & Co - Trannon Rembrant HGT1000015

Performance Recorded Ram Lambs1st Jeff Aiken / Procters Farm - Procters Rocco PFD1000212 2nd Deri J Morgan - Tynewydd Ralph MDY1000081 3rd H G Williams - Llyfni Rheinallt WHA1000044 4th Claybury Texels - Claybury Renovator DHL10000705th Gordon Gray - Ettrick Ram Rod GGH1000104 6th D C Meek - Davicia Romolus YMG1000025 7th J E & L Davies - Teilo Rheolwr VDT1000014 8th Huw Rees - Llangwm Rocket JLI1000056

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

Main sponsors of the Welsh National Show & Sale 2010

Forward Sold Average

Gimmers 73 57 £418

Ram Lambs 39 31 £694

Shearling Rams 132 90 £643

WLS

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2010 English National Show & Sale – Worcester

Bidding peaked at 8,800gns at the AMC English National Texel sale at Worcester at the end of August 2010.

Topping the trade was a shearling ewe by Claybury Nimrod (DHL071009), from D. and J. Chambers, Bromswold,

Northamptonshire. Out of a ewe by Knock Kingdom (HAK04324), this ewe is a proven show winner, having taken the reserve female championship at the East of England show, the supreme title at the Midland Club sale and reserve breed championship at Rutland County show. It sold to Grace and Hugh Reid, Alloa, Clackmannanshire.

The Reid’s were also selling and achieved 5,200gns for Meadowvale Romeo (RMM1000024), a Kelso Prostar (MBZ09116), sired ram lamb, which was out of a dam by Ettrick Nutcracker (GGH07251). It sold to Neil Pamplin, Ringstead, Northamptonshire. A ram lamb by Garngour Onyx (CJN085579), made 4,300gns for breeder Robert Cockburn, Crieff, Perthshire. Out of a Hull House Nijinsky (MJH07081), sired dam, it sold to D.I. Corfield and Partners, Faringdon, Oxfordshire.

Two more ram lambs made 4,200gns; the first was Cambwell Romulus (LTC1000075), from T. and A. Laird, Biggar, Lanarkshire. This Cowal Powerhouse (CKC09911) son sold to J. Luscombe, South Brent, Devon. The second was reserve champion, Glenside Red Robin, (FPG1000141), from John Forsyths Glenside flock, Maybole, Ayrshire. This Strathbogie Python (IJS09289) son sold to E.J. Samuel, Herefordshire.

Shearling rams sold to 1,500gns for Peacehay Porsche, a Peacehay Masterpiece son (CFP06018), from Frank Chave and Son, Wellington, Somerset.

Stainton - 1st prize pen of 3 ram lambs

Top Price & Female Champ TWELVE OAKS CTO09141 8,800gns

Northern Ireland Breeders take a rest between classes

Judging of Gimmer class directed by Angela Nairey

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Male reserve champ - GLENSIDE RED ROBIN 4,200gns

MEADOWVALE ROMEO sold for 5,200gns

Sup champ KELSO REBEL sold for 4,200gns

Top price shearling ram PEACEHAY PORSCHE 1,500gns

1st.prize in Novice class - CONNACHAN ROB ROY 4,300gns.

CAMBWELL ROMULUS sold for 4,200gns

1st.prize Recorded class - CAMBWELL REMUS 1,300gns

Reserve Female Champion Meinspride LNM099053

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2010 English National Show & Sale – Worcester

Show ResultsJudge: Richard Henderson Ballynahone

Supreme ChampionMalcolm Reid Kelso Rebel MBZ1000206

Reserve Champion John Forsyth Glenside Red Robin FPG1000141

Male Champion Malcolm Reid Kelso Rebel MBZ1000206

Reserve Male ChampionJohn Forsyth Glenside Red Robin MBZ1000141

Female ChampionD & J Chambers Twelve Oaks CTO09141

Reserve Female ChampionA Nairey Meinspride LNM099053

Class Results

Shearling Ewes1st D & J Chambers Twelve Oaks CTO09141 2nd A Nairey Meinspride LNM099053 3rd T J & J H Prentice Woolney PHW09816

Shearling Rams1st E W Quick Loosebeare Preston QEL090392nd Frank H Chave & Son Peacehay Porsche CFP09175 3rd A & D Bishop Bishops Pelam ARB093728

Novice Exhibit of Ram Lambs1st Robert Cockburn Connachan Rob Roy YSM1000049

2nd Martin & Cyril Millar Millar’s Remington VMG1000003 3rd Trinidad Investments UK High Weald Rolling Stone TDV1000022

Ram Lambs1st Malcolm Reid Kelso Rebel MBZ1000206 2nd John Forsyth Glenside Red Robin FPG1000141 3rd J E & L Davies Teilo Rebel VDT1000005

Performance Recorded Ram Lambs1st T & A Laird Cambwell Remus LTC1000067 2nd J E & L Davies Teilo Rhiwiol VDT1000010 3rd Gordon Gray Ettrick Ringleader GGH1000042

Best Group Of Three Ram Lambs bred by Exhibitor1st P K Woof Stainton2nd Martin & Cyril Millar 3rd William J Knox Haddo

Auctioneers: McCartneys

Forward Sold Average

Gimmers 96 78 £578

Ram Lambs 192 152 £800

Shearling Rams 55 38 £577

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2010 Scottish National In-Lamb Sale

A far from vintage show of Texel females combined with a good covering of snow saw averages drop by more than £120 per head at the Scottish National show and sale of in-lamb gimmers at Lanark, last weekend where only 50% of the sheep forward found new homes.

From a catalogued entry of 106 head only 48 were sold with the exact same number turned out of the ring unsold.

Top price was 1000gns for pre-sale champion from Ronald Darling and son Neil, who run the 20-ewe Birkwood flock from Riddell Cottages, Lilliesleaf, Melrose and were selling year for the second year. Their sale topper, by Langside Noble Lad, (GAL07232)a ram bought for £2800 at Kelso, is out of a home- bred ewe by Stockton Kudos (SSH04105), and a grand-daughter of a gimmer bought from Roy Campbell’s Royel flock, at Carlisle. She sold in lamb to Scrogtonhead Proclaimer.(GLH09171)

Young Andrew Struthers (14) bought the second top priced lot at 750gns for his 10-ewe Glenmuir flock at Boyleston, Cumnock. This was an unshown gimmer backed by some cracking breed lines from Bruce Goldie, Townfoot, Mouswald, Dumfries. The sire is the Irish-bred Mellor Vale Masterpiece (BCM06007) son, Milestonehill O’Driscol, (ALL08018) while the dam, a 10-year-old Alwent ewe by Milnbank Episode, (LYM98008) is the grand-dam of the 12,000gns Goldies Matador (GJG06764)and the 8000gns Goldies Magnum. (GJG06763)The gimmer sold carrying twins to Livery Predator (VTL09927) which has already bred sons to 18,000gns.

Just behind, on 720gns, Jock McKerrow, Grougfoot, Linlithgow, sold a gimmer by Castlecairn Mohawk (RNA06050) out of a ewe by Glenside Hot Shot,(FPG01003) to Keith Ingram, Grange, Keith, Morayshire. She sold due to Millar’s Outsmart, (VMG08510) another Mellor Vale Masterpiece (BCM06007)son.

Other Leading prices: 550gns – D Arkley, Cauldcoats, by Straidarran Obama, (WXS08011) to DE Evans; R Darling, Birkwood, byLangside Noble Lad, (GAL07232) to DE Evans.500gns – R Cockburn, Connachan, Crieff, by

Number Average

Ewes 2 £241.50

Gimmers 44 £390.02

Hartside Nevada, (CSI107841) to R Boyd, Sheep Bridge Road, Newry, Northern Ireland; Connachan, by Hull House Nijinsky, (MJH07081) to JW Wood, Hilltop Cottage, Drawden, Lancs; C Wight, Culterallers, by Teiglum Oklahoma,(CFT085762) to R Laird, Cambwell, Biggar; G Gray, Ettrick, by Langside Nero (GAL07237), to H and L Smith, Wiley Sike, Gilsland, Brampton, Carlisle.

Ronnie Darling Birkwood, Supreme Champion 1000gns

Reserve Champion, Jim Barton Longton 300gns

Bruce Goldie Goldies sold for 750gns

Auctioneers:Lawrie & Symington

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Club Reports

Derbyshire Club

November 3rd, our AGM, saw the beginning of our Club year, with Mrs Anne Beresford taking over the chair from Martin Furness, and a successful evening with a raffle, wonderful refreshments and thirty members being present.

At the English Winter Fair the ladies provided cakes etc and made tea and coffee over the two days for showmen

and visitors, with donations of £350 going to the MacMillan cancer care.

We had a lovely day out in May with a flock visit to Jan Rodenburg’s TURBO flock; we saw some very good sheep and were given great hospitality and good food, plus lovely weather. Our annual open day in June, held at Stuart and Sally Young’s, Radtree flock, Brickyard Wood Farm, in Radbourne, helped out by Dad & Mum, Mick and Janet, as always a very good turnout of very good sheep judged by Mr Peter Woof, the Championship going to Robert Cartledge & Reserve Frank Rushton. A Shearling with a difference took place when Mick and Janet’s daughter, Dawn, who had an operation for throat cancer earlier in the year, decided to have her head shaved for Macmillan cancer care and received nearly £500 thanks go to everyone who donated.

A few less flocks entered the Flock Competition; it took place over two days, judged by John Pattinson, Frank Rushton being the Champion and Robert Cartledge reserve.

A rise in entries at the show and sale in September was pleasing to see, with Neil Pamplin, ASHFIELD flock as Judge, picking a ram lamb belonging to Haydn Fletcher, DAMDALE flock, as the Champion and in reserve place a Shearling ram belonging to John Spillane’s, BARMS flock, both of these being two of our younger members, which is very encouraging. October 12th we had a talk about the importance of minerals by Roger Carter of Denis Brinicombes.

The winner of the point’s cup was Frank Rushton, Fresh Fields, for the 5th year in succession, very

well done to Frank. Our congratulations must go to Owen and Anne Beresford, Hollyfields, on winning Reserve Supreme Championship for their pair of carcase lambs at the Welsh Winter Fair.

My thanks must go to anyone involved with making the Club the success that it is. Best wishes to you all.

Janet M Young Secretary

Robert Cartledge’s Champion ewe - CPR08 214

The tup lamb class

Showing the grown ups how its done

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Club Reports

The Dutch Group Club

Our year started well with a promotions day at Ruthin Farmers Auction. Two fabulous pens of commercial ewes with Dutch sired lambs at foot, attracted a lot of attention throughout the day. A big thank you to Mr Bryn Griffiths, Ty Isa, Derwen, for supplying such quality stock. I still can’t quite get used to preparing dutchies for the show ring but Caerwys Show was upon us and once again it was with much pride that I watched Dutch Texels being shown in their own right. This year’s classes were expertly judged by Mr Eugene Ritter (Pennine) who awarded the overall champion to a super ram lamb exhibited by S & C Davies (Egryn)

Sale time again, our 13th annual sale at Ruthin and once again people had travelled from all over the UK. This years pre-sale

show was confidently judged by Andrew Bishop, Gloucestershire, who chose as his champion, a yearling ram, ‘Penparc Punjabi’ from S J & H Smith (Penparc) which went on to sell for 1,000gns to Edwards & Co., Machynlleth. The reserve champion, a yearling ram from Mr G Pyman (Thacka) sold for 1400gns to Messrs. Ritter & Son, Buxton. Ram lamb honours went to David & Mathew Prince (Stonedge) and the top female was awarded to a shearling ewe from Davies & Wareing (Hollyfarm)

With Winter Fairs and Christmas fatstock shows nearly every flag flying high was that of the Dutch Texel, both in live showing and carcass competitions. There are far too many winners to mention personally, so many, many congratulations to you all.

Once again I would like to thank everyone who supports the Dutch Group, special thanks to our Chairman Gerwyn Davies and to the committee members who devote their time and effort to promote Dutch Texels nationwide.

Paula Barlow Secretary

Penparc Punjarbi – SJP09093, from S J & H Smith, Penparc

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Club Reports

Eastern Club

Texel breeders in the eastern region came to life during the early summer at the county shows of Suffolk, Norfolk and Lincolnshire with the latter attracting the most exhibitors. Last year, the Suffolk Show had invited its first female Texel judge since the early nineties. Barbara Smith, a well-known exhibitor herself, fulfilled her duties with elegance and grace. She awarded breed champion to Neil Pamplin’s nice shearling ewe and Reserve Champion to Sylvia Rawlings’ ram lamb. The Norfolk Show, as so often was very hot. Despite this, Judge Tim Healy stayed cool as a cucumber when one of his own rams appeared before him in the ring and quietly asked Terry Prentice, who stood at the ring side watching, to take over at the appropriate time. Nevertheless the ram, an impressive two shear of size and length took the championship and Stephen Cobbald’s smart shearling ewe, shown by his daughter Charlotte, stood Reserve.

Champion of the Texels at the Lincoln Show was Peter Longdin’s shearling ewe and Reserve was Steve Richardson’s ewe lamb.

As always the weather features in our reports and for the second year running the eastern region suffered from a prolonged drought, starting in April this time and ending again in October. This meant that hay and straw was in short supply for the rest of the year. In early July the club visited the flocks of Tim Healy (Wealden) and Trinidad Investment,

(Colwood). The trip was not well supported but those who went were greeted by generous hospitality.

The club’s key event, the joint flock competition with the Midlands Club, again took place in October, just before the end of British summer time. Our judge, Graham Taylor, travelled down from Yorkshire on Thursday and handed over to an experienced driver, who knows the length and breadth of East Anglia, all flock locations were found and none were missed. The mammoth task of judging 15 flocks in two days was completed late on Saturday followed by our AGM and Dinner which saw an even greater turn-out than the previous year – proof that there’s nothing like a good competition to get people motivated.

Detailed results are on the Texel Society’s website and page 191 in this journal but Champion was the Prentice’s Woolney flock and the Lawrence’s Coton flock was Reserve.

Finally, Stephen Cobbald took over from resigning club chairman John Williams who, over a period of three years, breathed new life into the club, managed to herd some stray members back into the fold and bring two neighbouring clubs closer, at least for two most enjoyable flock competitions. We are fortunate to have gained several new members and the future of the club under the guidance of an experienced chairman looks bright.

Sylvia Rawlings Secretary

Eastern & Midlands Texel Clubs Flock Competition winners 2010 – Woolney Texels

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HeadingClub Reports

Highland Club

We started the year with a General Meeting in January when we had as our Guest Speaker, Rhuraidh MacKenzie, Heathmount, Tain, who gave us a very interesting talk on The British Wool Board.

On 29th and 30th May we had a Flock Visit to the Peterhead Area where we visited the flocks of W & C Ingram, Logie Durno.

Jim Innes, Dunscroft, Milnbank, (shown round by Robbie Wilson) and Brian Buchan at Clinterty. This was a very successful weekend and enjoyed by all..

On 3rd July our Stockjudging Competitions were held at The Cloy Farm, Fortrose (by kind permission of Jack & Mary Jo Anderson. The competitions were in the afternoon and we had as our Master Judge, Ian Thomson. We were treated to an excellent barbecue and refreshments which lasted till late in the evening.

The Annual Flock Competition was held on Friday, 29th and Saturday, 30th October with Robert Laird, Cambwell Farm, Stirling acting as judge. The competition took place over two days with

Laird accompanied by the Chairman, Ian Campbell and Vice Chairman David Coli travelling around 350 miles to complete the judging of seventeen flocks. They once again had a Carcase Competition which was held at John Munro & Sons, Dingwall and judged by William Waugh. The awards for both competitions were presented at a Dinner/Dance held in The Royal Hotel, Tain.

The Best Overall Flock and the Runachloie Trophy was won by Johnnie Campbell, Bardnaclavan Farm, Thurso. The Reserve Overall Flock was won by Charles & Isobel Angus, Oldfield Farm, Thurso. The Hillside Trophy for the Overall pen of Ewe Lambs was won by Mr William Waters, ‘Tri-deng’, West Watten, Caithness. Further details of the Winners of the Flock and Carcase Competitions can be found on page 194.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Club, which runs several events throughout the year should get in contact with either the Chairman, David Coli on 01997 433410 or the Secretary, Winnie MacDonald on 01463 870508.

Mrs. Winnie MacDonald Secretary

Presentation night at the Royal Hotel, Tain.

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HeadingClub Reports

Gloucester & Border Counties Club

2010 has seen the Gloucester club keeping active and trying to meet fairly regularly for social or “sheep related” functions.

January saw our annual lunch at Cirencester, weather conditions meant that we weren’t as well supported as we would have liked but a good time was had by all. We then migrated to various lambing sheds until May when we had our normal trip to the dogs at Swindon, good fun if you won!! June saw

us at the Three Counties Show, congratulations to Colin and Kate Ponting and all other members who exhibited. The club entertained at the usual drinks reception when we welcomed many of our commercial ram buyers.

Our flock visit in July saw us heading to Somerset to Nick Tavernor’s Salocin flock. After meeting at the local hostelry for lunch we were loaded into a grain trailer and spent the afternoon looking at good sheep and scenery. Back to the farm for tea and talk, a good day out, well supported.

The club lunch at Hasfield in August was well attended, someone must have been looking after us, the sun shone all day, but it poured with rain the next, and the next .......!!

September was sale time, the club show and sale at Ross has regained its status, an excellent sale for all vendors. Robin Kellett judged the flock competition in October resultson page. November saw the annual carcase competition at Kings in Gloucester, another good result with Matt Hobbs champion and reserve, a good trade throughout and again our thanks are due to all who made the day a success. December saw the in-lamb sale at Worcester, trade was not as buoyant as previously but the weather certainly didn’t help.

Finally, many thanks to all members and friends who have supported us during the year and kept the club flag flying.

Carol Houldey Secretary

Gloucester & Border Counties Members gathered at Nick Tavernor’s Salocin flock visit

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Club Reports

Midlands Club

2010 has been a good year for the Midland members with a successful show season for many and several fun and enjoyable events and get-togethers throughout the year.

The end of 2010 saw a change of Chairman and Secretary at the AGM. Richard Lawrence, as Chairman and Melanie Kellet,

as Secretary, stepped down after two years to be replaced by husband and wife team, David and Jo Chambers. On behalf of all club members, a big thank you to Richard and Mel for all their hard work.

Social Evening Another successful skittles night and supper was held at the New Inn at Abthorpe, thanks to Barbara Smith’s organisation. Once again, we played the Northants, Stockman’s Club and this year, we won. The evening was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Club Show and BBQ Our annual summer club show and BBQ was again held at Twelve Oaks and organised and hosted by David and Jo Chambers, who went on to win the Championship with Melanie Kellet as the Reserve Champion. Our sincere thanks go to Robert Cartledge for judging and for staying to socialize into the evening BBQ with his wife. The weather was perfect, the show well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Club Sale The club sale was held at Market Harborough for the second year and was very successful with a 98% clearance of stock. Many thanks to Duncan Burton, who judged the show, awarding Richard and Margaret Lawrence the championship.

Flock Competition We again joined with the Eastern Club for the flock competition. Seventeen flocks entered to give the judge, Graham Taylor and his wife Sarah, a very busy two and a half days. Our thanks go to Graham for judging and to John Williams and his team for organising the event.

Christmas LunchThe Christmas lunch was held, once again, at the Rose & Crown in Yardley Hastings. The food was good and all had a very merry and fun Sunday afternoon.

Show Season Congratulations to the many Midland members who participated and did so well throughout the summer show season and to the Chambers family who went on to win first prize Shearling Ewe and Female Champion at the English National Sale at Worcester with their gimmer, which was then sold to Malcolm Reid for 8800gns, a record for McCartneys at Worcester for a shearling ewe.

The club would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest members, Henry & Tina Ashley, Will & Sharon Bothwell and James & Kay Davenport. We look forward to seeing them at future events and gatherings. Also a special thank you to all the active club members who continue to support and participate in the clubs events throughout the year to make them a success.

Finally, we wish all members a happy and successful 2011.

Jo Chambers Secretary

Left to right Mel Kellet (Reserve Champion,Judge Robert Cartledge, David Chambers (Champion & Vinnie Chambers (Young Handler)

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Club Reports

Northern Ireland Club

The N.I. Club began the year in the traditional way by holding their AGM, where members were introduced to the Club’s new Vice Chairman, although no introductions were really necessary as Victor Chestnutt has been a long standing active member of the Club, regional representative on the National Board, past Chairman of the Society and noted breeder for many years. The evening continued with the election of new committee members, presentations of almost £3,500 to Leukaemia Research and Chest, Heart and Stroke NI, a very topical talk on electronic tagging by Ciaran Hamill, Cafre, and a short note on Society matters from the Chief Executive, John Yates.

The Annual outing and first main opportunity to show off this new generation of Texels was of course to the RUAS, Balmoral Show,

where Texel Sheep, yet another year, dominated the sheep fold with over 150 sheep on show. Although there was stiff competition from all parts of the Province the Millar’s Flock, shown by well- known pedigree breeders, Cyril and Martin Millar, took the Texel championship with a super three-crop ewe, while a Cherryvale gimmer from the flock of young breeders Beth and Jack Gault took the Overall Reserve Championship. The Texel group of three made up of the Male, Reserve Male and Overall Champions from the Cherryvale,

Springhill and Millar’s flocks respectively, took the Interbreed group of three with three well matched, super carcased sheep. Club members welcomed fellow breeders and Texel enthusiasts from near and far to the stand for a very welcome cup of tea and a chat catching up on friends and acquaintances and promoting the breed.Balmoral launched the Show season in style with Texel breeders supporting all of the local shows, over the summer months, winning many of the Supreme Championships.

In July an intrepid group of members headed to the Royal Welsh Show on the annual Club outing. The show heralded a fantastic display of sheep from all breeds and members didn’t find it hard to spend almost two full days at this great event. En route to the Show we were delighted to be welcomed by fellow Welsh breeders to visit their flocks, after travelling through magnificent countryside, not particularly suited to a 50 seater bus, we were thrilled to see some excellent sheep.

August brought our Annual Open Night, a super evening was held at the home of the Blackstown flock, NI Texel Flock of the Year Champions 2009. We were kindly welcomed by Jim and Frances Wilson to view stock, watch a demonstration on the preparation of sheep for showing, partake in the stock judging and Tug-of-War competitions and generally have an enjoyable social evening over a lamb burger and cup of tea cooked by the Young Texel Breeders. The open night provides an excellent opportunity to promote the breed prior to the sale season which kicked off just a few days later with the new shearling sale held in Ballymena Mart. This was the first of 13 sales held by the club, throughout 2010 as well as the National Sale which is staged by the Society for local breeders.

This year we welcomed John Forsyth from the famous Glenside flock at Maybole to judge the pre-sale show. He picked his Champion from the Kerryhill flock a super ram lamb bred by James Adams, Ballymena, while the Female Champion was shown by Kenneth and David Wilson, Broughshane. Blackstown stock dominated the sale with a ram lamb from this pen realising the top price for the sale selling to almost £18,000.

Victor Chestnutt at the Open Night

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his second ram into the ring sold to a staggering £68,250 smashing the N.I. record price by more than double. Members and fellowbreeders were delighted for Alastair especially since Rocksolid realised the highest price of all rams sold in 2010.

The Forkins flock successes during the sales season was endorsed at the Club’s Annual dinner and prize distribution when it was announced by judge Keith Campbell, Scotland as NI Texel Flock of the Year having won the Medium Flock section and also the best pen of 10 ewe lambs, class. Yet again the Club are indebted to the sponsors and judge for making this competition possible and of course the members who entered it.

The Club was delighted to be able to introduce a new competition to the calendar of events with the support of local photographer, Kevin McAuley; they ran a photographic competition, launched in the Spring time it ran throughout the Summer and into the Autumn. It was well supported throughout the five classes, with many superb photographs from Texel breeders, friends and the general public.Young Arran Wilson from Ballymena was triumphant in the Under 18 Commercial Class before lifting the Overall Trophy.

With the year almost over the Club enjoyed the last of the sales at the In-Lamb ewe sale held in Moira Pedigree Sales Arena. Although weather conditions were not favourable many members and potential buyers did make the journey to the new venue at Moira. This left only the Fatstock sales to contend with when yet again the Texel cross lambs took the top honours with, the McAllister family, Kells taking the Championships at both Kilrea and Ballymena and John Young taking the Lisahally Championship. These shows and sales prove the Texel is the number one terminal sire.

The Club is extremely grateful for the help and support of members, friends and sponsors during yet another busy year, and look forward to 2011 with anticipation of continued success as breeders.

Karen Beacom Secretary

Top female price for the premier sale was realised by a Mullan gimmer which sold to £4830. Overall 2010 was a good sale year with over 1500 sheep entered into Club sales where the clearance rates had improved for the year with average prices up on the previous year’s trading in most centres. In September we introduced Armoy as another new venue, which again was a resounding success.

The Club is extremely grateful to the Marts, Auctioneers, Sponsors and most importantly the Commercial Producer who have made these sales such a success, with continued commitment and faith in the breed keeping it the number one terminal sirewithin the NI sheep flock. The strength of the Northern Irish breeding came into its own however, when Alastair Gault travelled to The Scottish National Sale in Lanark with an excellent pen of ram lambs. Forkins Rocksolid,

Young Breeders Tug of War Team

James Blair Adams receives Premier Sale Supreme Champion Trophy from John Henning

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North Wales Club

Club Sale at Gaerwen 21st. August 2010This year saw new and returning buyers competing for what was generally thought to be one of the best shows of sheep we have had. The quality of stock has continued to improve and was rewarded by consistently high prices and near total clearance.

Jack Davies from Holly Farm, Ormskirk kindly judged the sheep and awarded the following prizes:-

Show and Female Champion:J & H Thomas, Bryn Garth (Shearling Ewe)

Reserve and Male Champion: H & M Evans, Ffraw (Shearling Ram)

The other results were as follows:-

Shearling Ram:1st H & M. Evans, Ffraw 2nd John L Owen, Hen Gapel 3rd J & H Thomas, Bryn Garth

Ram Lamb1st John L Owen, Hen Gapel 2nd I.P Jones, Llawes 3rd J.S Raffle, PenpadrigShearling EweChampion and Reserve Champion at Gaerwen Sale 1st J & H Thomas, Bryn Garth 2nd I Morris, Fachell3rd E & J Lloyd, Hendy

Ewe Lamb1st J & H Thomas, Bryn Garth 2nd John L Owen, Hen Gapel 3rd Samantha Roberts, Bryn Tirion

Flock CompetitionI would like to thank James Ruggeri, who judged this year’s flock competition. He visited four flocks, results can be found on page 191.

Flock VisitWe joined forces with the Ruthin Club and went to visit Jeff and Jennifer Aiken at Procter’s Farm. It turned out that it wasn’t only our club that wanted to visit and the event snowballed into a mammoth production with several hundred people in attendance.

The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all who went. We saw a tremendous show of sheep, perfectly presented and were also able to see therenowned Limousin Herd. It was interesting to see the flock as it is now and to hear how Jeff and Jennifer plan to develop it in the future. The staff at the farm put in a tremendous amount of work to make the day such a success and it was very much appreciated.

It wasn’t only the stock that was admired. The luxury mobile toilets were much talked about with the ladies particularly enjoying being serenaded by Michael Buble whilst availing themselves of the facilities.

ShowsClub members again enjoyed success at local and national shows. Congratulations to J&H Thomas, Bryn Garth, who won the ram lamb, aged ewe and shearling ewe classes at the Royal Welsh Show. The shearling ewe and aged ewe went on to be show and reserve champions respectively.

John L Owen, Hen Gapel, won show champion at the Anglesey Show with an impressive ram lamb by Millars Outstanding. John’s lamb later sold at the Ruthin sale for 5,200gns

John S. Raffle Chairman

Anglesey Show Champion - John L Owen

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North West Club

The year started with the clubs “in – lamb” sale at Chelford. The event was well attended despite the wintery conditions, with a lively trade raising the temperature. The show champion from the Fachell flock topped the day’s trade selling for 2,650gns.

Our social weekend was held on a glorious weekend in May. On the Saturday we visited Stainton, Far Hey

and Bradley flocks and after a most memorable and entertaining day, the evening proved just as memorable relaxing and enjoying each others company in wonderful surroundings. On Sunday we continued our busy schedule, visiting the Hull House and Beautry flocks. The hospitality from all our colleagues and friends was exceptional with a fantastic display of quality sheep. Our thanks go to all involved.

In August the club was lucky enough to procure a visit to Procter Farms to see both their Texel flock and Limousin cattle. The event was a remarkable opportunity to view some outstanding stock. We enjoyed a most warm welcome and a classic array of animals. Many thanks go to the Procters team.

Chelford again hosted our second Elite Sale where the quality sheep presented on the day were much sort after. Ram lambs sold to a top price of 1,750gns (H & M Evans) and ewe lambs to 1,500gns (Jones). This sale was followed by the September Sale with Frank Rushton’s shearling ram leading the trade at 1,000gns.

Last year saw the introduction of a new sale at Clitheroe, held in conjunction with Lawrie and Symington. The ringside was packed and commercial buyers were much in evidence. Ram lambs sold up to a top price of 800gns (Earnshaw) and shearling gimmers to 850gns (Procters).

Our flock competition was held in November, which was a change of the club’s normal schedule for this event. Keith Campbell kindly judged this

year’s entries, a duty that kept him busy for a full three days. Our thanks go to Keith for his diligence and commitment. Results can be found on page 193.

The results were announced and prizes were presented during our social evening at Farington Lodge in Leyland, a new venue for the club, which proved a popular choice and the opportunity for members to socialise and relax in most congenial circumstances. A charity auction held during the event raised a magnificent £1,270 for local charities. Our thanks go to all at FaringtonLodge and to those members who helped organise such a wonderful evening.

This Social Evening was the culmination of a busy but enjoyable year and we look forward with great anticipation to a similarly busy schedule in 2011.

David Houghton Chairman

Anglesey Show Champion - John L Owen

Flock Competition 2010 Procters Over All Champion Flock

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North Scotland Club

January saw the club hold its Annual General Meeting, held in Buckleys, The Deveron House Hotel in Turriff. Mr David McCelland and Mr Ross Williams, from Norvite Feeds Ltd both provided an informed insight into Norvite, combined with a brief summary of their personnel experiences to date. Mr Ian Green, Corksie followed with a summary of his enterprises. Members present also enjoyed Haggis, Neeps & Tatties.

The club continues to run an annual competition from May until August presenting vouchers, redeemable at the annual September ram sale held at Thainstone, to local producers who achieve the highest pence per kilo for finished lambs sold through ANM Thainstone. This competition is gaining momentum and all vouchers presented have been redeemed against Texel rams at the annual sale.

July was challenging, due to the indecisive weather, but the club made a ‘dry’ visit to the Strathbogie flock, courtesy of James Innes and Sons, Dunscroft, Huntly. An excellent show of stock was forward with great hospitality enjoyed by all. The family also provided a range of pens for stock judging, with the judge being Robbie Wilson. A good turnout of members, their families and friends enjoyed the tour of the stock and the exceptional hospitality provided by the family. On behalf of the club, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the Innes family and their workers for ensuring the trip was a success and well enjoyed by all those attending.

The annual flock competition was held from Monday 25th to Thursday 28th October and seen one of the highest numbers of flocks entered at 21, 16 in Aberdeenshire and 5 in Orkney. The Orkney flocks were visited on the Monday with the Aberdeenshire flocks visited on the Wednesday & Thursday. On the final evening the club held its fourth annual club dinner at the Deveron House Hotel in Turriff, with the judge Philip Gill, Templand presenting the prizes. The judge praised the

number of high quality flocks entered with a tremendous show of stock forward. Again, the club wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the judge for his time and to our continued sponsors.

Mr Michael Durno judged the annual Ram sale, held at ANM, Thainstone. The sale saw a clearance rate of just over 90%, despite this the average price paid for both ram lambs and shearlings were down on the previous year. The champion ram was from Mr George L Stuart, Birness and was sired by Tophill Knockout which released 1,000gns. Again, the Christmas Classic was held at ANM, Thainstone and was judged by Mr James Youngson, Westerton, Aberdeenshire. The judge awarded champion to a gimmer from Robbie Wilson, Strathisla which was sold at 1,500gns

The club has been saddened by the loss of Mrs Margaret Lyons, a predominate and committed Texel breeder from the North East. Our sympathies and thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.

The club extends our congratulations to all those competing at local and further afield shows and sales who have been doing exceptionally well, especially Albert & George Howie, Knock, who have had a very successful year, completed by breaking the sale price record at the Christmas Cracker sale. Our sincere thanks are extended to all club and committee members for their continued support and hard work throughout the previous year and we wish to welcome all those new members to the club and wish them every success for the coming year.

We wish you all a very successful 2011.

Olivia Donald Secretary

Presentation of awards at The Annual Club dinner, DeveronHouse Hotel in Turriff

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Northern Area Club

The Northern Area Texel Sheep Breeders Club was invited to a flock visit by Stephen Curtis and family in August in conjunction with EBLEX to view the recorded Beeford flock. The event, held with the support of the Society and Performance Recorded Texels, saw 80 attendees hear about the latest enhancements to the National Genetic Evaluation, with reminders about the importance of good grassland management and the importance of submitting accurate records. Samuel Boon and Kirsty Moore, from Signet and EGENES, also spoke about the relative ease with which breeding values could be located on the web. Breeders heard how they could download bar charts to promote the EBVs for their flocks from the BASCO web search (via the Society website). Time was also spent discussing the new lambing ease and birth weight EBVs, a first for any sheep breed within the UK. A very successful event overall, our thanks go to them for all their hard work and effort.

Our Club sale at Skipton was a similar result to last year with robust trade throughout. The Show was judged by Alex Brown who gave the Supreme Champion to Chris Riby’s ram lamb, which went on to realise 550gns. The Reserve Supreme Champion went to a shearling ewe from John

Mellin, and the Reserve Male Champion went to Spiros Spyrou for his ram lamb. Top price of the day 2800gns was paid for the 3rd prize shearling ram from Steve & Sherry Richardson.

The In-lamb sale at Skipton held in December was judged by Mr Edward Fawcett who awarded Mark & Helen Keighley their 5th Supreme Champion in 6 years, to their in lamb shearling ewe. The judge then went on to purchase the Champion for 900gns. Also making 900gns was the Reserve Champion and 2nd prize shearling ewe from Stuart Currie. Jennifer Lodge was awarded 1st prize in the Aged Ewe Class and John & Alison North in the Ewe Lamb.

The winner of the 2010 Points Trophy was Paul Sykes (New Dunsley) who scored most points at qualifying local shows.

Audrey Taylor Secretary

Samuel Boon (EBLEX) and Stephen Curtis (Beeford flock) talk about Breeding Strategies at EBLEX / Beeford flock visit

Mark Keighley with his 2010 Skipton Winter Texel supreme champion, joined by his wife Helen and the couple’s 14-month-old son Jack. Judge and buyer Edward Fawcett is pictured left with sponsor Richard Harrison.

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Ruthin Club

The first event of the year was the Flock competition which was held on the last weekend in June, and was judged by Mr John Owen, Hen Gapel flock, many thanks to John for all his hard work. We received a very warm welcome by all the flocks that took part, many thanks to them for giving their time to make the competition a success. Congratulations to the prize winners, results are available in the Flock Competition section. Congratulations to Carl who went on to win Reserve Champion in the All-Wales flock competition.

June saw a small band of members determined to win their first million at a ‘Night at the Races’ in Bangor on Dee. Everyone had their different methods of picking a potential winner, but even though our wallets were considerably lighter, a very enjoyable night was had, and everyone is determined to try again next year to win that elusive million.

Then the Show season was upon us, and again, many congratulations to everyone who did so well in all the shows, and for flying the Ruthin flag all over North Wales, and beyond. The winners are too numerous to mention, and I would hate to leave anyone out unintentionally, but I would like to congratulate John and Heulwen Thomas, on achieving a remarkable double in winning the Champion, and Reserve Champion at the Royal Welsh Show. Also, congratulations to Gareth Jones, Meifod flock for winning Male Champion. It was again a very successful show season for Ruthin members.

August saw a coach load of Ruthin and North Wales members, along with our Limousin breeder friends, travelling to the very successful open day at Procter Farms near Clitheroe. The Texel flock was on show along with the Limousin herd of cattle, and a very enjoyable day was had by all, especially two members, who came back with hampers after winning different categories in the stockjudging competition.

August also saw many of the members going on the annual pilgrimage to the Lanark Sales, and little did we know what a sensation one Ruthin member was going to create. Iolo Jones, sold his ram lamb, ‘Llangwm Rocky’ for a fantastic 32,000 gns to Malcom Reid, Kelso Flock.

In September, the award for the ‘Daily Post champion sheep in North Wales,’ was won by Glyn and Emma of the Glynwen Flock with their stock tup ‘Clinterty Oscar’ This competition is held over the summer, with points being collected over 11 shows. This year, it was a very exiting finish at the very last show, with two different breeds on equal points, but Glyn pipped his rival at the post by winning the Res-Interbreed title of the show,and therefore, the overall title in the competition, bringing the prize tally of ‘Clinterty Oscar’ to 6 Breed champions, 1 res-interbreed, and 2 interbreed champions, over the summer. Warmest congratulations to Glyn and Emma, and ‘Oscar’ on a well deserved achievement.

On to September, and the Show and Sale, and I would like to give special thanks to Mr Colin Ponting, for doing an excellent job in judging the pre-sale Show. The Quality of stock was again very high, with keen competition in all the classes. Special Congratulations to John Owen Hen Gapel for exhibiting 1st Prize ram lamb, and Show Champion, ‘Hen Gapel Royal gold, sired by Millar’s Outstanding, and went on to sell for 5,200gns. Reserve Champion, and 1st prize shearling ram was awarded to Dylan Hughes, Tredath, with ‘Tredath Perfection,’ sired by Castlecairn Mandela. 1st prize shearling ewe was awarded to John and Heulwen Thomas for THB091560, sired by Glanllyn Morgan, and 1st pair of ram lambs was also awarded to John and Heulwen Thomas, for twin lambs sired by Bryn Garth Major Tom.

Best consignment of Shearling rams was awarded to Geraint Jones Erw Flock by our judge Mr Aled Williams, Nant Mawr Farm, Llanfair T.H.The Junior Show attracted a very enthusiastic entry, and was efficiently judged by Peter Lewis, assisted by his wife Jane, who, over the years, have worked very hard to make this competition the success it is today.

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Junior Show Results

Best Ram lamb Under 18 1st - Isaac Payne, showing ‘Cosyn Texels Rage’2nd – Henry Gibbs, showing ‘Bettonfield Robigus’3rd – Geraint Jones, showing ‘Cae Coed Real Boy’

Best Ram Lamb Under 26 1st – Guto Thomas, showing ‘Bryn Garth Robin’2nd - Robert Pierce, showing ‘Oldford Rocky Balboa’3rd – Ffion Jones, showing ‘Cae Coed Revolution’

Best Exhibit – Isaac Payne,

Best Handler – Ffion Jones

SALE AVERAGES Ram lambs to 5,200gns Average – 411.97gnsShearling Rams to 2,500gns Average - 487.36gnsAged ram – 1,350gnsShearling ewes to 1,500gns Average – 410.26gns.

The sale is recognised as a very important sale by many breeders from far and wide. That was evident this year, with breeders from all over Britain, and also Southern Ireland, being present at the sale. Sincere thanks to the committee for doing an excellent job in inspecting the sheep, and the auctioneers and staff for all their hard work, in guaranteeing the success of the Sale.

Following a very enjoyable bowling night last year, we again saw three teams of intrepid bowlers going to Wrexham for a re-match with the Shropshire club, in mid- October. Our best team were on form and did an excellent job in retaining the title of the inter-club match. We have also now discovered a new secret weapon in one of our new members – Llion Jones, who had the highest score of the evening with an incredible 177 points.

We had a lot of fun, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and it is also good to meet fellow members and make new friends.We also received some wonderful news in October, our new Vice Chairman, Robin Ellis, and his wife Nia, are the proud parents of twin

daughters. Our congratulations go to them and to Tomos on their bundle of ‘double trouble’.

The AGM was held in November at The Alawfowlia Restaurant, Denbigh. A delicious buffet supper was enjoyed by 50 members immediately afterwards, and the presentation of Awards for the flock competition, and the Show and Sale followed. The raffle raised over £100 in aid of ST. Kintergen’s Hospice, ending what was a very enjoyable evening.Many congratulations to Steve, Helen and Anna Smith Penparc, on winning the champion butchers pair of lambs at the Welsh Winter Fair – a fantastic achievement on their first attempt.

My term of two years as chairwoman has come to a close, and I will be handing the ‘baton’ to the capable hands of Joe Barlow, and I wish him well for the next two years. It has been an honour and a challenge for me, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two years. I have had the opportunity to meet with many people all over Britain, and have also had a valuable insight into the workings of the club, and the Texel Society. I would like to thank the committee members for all their support, Sion, our Secretary, and Peter, our Treasurer, for their hard work over the past two years – we have worked happily, and successfully as a team together. Special thanks to Peter for preparing and typing the catalogue for the sale ready for printing, and sorting out any related problems. I would also like to thank the Auctioneers for all their hard work, and last but not least, YOU, the members for supporting the club.

Eurgain JonesChairwoman

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Shropshire & Borders Club

The final sale of 2009 was the clubs in-lamb held in December at Welshpool Market. This was kindly judged by Martin Jones – RACECOURSE, who awarded Champion to a shearling from CLAYBURY TEXELS, this went on to make 1,300gns. Overall, aged ewes averaged £151 and shearlings £445. This was followed by the well supported Christmas dinner at the Wingfield Arms, where Eurgain Jones – BEIDIOG, presented the flock competition awards, having kindly judged the flocks back in July.

There was a pleasing turnout at our progeny day in June with four different classes judged by Mr David Corfield – FORDWELL, whose

Overall Champion was the pair of lambs with Reserve Champion the single lamb both being shown by Robert Bennett - PLASUCHA. Stuart Currie – BEAUTRY, spent a couple of days touring the club area in June judging our flock competition, the results of which can be found on page 199.

The annual three day trip took 22 members to the Lanark area where we were treated to some excellent sheep and great hospitality, with visits to CAMBWELL, GARNGOUR, COLLIELAW and WATCHKNOWE, thank you to all our hosts. In August the club enjoyed a well supported trip to Procters Farms, the stock, both sheep and cattle were excellent, as was the hospitality.

The clubs first sale of the season at Shrewsbury went very well, with an overall 90% clearance. Judge, Frank Rushton – FRESH FIELDS, chose a ram lamb from Martin & Shirley Jones – RACECOURSE, as his Champion with Stephen & Carolynne Williams, WOLLASCOTT, shearling as a reserve. Shearling ram averaged £588 + £61 and ram lambs £314 - £4 on previous years.

The ram sale at Welshpool saw a record entry of 610. Of the 341 shearling rams offered only 8 remained unsold, with an average price of £470. Top price of the day was the Reserve Champion

from Cefyn Pryce – CAEREINION, making 1,000gns. Judge of the day, Carl Bellis – COSYN, chose a ram lamb from Steve Smith – PENPARC as his Champion, this went on to be sold for 600gns.

Will Forrester Chairman

Presentation to Supreme Champion Pair of Lambs - Dutch Texels – S J & H Smith, Powys. Pictured L to R: Anna Smith (daughter), Mrs Helen Minnice - Smith, Welsh Assembly Government (sponsors), Mr G Denley Jenkins (judge), Steve Smith, representative from Dunbia (sponsors) and Sarah Williams from HSBC (sponsors).

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Club Reports

Scottish Club

The clubs in lamb show and sale was held at Lanark in January where a good trade prevailed throughout. The Championship was won by Mrs L Stuart, Denty which was later sold for 2300gns. Second top price on the day was 1,600gns Robert Cockburn’s Connachan Flock. 40 Gimmers average £479.85.

This year the club assisted in the organising and manning of the stand at Scotsheep. The stand was very busy all day with the lambs supplied by David Hamilton and Willie Boyd.

The club’s summer open day took them to Midlock by kind permission of the Wight Family. A large crowd of over 150 viewed an outstanding show of Texel Sheep and were privileged to see their prize winning Bluefaced Leicester, Blackface and Charolais Cattle. Thanks go to the Wight Family for all their hard work in organising this event and providing excellent hospitality.

The club continues to promote the breed by sponsoring live Texel Lamb events throughout the

area. The club still feel that this is an outstanding method of demonstrating the extra value attained for Texel quality lambs. The events were held at St Boswells, Lanark, Ayr and both Stirling Markets. All markets reported a first class show of lambs with premiums being paid by all buyers. The Show and Sale at Lanark in September was again successful with the championship being awarded to a Gimmer from Robert Barr, Cossan which was later sold for 1000gns. Top price was 2,100gns for a ram lamb from Kerr Jarvies Tapanui flock. Averages were, 7 Shearlings £543; 233 rams £463.67 and 20 Gimmers £301.35.

This year the club decided to hold an Exhibitor of the Year award taking in 6 local shows, namely Lesmahagow, Kelso, Biggar, Perth, Stirling and Kinross. Lawrie & Symington kindly sponsored this event which was a huge success. The overall winner of the competition was Alistair Beaton’s Wester Crosshill Flock, with Clark Farms Teiglum Flock taking the runner up position. This year’s flock competition attracted an entry of 22 flocks and resulted in a marathon three days for this year’s judge Alex Gray, Langside, (results in flock competition section).

This being the clubs 25th anniversary we were delighted to host the Society’s AGM at Drimsynie Estate, Lochgoilhead. The weekend was a huge success and thanks go to the Campbell Family for organising. The club held an Anniversary sale during the weekend where 13 Females were sold. The top price on the night was 13,000gns for a Gimmer from the Cowal Flock, followed at 8,000gns by a gimmer from the Annan flock of Keith Jamieson. Over the weekend we had various charity events with the club raising over £8,000 which was split between Children in Need and Cancer Research.

Lanark was the venue for our popular Stockjudging event which attracted 125 entries. The master judge for the evening was Robert Hamilton, Crewburn, who cast his expert eye over 8 classes of pure stock. The Open class was won by Malcolm Coubrough; Young Farmers by Ian Struthers and junior section by Cameron Fleming, Young Farmers team Avondale.

Scotish Club Chairmen past and present

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Some 72 members and friends attended our annual dinner; an excellent evening was enjoyed by all who were entertained by Archie Gilbert who gave an enjoyable after dinner speech.

The Clubs Carcase Competition was once again held at Wishaw abattoir in conjunction with the Macduff Beef Event. Some 36 lambs were entered for the competition with Robert Hamilton Crewburn winning the championship and Alex Leggate, Stromolloch picking up the reserve ticket. After the show both lambs were auctioned when they realised £250 and £190 respectively.

In February the sheep industry and theTexel breed in particular, lost one of the Scottish Clubs founder members and true characters with the passing of Tom Laird of Cambwell in his 85th year. Tom was the thirteenth member to join the Texel Society and the following year became a member of Council and the proud owner of his first three imported gimmers from France. From that day the influence the Cambwell prefix has had on the

National flock has been immense with show and sale championships throughout the UK carrying the Cambwell pedigree. In 1992 the family won3 championships at the Royal Highland Show, the Texel female champion, the lamb carcase competition and the champion fleece.Tom judged practically all the National Shows and sales in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales, beginning with the first ever Texel show at Lesmahagow in 1978 and culminating with the Sheep Interbreed at The Royal Highland Show in 2005. His advice and encouragement has sent many new and young members off on the road to success and their appreciation was evident at the funeral service, which, like Texel sales, was standing room only. He was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

The club has had a very successful and busy year and hopes for continued success throughout 2011.

Brian Ross Secretary

Mary Gibbs recieves gift from Scottish Club Chairman John Tough

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Club Reports

Solway Tyne & Club

After a hard winter with snow and ice affecting most of us, we were all pleased to see the summer months arrive. Our first club event was a night at Carlisle races in July. This was something new that the club had been asked to try, and a good night was had by those attended, even if it was rather busy at times to get to the bookies to put that all important bet on.

Flock visit to ‘Procters’In August the club had an enjoyable afternoon at Procters Farms. We saw some fantastic sheep and also got the chance to see the noted herd of Limousin cattle. Our thanks once again must go to Jeff, Jennifer and all the staff and helpers at Procters Farms for the great hospitality.

‘Glenrock’ flock visitA few days later the club held an evening visit to the flock competition winners of the last two years, Thomas and Victoria Illingworth’s ‘Glenrock’ flock. We all saw some fantastic sheep and also got the chance to see some of Stephen’s prize winning

Limousin cattle. It is great to see the younger generation taking such a keen interest in the Texel breed, and again our thanks go to the Illingworth family for their great hospitality.

Social EveningThis year the club held a dinner and social evening in October to announce the winners of the flock competition and Tinwald Points trophy. We asked the noted Texel Breeder Jimmy Warnock and his wife Elizabeth to join us for the evening, on the understanding that he would give us a talk on the life and times of Jimmy Warnock. This he gave along with a few jokes added in and leg pulling of a few members that were present at the dinner. A great night was had with a chance for a good natter and catch up. Our thanks go to Robert Forsyth for taking three days off to travel round to judge the flock competition and our congratulations go to the Graham family the ‘Hallrigg’ flock on winning the Tinwald Points trophy. Flock competition results can be found on page 200.

Agri Expo 2010This was the fourth year that Harrison & Hetherington had held this event, and yet again this proved to be a good day for the club and

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Club Reports

society with over 10,000 people attending the day. This year the breed was celebrating with the supreme champion of prime lambs going to the Texel’s from John Hall, Inglewood Edge. The club look forward to seeing you all on the stand again at the 2011 event.Curling night at LockerbieFor the third year we decided to have a fun and enjoyable night at Lockerbie Ice Rink curling. It was nice to see new faces there again this year, and would like to thank all those who made the journey to Lockerbie.

Sales The first sale, judged by Nigel Hamill saw the championship go to a Shearling Ram from Brian Mactaggart, ‘Douganhill’ flock. Lifting the leading price tag for the sale was Robert Forsyth of the Baltier flock for a ram lamb ‘Baltier Rascal’ which sold for 20,000gns. Topping the Shearling Ram section at 10,000gns was Loosebeare Panther from EW Quick. Topping the female sale was a shearling gimmer shown by Procters Farm Ltd. Selling for 3,000gns

Averages – 172 shearling rams £817.66, 2 aged rams £252.00, 247 lamb rams £975.27, 99 shearling gimmers £505.80, 4 ewe lambs £367.50

The second sale judged by local breeder Thomas Whiteford, saw the top price go to a Shearling Ram from Bruce Goldie, ‘Goldies’ flock.

Averages – 38 Shearling rams £443.21, 86 lamb rams £373.44, shearling gimmers £352.45, 4 Aged Ewes £183.75 The In-lamb sale in December was judged by Malcolm Reid. Top price went to a Procters gimmer from Procters Farm Ltdknocked down at 1,200gns. 2 aged ewes £136.50, 88 shearling gimmers £377.40, 3 ewe lambs £336.00. Thank you to all club members who have helped out over the last year and supported the clubs events, and to all committeemembers for their continued support and help.

Emma Pigg Secretary

2.188

Club Reports

South Wales Club

Another year draws to a close for the South Wales Club, which started with the Progeny Show. We then followed on with the A.G.M. with the past Chairman Brian Davies at Danyreglwys Farm, Garthbrengy, Brecon where we had a wonderful tour of the farm to see the sheep and cattle and lovely scenery.

In February we heard the very sad news of the sudden death of Bill John. Bill was a very loyal and supportive member of our club,

ever present at our meetings and also keen to support ideas for promoting the Texel breed. He will probably be most remembered as the inspector of rams at the NSA Ram Sale at Builth Wells, a voluntary role which he took on with great precision and good humour. Our sincere condolences were sent to his wife, Margaret and family

The Flock Competition was judged by James Draper. Many thanks to him for giving his time over two days and judging the All Wales Flock Competition. The Club Winner was the Tynewydd Flock of Deri Morgan, which did one better this year and went on to win the All Wales Flock Competition.

The Club’s weekend trip took us to Yorkshire where we visited five wonderful flocks with

outstanding sheep, and even more outstanding hospitality.

At the Royal Welsh again the Club kept the flag flying with an outstanding number of cards too many to mention individually.

The Ram Safari was the best ever attended with everyone looking forward to seeing the All Wales Flock Winner Tynewydd.

At the Annual Dinner we had a Quiz Night, Raffle and Auction where the money raised was in aid of The Wales Air Ambulance. Club Person of the year was Gloria Davies for her photographic skills.

Club Members did well at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair with Adrian Windsor (Fern Flock) taking The Pairs and Single Champion Carcass Competitions, Brian Davies (Brivan Flock) taking The Reserve Champion Pairs Carcass Competition and Gwyn and Hazel Davies (Caebetran Flock) awarded The Reserve Champion Single Carcass Competition.

We all wish Gwynfor and Bethan Richards (Ynysau Flock) all the best in their retirement.

I wish our incoming Chairman Hywel Davies just as much enjoyment in his time in the chair as I have had.

Trudy Davies Chairman

Club Members on tour at the Sportsmans Flock of Charles Boden and family.

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Club Reports

Southern Central Club

This group was well represented at South Sheep in June with a really good pen of shearling rams ffrom Simon Farmer and Frank Moffat, Meon Valley. South Sheep hasn’t taken place for many years and it was not without a little apprehension that we set up the Society & Club stand. We need not have worried as it must have been the most successful day we have ever had at any sheep event with a continuous stream of interested sheep farmers for the whole day. Several who visited our stand seemed to understand the importance of recording more than they did in previous years and it was encouraging that they then came to our Show and Sale at Wilton in September.

Texels have had a really good year at the sales this year and Wilton Show and Sale in September was no exception. Rebecca

Jordan kindly came and judged the show and made Nigel Durnford’s shearling ram the very worthy champion. Colin Ponting’s pen was judged the best and he later had the top price of the day.

Our members had a good year at the various shows and of particular note must be to young Thomas and David Farmer who have put so much enthusiasm around the shows and sales.

Wilton Show and Sale 8th September 2011 Details Michael Vesey, Southern Counties Auctioneers 01722 321215

Georgie HelyerClub Member

3 generations of Farmers

2.190

Club Reports

South East Club

The South Eastern club has been fairly quiet for the past year or so, but a good turn out to the clubs AGM in August saw a lot of interest from members to become more active again. Unfortunately the present chairman Ian Taylor had to stand down due to ill health and other time commitments, so a new committee was to be found. A committee was voted in at an extraordinary general meeting in November.

I would like to extend my thanks to Ian for all his work for the club and the breed in the region and wish him well for the future. As many will

know Ian managed the Little Knelle flock for Dinah Morrison which was sold in 2009. This flock had a strong influence in the show and sale ring locally and will be missed. On another sad note, 2010 saw the dispersal of the Meon Hill flock of Syd and Mary Chaplin, members of the club for some 20 years. This highly successful flock at shows and sales both locally and nationally was a beacon for us all combining breed type with solid performance characteristics. The flock will also be missed in the region and we wish Syd and Mary all the best for the future and hope we will see them at club events in the coming year. The ideas and wisdom from people like Ian, Syd and Mary are invaluable to us all.

On a more positive note this years local shows saw all classes well attended with good competitive classes, proving again that the best advert for a breed is a show ring full of high quality sheep testing the judges skills. We were fortunate to entertain high quality judges as well with the likes of Neil Pamplin, Alan Draper, David Houghton and Nigel Durnford travelling down. I hope 2011 follows suit.

Success in the summer followed on to the autumn with very good sales at all local markets and quality texels in demand. It is pleasing to note that at markets such as Ashford, who on a weekly basis sell a couple of thousand finished and store lambs

from all over the eastern region, that it is Texel sired lambs who achieve the best prices with the auctioneers commenting on how consistent runs are achievable from Texels making their job of grading and selling lambs that little bit easier. The buoyant lamb trade has for once reflected on good ram sales, but the warning signs are there, yes Texels are in demand, but our competitors also did well with demand for Charollais and “commercial” type Suffolk’s strong. As breeders we must be careful to ensure we maintain the Texels position as the “carcass breed” in the mind of the commercial flock master and present stock for sale which will go on and perform in the varying different commercial settings seen to day. It is encouraging to see that the investment made by pedigree breeders is rewarded with good prices at the ram sales, and the old saying “quality always sells”, is an important mantra looking forward.

At the time of writing talks are on going with neighbouring clubs to forge links and cooperate over the organizing of events and publicity of the breed. Everyone these days has time pressures and working together to hold regional events that everyone can attend and take part in is important. Suggested events include evening talks and discussions, flock visits, workshops on flock issues and show preparation especially for fatstock events and the possibility of combined flock competitions and a new regional ram sale.

Working together and singing from the same song sheet ultimately benefits everyone, with division, arguments and looking after self interest only serving to damage the protagonists of the disruption the most. A successful breed and industry makes a platform on which we can all be successful, with that sense of cooperation for the future I wish all breeders well in 2011 and welcome anyone with the Texel breeds best interests at heart to attend our meetings.

Peter Sutton Chairman

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Heading

South West Club

A fairly major drought for most of us in the summer, followed by an early start to the winter with our fair share of the white stuff thrown in for good measure has made for an interesting year. And for quite a few forage is none to plentiful. No doubt our Texels will be first in the queue for rations so that we can fulfil our reputation at the shows and sales in 2011.

Thanks to all our breeders and their sheep, we had an excellent NSA sale, maintaining our numbers, good clearance and good

trade.

Sedgemoor had their first ever ram sale late in the season, trade was still fair, but another outlet for our rams can only be good for the southwest.

AGM - Socially we all missed our flock visit this year, we made up for it with a very enjoyable AGM at Robert Darke and Judith Lapthornes, Challonsleigh flock, where we had an excellent attendance, good weather, and an informative afternoon admiring Texel sheep that have won Judith the carcase cup for 9 + years I believe! Not forgetting that we again were well fed and watered, thank you to all. Flock competition - this year was very kindly

judged by Phil & Carol Houldey, Hartpury. Again the weather was kind to us and we enjoyed the company whilst viewing the entered flocks, (results on page 192).

Christmas Dinner - we would have had our best turn out ever but thanks to the white stuff again a number of people were unable to travel. Those of us who were lucky enough to get there had an enjoyable festive evening. Thank you to John & Sue for organising this again.

Fat stock shows - not something I usually include but two of the aforementioned breeders had continued success this year, Robert & Judith taking Champion at Exeter Market Christmas Fatstock Show and Phil & Carol taking Champion at Sedgemoor, congratulations to both.

Finally, in June 2011, Sheep Southwest will take place, where as a club we will attend and promote the breed. We would welcome any breeds from outside our area to join us and view our beautiful part of the country and sample our local ales and produce. Any details needed please contact John on 01363 866 310 or myself on 01395 568 205. All the best for 2011

Graham HillChairman

2.192

Flock Competition Results

DERBYSHIRE Judge: John Pattinson – OSMASTON

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st T Stone – EMLOU 1st F Rushton – FRESH FIELDS

2nd M Prince – HIGHTECS 2nd R Cartledge – PLATTIN

3rd F Griffies – TUSHINGHAM

BEST STOCK RAM BEST HOMEBRED RAM

1st R Cartledge – MILLEND PICTURE PERFECT 1st F Rushton – FRESH FIELDS POLE POSITION

2nd F Rushton – SPORTSMAN’S PACIFIC 2nd R Cartledge – PLATTIN ROBERTO

3rd F Griffies – COLDSTREAM NEWSREEL 3rd F Griffies – TUSHINGHAM MAINSTREAM

BEST THREE SHEARLING EWES BEST THREE EWE LAMBS

1st F Rushton – FRESH FIELDS 1st R Cartledge – PLATTIN

2nd R Cartledge – PLATTIN 2nd F Rushton – FRESH FIELDS

3rd F Griffies – TUSHINGHAM 3rd F Griffies – TUSHINGHAM

OVERALL CHAMPION RESERVE CHAMPION

F Rushton – FRESH FIELDS R Cartledge – PLATTIN

DERBYSHIRE CLUB NEWCOMERS STOCK RAM HOMEBRED RAM

1st B Vernon – ALLANFAULD NAPOLEON 1st C Mallaber – GROVEWOOD PANTHER

2nd K Martin – LLAMEDOS 2nd B Vernon – CHARBEN PADDY McGINTY

3rd K Martin – LLAMEDOS

THREE SHEARLING EWES THREE EWE LAMBS

1st B Vernon – CHARBEN 1st C Mallaber – GROVEWOOD

2nd C Mallaber – GROVEWOOD 2nd B Vernon – CHARBEN

3rd K Martin – LLAMEDOS 3rd M Turner – OKEHALL

BEST FLOCK

C Mallaber – GROVEWOOD

RESERVE BEST FLOCK

B Vernon – CHARBEN

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GLOUCESTER & BORDER COUNTIES Judge: Robin Kellet - PARKHILL

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st C & K Ponting – PENSTONES 1st R Gilbert – AELMUND

2nd D Corfield – FORDWELL 2nd P & C Houldey – HARTPURY

BEST BUNCH OF RAM LAMBS BEST BUNCH OF EWE LAMBS

D Corfield – FORDWELL D Corfield – FORDWELL

OVERALL CHAMPION

Colin & Kate Ponting – PENSTONES

EASTERN & MIDLANDS CLUB Judge: Graham Taylor – PARKHOLME

LARGE FLOCK SMALL FLOCK

1st M & R Lawrence – COTON

2nd DJ & BJ Leadbetter – BLACKBIRD

3rd J Williams – HONEYHILL

1st T Prentice – WOOLNEY

2nd S Cobbald – LAVENHAM

3rd N Pamplin – ASHFIELD

PEN OF EWE LAMBS STOCK RAM LAMB

1st S Cobbald – LAVENHAM

2nd T Prentice – WOLLNEY

3rd D & J Chambers – TWELVE OAKS

1st S Cobbald – LAVENHAM

2nd N Pamplin – ASHFIELD

3rd DJ & BJ Leadbetter – BLACKBIRD

RAM LAMBS SENIOR STOCK RAM

1st Tina Ashley – LINCS

2nd M & R Lawrence – COTON

3rd R Kellet – JERSEY FARM

1st M & R Lawrence – COTON

2nd A Pinny – ALLOAKS

3rd R Kellet – JERSEY FARM

CHAMPION FLOCK

T Prentice – WOOLNEY

RESERVE CHAMPION FLOCK

M & R Lawrence – COTON

North WalesJudge: James Ruggeri – GYRHOS

BEST FLOCK

1st J S Raffle - PENPADRIG

2nd H E Williams - LLYFNI

Joint 3rdR E & D R Jones - KITROB & Osian Rhys - SEIONT

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Flock Competition Results

SOUTH WESTJudges: Phil & Carol Houldey – HARTPURY

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st Robert Watts – ROWDEN 1st Graham HILL – ROLLE

2nd Michael Lear – SIDBOROUGH 2nd Chris Ruby – HOME FARM

3rd Richard Burroughs – GODWORTHY 3rd Mike & Sue Mott – DARTMOOR

BEST GROUP OF RAM LAMBS LARGE FLOCK BEST GROUP OF RAM LAMBS SMALL FLOCK

1st Richard Burroughs – GODWORTHY 1st Chris Ruby – HOME FARM

2nd Michael Lear – SIDBOROUGH 2nd Graham Hill – ROLLE

3rd Robert Watts – ROWDEN 3rd Mike & Sue Mott – DARTMOOR

BEST GROUP OF EWE LAMBS LARGE FLOCK BEST GROUP OF EWE LAMBS SMALL FLOCK

1st Michael Lear – SIDBOROUGH 1st Robert & Rebecca Jordon – MOORTOWN

2nd Richard Burroughs – GODWORTHY 2nd Chris Ruby – HOME FARM

3rd Robert Watts – ROWDEN 3rd Graham Hill – ROLLE

OVERALL CHAMPION

Graham Hill – ROLLE

NORTHERN AREAJudge: Ann & Bob Payne – HANDBANK

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st S & S Richardson – STONEBRIDGE 1st J & J Aiken – CONISTON

2nd P Sykes – NEW DUNSLEY 2nd D Pickervance – BRINDLE

3rd J & R M Lucas & Sons – FIMBER

BEST STOCK RAM LAMB BEST SENIOR STOCK RAM

1st S & S Richardson – STONEBRIDGE 1st J & R M Lucas & Sons – ETTRICK PIZZAZZ

2nd D Pickervance – BRINDLE

3rd S & S Richardson – STONEBRIDGE

Overall Champion

J & J Aiken - CONISTON

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GLOUCESTER & BORDER COUNTIESJudge: Robin Kellet - PARKHILL

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st C & K Ponting – PENSTONES 1st R Gilbert – AELMUND

2nd D Corfield – FORDWELL 2nd P & C Houldey – HARTPURY

BEST BUNCH OF RAM LAMBS BEST BUNCH OF EWE LAMBS

D Corfield – FORDWELL D Corfield – FORDWELL

OVERALL CHAMPION

Colin & Kate Ponting – PENSTONES

NORTH WESTJudge: Keith Campbell – COWAL

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st J. Aiken/Procters Farm – PROCTERS 1st F. Rushton – FRESH FIELDS

2nd J. & L. Mellin – HULL HOUSE 2nd A. & G Brown – BROOKHILL

3rd P. & A. Johnson – CORRIECRAVIE 3rd D. Pickervance – BRINDLE

PEN OF TEN GIMMERS – LARGE FLOCK PEN OF FIVE GIMMERS – SMALL FLOCK

1st J. & L. Mellin – HULL HOUSE 1st F. Rushton – FRESH FIELDS

2nd J. Aiken/Procters Farm – PROCTERS 2nd A. & G. Brown – BROOKHILL

3rd P. & A. Johnson – CORRIECRAVIE 3rd D. Pickervance – BRINDLE

CHAMPION PEN OF GIMMER LAMBS

J. & L. Mellin – HULL HOUSE

PEN OF FIVE GIMMERS – NOVICE CLASS

1st A. Weston – LIMESTONE

2nd R. Pierce – OLDFORD

BEST STOCK RAM

1st M. Ireland – KNOCK ORANGO

2nd P. & A. Johnson – CAMBWELL ONICH

3rd J. Aiken/Procters Farm – CASTLECARIN PRINCE

NOVICE CLASS

1st A. Weston – LIMESTONE

2nd R. Bradley – BRADLEYS

3rd R. Pierce – OLDFORD

OVERALL CHAMPION RESERVE CHAMPION

J. Aiken/Procters Farm – PROCTER’S F. Rushton – FRESH FIELDS

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Flock Competition Results

HIGHLANDJudge: Robert Laird – CAMBWELL

LARGE FLOCK EWE LAMBS – LARGE FLOCK

1st Charles & Isobel Angus – OLDFIELD2nd Philip Gill – TEMPLAND3rd Alan Chisholm – WESTERMOY

1st Phillip Gill – TEMPLAND2nd Charles & Isobel Angus – OLDFIELD3rd Ian Campbell – TODHOLES

MEDIUM FLOCK EWE LAMBS – MEDIUM FLOCK

1st Johnnie Campbell – BARDNACLAVAN 2nd Steven Sutherland – SIBMISTER 3rd William Waters – TRI–DEUG

1st William Waters – TRI–DEUG 2nd Kenny Beaton – TEANLUICK 3rd Catherine Murray – GILLIESTON

SMALL FLOCK EWE LAMBS – SMALL FLOCK

1st James Barnetson – BARDNACLAVAN 2nd Douglas Webster – LOWER REISS 3rd Colin MacKay – MURKLE

1st James Barnetson – LYNEGAR 2nd Colin MacKay – MURKLE 3rd Billy Kellas – JAMESTOWN

BEST STUD RAM

1st Charles Ryrie – KIRK PRINCE 2nd Kenny Beaton - WESTERMOY

3rd Douglas Webster – TEILO PENDEFIG

BEST OVERALL FLOCK

Johnny Campbell – BARDNACLAVAN

RESERVE OVERALL FLOCK

Charles & Isobel Angus – OLDFIELD

OVERALL PEN OF EWE LAMBS

William Waters – TRI–DEUG

CARCASE COMPETITION

PURE BRED TEXEL HEAVY PURE BRED TEXEL LIGHT

1st Alan Chisholm – WESTERMOY 1st George Cormack – WESTER 2nd Ian Campbell – TODHOLES 3rd Ian Campbell – TODHOLES

X BRED WITH TEXEL SIRE

1st Ian Campbell – TODHOLES 2nd Steven Sutherland – SIBMISTER 3rd James Barnetson – LYNEGAR

BEST OVERALL CARCASE

George Cormack – WESTER

RESERVE OVERALL CARCASE

Alan Chisholm – WESTERMOY

BEST SINGLE CARCASE

Ian Campbell – TODHOLES

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SCOTTISH CLUBJudge: Alex Gray – LANGSIDE

LARGE FLOCK PEN OF EWE LAMBS LARGE FLOCK

1st T, A & R Laird – CAMBWELL 1st J&HClark – GARNGOUR

2nd John Gilmour – HUMESTON 2nd T, A & R Laird – CAMBWELL

3rd J & H Clark – GARNGOUR 3rd McCosh Brothers - COULTERALLERS

4th James Currie & Son – CARLINSIDE 4th James Currie & Son – CARLINSIDE

MEDIUM FLOCK PEN OF EWE LAMBS

1st K, A & R Campbell – COWAL 1st Clark Farms – TEIGLUM

2nd Clark Farms – TEIGLUM 2nd David McColl – NORESK

3rd Alasdair Beaton – WESTER CROSSHILL 3rd R & M Struthers – COLLIELAW

4th David McColl – NORESK 4th Robert Hamilton – CREWBURN

SMALL FLOCK PEN OF EWE LAMBS SMALL FLOCK

1st John Dunlop – EASTFIELD 1st John Dunlop – EASTFIELD

2nd Iain Struthers - CRAIGEND 2nd Robert Cockburn - CONNACHAN

3rd Gordon Graham - KYPEVIEW 3rd Gordon Graham - KYPEVIEW

4th Andrew Jamieson – CARLIETH 4th Andrew Johnstone - BOGEND

CHAMPION STOCK TUP

A Beaton – WESTER CROSHILL – WESTERCROSHILL NOVO

RESERVE CHAMPION STOCK TUP

James Warnock – TEMPLAND – TEMPLAND NIXON

CHAMPION PEN of EWE LAMBS

J & H CLARK – GARNGOUR

RESERVE CHAMPION PEN OF EWE LAMBS

T, A & R Laird – CAMBWELL

CHAMPION FLOCK

T, A & R Laird – CAMBWELL

RESERVE CHAMPION FLOCK

John Dunlop – EASTFIELD

2.198

Flock Competition Results

SOUTH WALESJudge: James Draper – CLAYBURY

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST MEDIUM FLOCK

1st Deri Morgan – TYNEWYDD 1st John & Gloria Davies – AMAN

2nd Gwynfor & Bethan Richards – YNYSAU 2nd David Meek – DAVICIA

3rd Powell & Marion Jones – LLANTHOMAS 3rd Diane Evans – WHITLAND

BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st Irena Lewis - EINON

2nd Alwyn Davies – IFAN DDU

3rd Geraint & Denise Thomas - NONNI

BEST STOCK RAM

John & Gloria Davies – AMAN – THINACRES OTTOWA

BEST GROUP OF GIMMERS

Irena Lewis – EINON

OVERALL CHAMPION

Deri Morgan – TYNEWYDD

RESERVE CHAMPION

Irena Lewis – ENION

RUTHINJudge: John Owen – HEN GAPEL

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st Iolo Jones - LLANGWM 1st Carl Bellis - COSYN

2nd Robert Pierce - OLDFORD

3rd Glyn Pierce - GLYNWEN

BEST SHEARLING EWES - LARGE FLOCK BEST SHEARLING EWES – SMALL FLOCK

Iolo Jones - LLANGWM Carl Bellis - COSYN

BEST STOCK RAM

F Griffies – COLDSTREAM NEWSREEL

OVERALL CHAMPION

Carl Bellis – COSYN

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NORTHERN IRELANDJudge: Keith Campbell – COWAL

PEN OF EWE LAMBS

LARGE FLOCK (10 LAMBS) MEDIUM FLOCK (6 LAMBS)

1st Alastair Gault – FORKINS 1st Roger Strawbridge – TAMNAMONEY

2nd John Foster – SPRINGHILL 2nd David Warwick – BRAEHEAD

3rd M & C Millar – MILLAR’S 3rd J Wilson – BLACKSTOWN

SMALL FLOCK (4 LAMBS)

1st Michael Smyth – FOYLE VIEW

2nd James Blair Adams – KERRYHILL

3rd K & L Beacon – CASTLEKNOWE

BEST STOCK RAM

1st McKinney Brothers – GHYROS OCTAVIAN

2nd Victor Chestnutt – L Linton, A McCartney, Ian Olphert – STAINTON REAL McCOY

3rd Geoffrey Fleck, N & D Hamill – CHERRYVALE POPEYE

LARGE FLOCK MEDIUM FLOCK

1st John Foster – SPRINGHILL 1st Alastair Gault – FORKINS

2nd Victor Chestnutt – CLOUGHER 2nd J Wilson – BLACKSTOWN

3rd C & M Millar – MILLAR’S 3rd Simpson & Calvin – BALLYHIVSTOCK

CHAMPION SMALL FLOCK

1st R Kennedy – MAINEVIEW

2nd A Liggett – CORBO

3rd S Ferris – LEAPOGUES

OVERALL CHAMPION

Alastair Gault – FORKINS

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

John Foster – SPRINGHILL

2.200

Flock Competition Results

NORTH OF SCOTLANDJudge: Phillip Gill – TEMPLAND

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST MEDIUM FLOCK

1st B Buchan – CLINTERTY 1st Graham A Morrison – DEVERONVALE

2nd S & R Milton – TULLOCHALLUM 2nd Rodney W Blackhall – SHEEOCH

3rd Wendy Willox – STRATHINVER 3rd Robert H Wilson – MILNBANK

BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st Patricia Imlah – BENNACHIE

2nd George L Stuart – BIRNESS

3rd Gavin, Calum & Melissa Buchan – PENNAN

EWE LAMBS LARGE FLOCK BEST PEN OF EWE LAMBS MEDIUM FLOCK

1st Scott & Ross Milton – TULLOCHALLUM 1st Graham A Morrison – DEVERONVALE

2nd B Buchan – CLINTERTY 2nd Rodney W Blackhall – SHEEOCH

3rd Wendy Willox – STRATHINVER 3rd Robert H Wilson – MILNBANK

EWE LAMBS SMALL FLOCK

1st R Pigg & son - GAITSGILL

2ndJ R Beattie – INTACK

3r J Maxwell - DRUMRAE

BEST STOCK RAM

1st JD&MMLeitch–FEOLQUOY

2nd Patricia Imlah – BENNACHIE

3rd George L Stuart – BIRNESS

CHAMPION STOCK RAM RESERVE CHAMPION STOCK RAM

Rodney W Blackhall SHEEOCH – KELSO PRESIDENT

Robert H Wilson MILNBANK - MOSSKNOWE PUDSEY

jointly owned with HADDO, HILLTOP & MILLAR’S

jointly owned with STRATHBOGIE & STRATHMORE

CHAMPION PEN OF EWE LAMBS CHAMPION FLOCK

Graham A Morrison – DEVERONVALE Graham A Morrison – DEVERONVALE

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SHROPSHIRE & BORDER COUNTIES Judge: Stuart Currie – BEAUTRY

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST MEDIUM FLOCK

1st W L & J A Forrester – DOONGUILE 1st R Pierce – OLDFORD

2nd J & R Plant – BROMLEY 2nd S & J Phillips – PHENJAI

3rd B Joseph – WAEN 3rd M & T Pritchard – CRICKHEATH

BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st F Griffies - TUSHINGHAM

2nd W McCaffrey - SCHOLARS

3rd D Shields - CHAPELCOTT

BEST GIMMERS

Small Flock - F Griffies - TUSHINGHAM

Medium - R Pierce - OLDFORD

Large - W L & J A Forrester - DOONGUILE

OVERALL BEST GIMMERS

W L & J A Forrester – DOONGUILE

CHAMPION FLOCK

W L & J A Forrester - DOONGUILE

RESERVE CHAMPION FLOCK

J & R Plant – BROMLEY

2.202

Flock Competition Results

SOLWAY & TYNEJudge: Robert Forsyth – BALTIER

BEST LARGE FLOCK BEST MEDIUM FLOCK

1st Thomas & Victoria Illingworth – GLENROCK 1st K Irving – KINGFISHER

2nd T MacTaggart – RASCARREL 2nd A Ryder – ANDYS

3rd A McColm – CRAILLOCH 3rd J Douglas – AIRES

BEST SMALL FLOCK

1st H Currie – BURNHOLM

2nd F MacTaggart – AUCHENCAIRN

3rd Mrs & Mrs B Rayson – SALMONSWELL

EWE LAMBS LARGE FLOCK EWE LAMBS MEDIUM FLOCK

1st A McColm – CRAILLOCH 1st K Irving – KINGFISHER

2nd T MacTaggart – RASCARREL 2nd A Ryder – ANDYS

3rd J Black - CORRIE 3rd L Learoyd – SANDLANDS

EWE LAMBS SMALL FLOCK

1st R Pigg & son - GAITSGILL

2ndJ R Beattie – INTACK

3r J Maxwell - DRUMRAE

BEST STOCK RAM

1st A McColm & J Black – CRAILLOCH McCOIST

2nd Thomas & Victoria Illingworth – SCROGTON HEAD MORNING GLORY

3rd T MacTaggart – KERRYHILL OLIVER

OVERALL CHAMPION EWE LAMBS

A McColm – CRAILLOCH

OVERALL RESERVE CHAMPION EWE LAMBS

K Irving – KINGFISHER

OVERALL CHAMPION FLOCK

Thomas & Victoria Illingworth – GLENROCK

OVERALL RESERVE CHAMPION FLOCK

T MacTaggart – RASCARREL

2.203

2.204

Female Club & Private Collective Sales Prove Popular

Total of 669 Gimmers at the 10 sales featured grossed £258,667 to average £386.50

The majority of vendors at the sales featured in this report were well satisfied with the price they received, considering that more females were on the market in comparison to last year when the average was £442 for 500 sold. Also many sales had to battle against atrocious road and weather conditions, which definitely reduced attendance of potential buyers during December, the main month for Texel female sales.

One sale which deserves special mention was an inaugural sale held at Stirling by United Auctions. Managing Director, David Leggat, praised his team of three auctioneers, George Purvis and his junior assistants, Ross Fotheringham and Richard Close, for their enthusiasm in getting the sale ‘off the ground’. He added that they secured a very attractive entry from many of the top Scottish flocks with £2,000 sponsorship from four local firms towards prize money being a positive motivating factor.

On the night, they secured a very good average of £487 for 102 females sold (95% clearance). Buyers came from a very wide area, stretching from the Shetland Isles to North Wales. Top prices for two very stylish prize winning Gimmers were 4,000gns and 3,000gns respectively. The 4,000gn gimmer from Robbie Scott, DRUMPARK, was sired by Kelso Oxygen, MBZ08019, while the 3,000gn gimmer from Jim Douglas, CAIRNESS, was sired by Kelso OJ, MBZ08018.

The remaining Scottish sales at Thainstone, Dingwall and Lanark were all negatively affected by the bad weather conditions. At Thainstone, where the sale was accompanied by a raging blizzard, top price of 1,500gns was achieved by the champion gimmer from Robbie Wilson, MILNBANK, and sired by Millar’s Outstanding VMG08528.

At Dingwall, a very attractive pen of CAIRNESS Gimmers, including the reserve champion by Kelso OJ, MBZ08018, sold for 3,000gns to Gordon

Troup, Aberdeen. Whilst at Lanark a relatively new breeder, Ronald Darling, BIRKWOOD, topped the sale at 1,000gns with a gimmer sired by Langside Noble Lad, GAL07232.

At the English and Welsh based sales three Gimmers broke the 2,000gn barrier, all from well known flocks. At Carlisle the PROCTORS pen sold to a top of 3,000gns for a gimmer sired by Mattadale On Top, SWM08630, while at the same sale Tommy MacTaggart, RASCARREL, received 2,000gns for a gimmer sired by his Irish stud ram, Kerryhill Oliver, ABK08035.

At Chelford trade peaked at 2,000gns, received by the pre sale Champion, a Charlie Boden, MELLORVALE gimmer BCM09018, sired by Logie Durno Odds On, IGB088027. Gordon Gray’s ETTRICK gimmer, GGH09024, a daughter from Castlecairn OO7, RNA08422, achieved 2nd highest bid at 1,000gns, with Idris Morris, (FACHELL), taking 750gns for his Pennan Miracle, BUP06282, daughter MIF091233. Auctioneer, Gwyn Williams stated it as the best trade yet at an in-lamb sale held at Chelford.

At the remaining sales trade was satisfactory rather than spectacular, with some of the vendors stating that in to avoid over supply, greater culling of the Gimmers with oblivious faults is essential for the breed’s development. A necessary decision for any breeder if the breed is to maintain its leading position within the industry.

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VENUE AUCTION COMPANY TOP PRICE (Gns) AVERAGE (£)

Stirling (Collective sale) United Auctions 4,000 £487 (102)

Dingwall (Collective sale) Dingwall & Highland Marts 3,000 £469 (47)

Thainstone – Inverurie (N.East of Scotland Club sale) Aberdeen & Northern Marts 1,500 £433 (53)

Carlisle (Solway & Tyne Club sale) Harrison & Hetherington 3,000 £377 (88)

Llandovery (South Wales Club sale) Clee, Tompkinson & Frances 720 £376 (50)

Chelford (North West Club sale) Frank Marshall 2,000 £366 (122)

Lanark (Scottish Club sale) Lawrie & Symington 1,000 £358 (46)

Worcester (Gloucester & Borders Club sale) McCartneys 640 £332 (66)

Welshpool (Shropshire & Borders Club sale) Welshpool Livestock Sales 1,050 £317 (54)

Skipton (Northern area Club sale) Craven Cattle Marts 900 (2) £285 (41)

Selection of Club & Collective sales (In-lamb Gimmers)

Collective / Club sales Top 15 flock averages

FLOCK OWNER VENUE TOP PRICE (GNS) AVERAGE (£)

Rascarrel T MacTaggart Carlisle 2,000 £1,150 (5)

Proctors Proctors Farms Carlisle 3,000 £1,131 (4)

Mellorvale C Boden Carlisle 2,000 £1,043 (3)

Drumpark R Scott Stirling 4,000 £1,005 (7)

Barnyards J Peterkin Dingwall 1,800 £934 (3)

Cairness J Douglas Dingwall 3,000 £782 (8)

Cairness J Douglas Stirling 3,000 £755 (8)

Knock A & G Howie Thainstone 1,000 £686 (8)

Kelso M Reid Stirling 1,100 £682 (4)

Milnbank R Wilson Thainstone 1,500 £653 (6)

Birkwood R Darling Lanark 1,000 £570 (4)

Claybury Claybury Texels Welshpool 1,050 £557 (7)

Deveronvale G Morrison Thainstone 650 £508 (3)

Knock A & G Howie Dingwall 800 £473 (7)

Goldies H Goldie Lanark 750 £446 (5)

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Selection of Club & Collective Sales

PRICE (Gns) VENDOR FLOCK SIRE PURCHASER

1 4,000 Drumpark Kelso Oxygen MBZ08019

Messrs Alston Brechin

2 3,000 Proctors Mattadale On-Top SWM08630

Grahams Technology Glasgow

3,000 Cairness Kelso OJ MBZ08018

Alistair Beaton Falkirk

3,000 Cairness Kelso OJ MBZ08018

Gordon Troup Aberdeen

5 2,000 Rascarrel Kerryhill Oliver ABK08035

Grahams Technology Glasgow

2,000 Mellorvale Logie Durno Odds-On IGB088027

Henry Ashley Boston, Lincs

7 1,800 Barnyards Mellorvale Masterpiece BCM06007

R Scott Drumpark, Keith

1,800 Rascarrel Kerryhill Oliver ABK08035

J Owen North Wales

9 1,500 Milnbank Millar’s Outstanding VMG08528

K Ingram Keith

1,500 Cairness Kelso OJ MBZ08018

Gordon Troup Aberdeen

NEW DATE – NEW VENUENorthern Ireland Premier Show & Sale 2011

Monday 15th & Tuesday 16th August at BALLYMENAAuctioneers:J A McClelland & Sons1 Woodside Road BallymenaCounty Antrim BT42 4HXGuest Auctioneer David Lawrie from Lawrie & Symington

S H E E P S O C I E T Y

Top 10 individual Gimmers

For further information phone

02476 696629Or visit the website

www.texel.co.uk

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Texel Sheep Society “Sire of the Year” Trophy

The Society will again be awarding the “Sire of the year” Trophy to the breeder of the 2011 Season Sire of the 4 National Sales. The award will be calculated on the top 3 aggregate sale price of Ram Lambs across the 4 Nationals from a 1st season Sire. Presentation of the award being made at an appropriate time at the discretion of the Society. The qualifying Society sales are held at Ballymena, Lanark, Welshpool & Worcester

Strathbogie Python - IJS09289

The Society will again be awarding the “Sire of the year” Trophy to the breeder of the 2011 Season Sire of the 4 National

Sales. The award will be calculated on the top 3 aggregate sale price of Ram Lambs across the 4 Nationals from a 1st season Sire. Presentation of the award being made at an appropriate time at the discretion of the Society. The qualifying Society sales are held at Ballymena, Lanark, Welshpool & WorcesterThe inaugural winner of the Texel Sheep Society “Sire of the year” trophy 2010 was ‘Strathbogie

Python’ IJS09289, bred by James Innes & Sons, Dunscroft, Huntly, owners of the Strathbogie flock. Messrs Innes became the first recipients of this prestigious new trophy which was awarded at the Society AGM held in conjunction with the Scottish Club 25th Anniversary at Drimsynie in November 2010.

Strathbogie Python, whose owner John Forsyth (Glenside), purchased him for 9,000gns at last years Lanark Premier Sale achieved a winning aggregate of 60,000gns for his three highest priced sons – namely, Razzle Dazzle, FPG1000055 (40,000gns), Ring a Ding, FPG1000054 (10,000gns) and Rocket 1, FPG1000150 (10,000gns).Python showed a very high level of consistency with further sons reaching 4,000gns at Welshpool and 4,200gns at Worcester respectively, while a further four sons at the Solway & Tyne Club Sale (Carlisle) sold to 4,200gns and averaged £2,716 apiece.

Runner up was Knock Powerpacker, HAK091057, bred by George and Albert Howie, whose joint owners, Willie Knox (Haddo) - Bruce Renwick (Castlecairn) and Vaughan Texels (Kingsland) purchased him for 8,000gns at Lanark. His three top sons were all bred in the Haddo Flock, namely, Ringleader, KWJ1000063, (50,000gns), Rocket I, KWJ1000059 (4,000gns) and Ringmaster, KWJ1000103, (2,000gns), giving him an aggregate of 56,000gns.

James Innes receiving the Sire of the Year trophy from Sylvia Rawlings and Gordon Gray

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Texel Society Sponsorship 2011

The Society continues to support promotion of our Breed by sponsoring Primestock Show prize funds as listed below.

As a further commitment to our Membership once again in 2011 Texel Sheep

Society Members are eligible for reimbursement of their entry fees after attending

and promoting the British Texel in the Texel Classes at the following Prime Stock

Events. Members will need to write to the Society detailing entries after each

eligible event to be considered for the reimbursement. Members must apply for

a reimbursement within 12 months of the Show date. The Society has the final

discretion on any reimbursement.

Sponsored Shows

English Winter Fair – Stafford – 19 – 20 October

Countryside Live – Harrogate – 22 – 23 October

Borderway Agri-Expo – Carlisle – 28 October

Scottish National Fatstock Show – 16 & 19 November Scottish

Royal Highland Winter Fair – Edinburgh – 23 November

Royal Welsh Winter Fair – Builth Wells – 28 – 29 November

Royal Smithfield – Peterborough – 2 – 3 December

N.I Xmas Fatstock Show & Sale – Ballymena – 5 December

Sponsorship Prize Fund

£250 for Supreme Champion Carcase if sired by Texel

£125 to Reserve Champion Carcase if sired by a Texel

£250 for Supreme Champion Live if sired by Texel

£125 to Reserve Champion Live if sired by a Texel

£150 towards Texel show classes

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Club Contacts

Club Secretary Chairman

Derbyshire Janet YoungTel: 01332 519494 or 07989 671914

Anne BeresfordTel: 01335 350358 or 07796 593033

Dutch Texel Group

Paula BarlowTel: 01352 720902 Email: paulababell@btinernet.com

Gerwyn DaviesTel: 01745 860210 or 07967 587498Email: daviesgerwyn1@googlemail.com

Eastern Sylvia RawlingsTel: 01206263142 or 07711 948369Email: shcrawlings@hotmail.com

Stephen Cobbald Tel: 01787 377258 or 07770 581760

Gloucester & Border Counties

Carol HouldeyTel: 01452 780497 or 07527 076044Email: pandc@hartpurytexels.oranghome.co.uk

Roger GilbertTel: 01242 680656 or 07810 070482.

Highland Winnie MacDonaldTel: 01463 870508 or 07759 604382Email: winniehillside@ukonline.co.uk

David ColiTel: 01997 433410 or 07719 432450

Midlands Jo ChambersTel: 01933 314322 or 07905 782269dandjchambers.12oaks@btinternet.com

David Chambers Tel: 01933 314322 or 07706 411526dandjchambers.12oaks@btinternet.com

North of Scotland Olivia DonaldTel: 0778 9260371

Wendy WilloxTel: 01651 891317 or 07718 316470

North Wales Alwyn PhillipsTel: 01286 673519Email: alwyn.phillips@btconnect.com

John RaffleTel: 01407 710959 or 07717 734832Email: jsraffle@yahoo.co.uk

North West Jill Mortimer-TarbattTel: 07725 806655Email: jemtarbatt@btinternet.com

David HoughtonTel: 01204 882676

Northern Area Audrey TaylorTel: 01484 608242 or 07939 173992Email: dearnehouse@googlemail.com

Spiros SpyrouTel: 01422 845 710

Northern Ireland Karen BeacomTel: 07791 679112 Email: nitexelbreedersclub@live.co.uk

Victor ChestnuttTel: 028207 315 36 or 07710 940458Email: v.chestnutt@btopenworld.com

Ruthin Sion OwensTel: 01824 702025 or 07867977706Email: rfa@ruthinfarmers.co.uk

Joe BarlowTel: 01352 720902

Scottish Brian RossTel: 01555 663228 or 07774 124361Email: rosco.br@btinternet.com

Kenny Johnstone Tel: 01864 504253 or 07702 205064

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Club Contacts

Club Secretary Chairman

Shropshire & Borders

Shirley JonesTel: 01691 652836Email: lowerforest@hotmail.co.uk

Martin PritchardTel: 01691 831157Email: pmi.texels@btinternet.com

Solway & Tyne Emma PiggTel: 01697 476323Email: gaitsgillhall@hotmail.co.uk

Robert PiggTel: 01697 476323Email: gaitsgillhall@hotmail.co.uk

South Eastern Shane PetkovicTel: 01580 830622Email: shanepet@hotmail.com

Peter SuttonTel: 07824 388589Email: colwood.pedigree@live.com

South Wales Gareth GriffithsTel: 01874 622488Email: gareth@ctf-uk.com

Hywel DaviesTel: 01269 596 842 or 07974 749 337Email: h-davies@llyscennen.co.uk

South West John RobinsonTel: 01363 866310Email: jr.cotton@btconnect.com

Graham HillTel: 01395 568205 or 07977 183477Email: graham.mauricehill@btinternet.com

Southern Central Mike VeseyTel: 01722 321215 or 07971 571610Email: sca@auctionmarts.com

Mark BlakeneyTel: 07971 979677

For further details please call the Society office or visit the website at www.texel.co.uk

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The Texel Sheep SocietyNAC

Stoneleigh ParkKenilworth

WarwickshireCV8 2LG

Tel: +44 (0)2476 696 629 Fax: +44 (0)2476 696 472 office@texel.co.uk www.texel.co.uk

for all the latest information on British Texel

The Texel Sheep SocietyNAC

Stoneleigh ParkKenilworth

WarwickshireCV8 2LG

Tel: +44 (0)2476 696 629 Fax: +44 (0)2476 696 472 office@texel.co.uk www.texel.co.uk

for all the latest information on British Texel