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WEDNESDAY12th June, 2019Sibmister Farm, Murkle, Thurso,Caithness, KW14 8SWBy kind permission of the Sutherland family, Sibmister and Stainland Farms

Official Programme

farm north-east - HIGHLAND SHEEP 2019 MEDIA PARTNER

Harbro and W&A Geddes are delighted to be jointmajor sponsors of NSA Highland Sheep and lookforward to meeting many of our customers – andprospective customers – on the day.

Sibmister is an ideal venue for such an importantevent for the sheep industry in the Highlands andvisitors can look forward to viewing one of the most

efficiently run sheep and beef farms in the northwith an enviable reputation for the production ofhigh-quality stock.

W&A Geddes have been sole distributor ofHarbro products in Caithness and the far north ofScotland for 20 years and both companies enjoy aclose relationship with the Sutherland family whichwe greatly value.

We are proud to have provided the family withnutritional support and advice over many years andplayed our part in helping successive generations ofthe family expand their farming operation to itspresent size and high level of efficiency.

The family run a high performance enterprise onboth the sheep and beef sides of the business andhave been early pioneers of Harbro products fromthe start. As trusted partners of both Harbro andW&A Geddes, the family has been involved in manytrials over the years and Kenneth, Stephen andKenneth, Jun, have been early adopters of some ofHarbro’s most innovative products for both sheepand cattle.

The livestock industry, particularly here in thenorth of Scotland, is facing an uncertain future as itfaces the challenges of Brexit, climate change,carbon emissions, animal welfare, threats to meatconsumption and a new (and as yet unknown)

future agricultural policy, on top of thedisadvantages it has always faced of a hostileclimate and distance from markets.

But farmers are a resilient breed of people andSibmister is a fine example of how best to meetwhatever challenges the industry may face in thefuture.

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On behalf of the local organising committee, itis my great pleasure to welcome you here toSibmister Farm, for NSA Highland Sheep 2019.

First of all, grateful thanks to our hosts, theSutherland family, for hosting the event. We thinkwe have the perfect venue. The family are alsoreally looking forward to answering your questionsabout the farm in our new “ask the farmer” slot inthe afternoon so I hope you will take theopportunity to clear up any burning issues.

The committee has striven to provide you witha varied, interesting and enjoyable day out toenjoy and relax post-lambing and calving, catchingup with old friends and making new ones.

There is a full programme to take in during theday from seminars to demonstrations and sheepdog trials to stock judging. The NSA NextGeneration Shepherd of the Year competition willalso be running throughout the day.

Not to be missed is the farm tour which willgive you a flavour of the farming systems in

Caithness and the top quality livestock producedin the county.

The sheep industry will be here in force, sharingwith us the latest information and technologyavailable through the many educational, advisoryand commercial companies attending, along witha variety of general agricultural trade stands andbreed exhibits.

To round off the day is a sale of ewe hoggs.These will be judged in the morning leaving youall day to pick the pairs you want to purchase.

We would like to extend our gratitude andthanks to our major sponsor, Harbro and W & AGeddes, as well as the many other sponsors,supporters, trade exhibitors and volunteers whotogether, have made this day possible.

Finally, thank you for attending and we hope youhave a great day out.

A warm welcome to Caithness

Willie Budge

Ewan MacKenzieOwner W & A Geddes

David MacKenzieBeef and Sheep Director, Harbro Ltd

Ceud mile failte

Willie Budge, Chairman, Organising Committee

Message from our main sponsors

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Sponsors and Acknowledgements

Media

Partner

NSA Scotland would like to thank the following for their generous sponsorship and support.

Hosts - The Sutherland Family, Sibmister & Stainland Farms

Major Sponsors - Harbro & W & A Geddes

Ewe Hogg

Show and SaleAberdeen & Northern Marts,

Knockmuir Farms, LTS Construction

Sheepdog TrialDingwall & Highland Marts

Sheep Shearing

DemonstrationSupported by British Wool

NSA Next Generation

Shepherd of YearTexel Sheep Society

International Sheep Dog Society

SeminarsSRUC/SAC Consulting

Workshops- Innovis Ltd

School ChildrenRoyal Highland Education Trust.NFU Mutual Dingwall & Thurso,

NFU Scotland

Farm TourHarbro, W & A Geddes, G SWilliamson, W & A Oag, AH

Mackay, Messrs Gunn

StockjudgingScottish & Southern Electric

Others - Exhibitors, Caithness Agricultural Society, Lambert & DysonLtd (Landy Pressure Washers), Niall Bowser - Livestock Equipment,

Robertsons of Tain Ltd, Catering Companies, YFC Members, Judges,Seminar speakers, Stewards, Demonstrators, Tractor drivers, others too numerous to mention and finally the NSA Highlandsheep 2019

Organising Committee for all their hard work.

National Sponsors - Farmers Guardian, NFU ScotlandNFU Mutual Thurso & Dingwall, Scottish & Southern Electric

Local Sponsors - Allans of Gillock , Bank of Scotland, Barenbrug UK, Caithness Livestock Breeders, Donald S McGregor &

Partners , Forestry Scotland, Highland & Islands Conservancy. Roxan ID (Datamars Agri UK Ltd)

Mainline Sponsors - ANM Group, British Wool ,Caltech Crystalyx, MSD Animal Health, Shearwell Data Ltd

and supported by Quality Meat Scotland

General InformationVenue

Sibmister Farm, Murkle, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8SW

DateWednesday 12th June, 2019Opening time - 9am to 5pm

Where to StayWebsite www.visitscotland.com

How to find Sibmister FarmFollow event signs as you get closer to Thurso

DogsOnly assistance dogs will be permitted

Disabled FacilitiesCar parking and toilets available on site

First AidQualified first aid staff are available at the event

FoodG & M Whyte Catering units,

Ashers Ice Cream, along with a licensed bar

Information PointPlease ask at the event office

Cash Machine Public TelephoneNot available Not available

ToiletsLadies and gents toilets, including disabled facilities, are available.

AdmissionAdults £12 (cash only)

NSA members & Agricultural students £6 (on production of valid membership card, one card, one reduced entry)

Children under 16 free

International visitors free on production of passport

Group Bookings of more than 10 booked and paid for in advance with the organiser £7.20

Event OrganisersNational Sheep Association - Scotland

NSA Event Organiser

& SecretariatEuan Emslie, 3 Briar Close, Newport,

Brough, East Yorkshire, HU15 2QYMobile: 07718 908523

Email: euan@nsascotland.org

Websitewww.nsascotland.org

9.00am Event open to public.

9.00am Judging of Best Sheep Breed Society Stand and Best Indoor and Outdoor Trade Stands.

9.00am - 3.00pm NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year Competition

9.00am Show of Pair of Ewe Hoggs in pens.

9.00am - 5.00pm Sheep Breed, Individual Sheep Breeder, Commercial, Educational, Farmers Market & Craft stands open to the public.

9.00am - 5.00pm Demonstrations - sheep shearing, wool grading and packing, spinning, felt making and crook making.

9.00am - 5.00pm Wox Agri Guttler Greenmaster grassland management system for all year round grassland overseeding and rejuvenating demonstration.

9.00am - 3.00pm Stockjudging Competition.

9.00am - 3.00pm Sheepdog Trial.

9.00am - 3.00pm Farm Tour.

9.30am - 9.50am “What Does Research Prove” – Workshop (See separate timetable).

10.00am Official Opening (Seminar Building).Introduction by John Fyall, NSA Scotland Immediate Past Chairman, Welcome by Willie Budge NSA Highlandsheep 2019 Chairman, Official Opening by Andrew McCornick, NFU Scotland President followed by Presentation of NSA Scotland Silver Salver and Best Trade Stand competition awards.

10.00am - 10.20am “One small step for “ewe”, one giant leap for your flock” Workshop (See separate timetable).

10.30 am - 10.50 am “Combining the best nutrition and managementwith epigenetics to shape the future of sheep” - Workshop (See separate timetable).

10.30am - 10.45am "Safe and correct way of injecting/dosing sheep" demonstration by Donald S McGregor & Partners, Veterinary Surgeons.

10.45am - 11.00am "Safeguard Productivity with Timely Ram MOT" demonstration by Donald S McGregor & Partners, Veterinary Surgeons.

11.00am - 11.30am Butchery & Cookery Demonstration (Workshop area).

11.00am - 11.55am “Lamb Trade & Marketing in a climate of in/decision” seminar (See separate timetable).

11.40 am - 12 Noon “Practical guide to soil health, grass utilisation and genetics – joining the dots to make money” Workshop (See separate timetable).

12.10pm - 12.30pm “Selecting prime lasmbs’ Workshop/demonstration(See separate timetable).

12.30pm - 12.50pm “What Does Research Prove” Workshop (See separate timetable).

1.00pm - 1.30pm Butchery & Cookery Demonstration (Workshop area).

1.00pm - 1.45pm “Impact on Brexit in relationship to the Scottish Sheep Industry” seminar (See separate timetable).

1.30pm - 1.50pm “One small step for “ewe”, one giant leap for your flock” Workshop (See separate timetable).

2.00pm - 2.20pm “Combining the best nutrition and management with epigenetics to shape the future of sheep” - Workshop (See separate timetable).

2.30pm - 3.00pm Butchery & Cookery Demonstration (Workshop area).

2.30pm - 2.45pm "Safe and correct way of injecting/dosing sheep" demonstration by Donald S McGregor & Partners, Veterinary Surgeons.

2.45pm - 3.00pm "Safeguard Productivity with Timely Ram MOT" demonstration by Donald S McGregor & Partners, Veterinary Surgeons.

3.10pm - 3.30pm “Practical guide to soil health, grass utilisation and genetics - joining the dots to make money” Workshop (See separate timetable).

3.25pm - 3.45pm “Meet the Farmer Q & A” seminar - Stephen Sutherland, Sibmister & Stainland Farms (See separate timetable).

3.30pm - 3.50pm “Selecting prime lasmbs’ Workshop/demonstration(See separate timetable)..

3.45pm - 4.10pm Presentation of prizes for Stockjudging, NSA Next Generation Shepherd of The Year and Sheep Dog Trial competitions (Seminar building).

4.15pm Sale of Pair of Ewe Hoggs (Seminar building).

5.00pm Event closes to public.

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Programme Timetable

NSA Highland Sheep 2019Organising Committee

Host Farmers:

Stephen Sutherland & Alix Brown - Kenneth & Fiona Sutherland

Event Chairman: Willie Budge

Event Organiser: Euan Emslie

Press Officer: Eddie Gillanders

Members: Charles Angus, Jason Ballantyne, James Barnetson,Joyce Campbell, Johnny Campbell, George Cormack, Jernnifer Craig,

Sandy Douglas, Mary Dunlop, John Fyall, Andrew Gunn, EwanMacKenzie, Ian Macleay, Danny McCarthy, Sandy McCarthy, MaimiePaterson, John Scott, Bryan Sinclair, Alan Simpson, Stuart Slesser,

Andrew Swanson & Fiona Swanson.

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Seminar and Workshop Timetable

Seminars(Seminar Building and

sponsored by SRUC/SAC Consulting)

11.00am - 11.55am “Lamb Trade & Marketing in a climate of in/decision”Chairman: John Fyall, Immediate Past NSA Scotland ChairmanPanel: Scott Donaldson, President, Institute of Auctioneers & Appraiser Scotland; Mike Gooding, Director, Farmers FreshOther TBC

1.00pm - 1.45pm “Impact on Brexit in relationship to the Scottish SheepIndustry.” Chairman: Jennifer Craig, NSA Scotland ChairSpeaker: Jeremy Moody CAAV Secretary and Adviser.

3.25pm - 3.45pm “Meet the Farmer Q & A”Chairman: Willie Budge, SAC Consulting & NSA Highlandsheep 2019 Event Chairman Farmer: Stephen Sutherland, Sibmister & Stainland Farms.

Workshops(Workshop area sponsored by Innovis Ltd)

9.30am - 9.50am “What does research prove”Presentation by: Representative of Caltech- Crystalyx

10.00am - 10.20am “One small step for “ewe”, one giant leap for your flock.” Presentation by: Bridget Girvan BVM&S MRCVS, MSDAnimal Health vet advisors.

10.30am - 10.50am “Combining the best nutrition and management with epigenetics to shape the future of sheep”Presentation by: Harbro’s David Mackenzie, beef and sheep director and Jill Hunter beef & sheep nutritionist.

11.40am - 12 Noon “Practical guide to soil health, grass utilisation and genetics – joining the dots to make money” Presentation by: Emily Grant, former grassland co-ordinator at QMS and a representative from Innovis genetic team.

12.10pm - 12.30pm “Selecting prime lambs” - Presentation/Demonstration by: Robert Gilchrist and Declan Marren of the Farm Profit Programme and Colin Slessor Deputy Head of Livestock, ANM Group

12.30pm - 12.50pm “What does research prove” Presentation by: Representative of Caltech- Crystalyx

1.30pm - 1.50pm “One small step for “ewe”, one giant leap for your flock.” Presentation by: Bridget Girvan BVM&S MRCVS, MSD Animal Health vet advisors.

2.00pm - 2.20pm “Combining the best nutrition and management with epigenetics to shape the future of sheep”Presentation by: Harbro’s David Mackenzie, beef and sheep director and Jill Hunter beef & sheep nutritionist.

3.10pm - 3.30pm “Practical guide to soil health, grass utilisation and genetics – joining the dots to make money” Presentation by: Emily Grant, former grassland co-ordinator at QMS and a representative from Innovis genetic team.

3.30pm - 3.50pm “Selecting prime lambs” - Presentation/Demonstration by: Robert Gilchrist and Declan Marren of the Farm Profit Programme and Colin Slessor Deputy Head of Livestock, ANM Group.

Highland Mule Breeders Association Offering hardy, health accredited breeding Mule Ewe

Lambs and Gimmers at Annual September sale.

2019 SaleMonday 9 September

at Dingwall & Highland Marts LtdAll entries come from flocks in Highlands & Islands Sheep

Health Association, monitored free from Enzootic Abortion, dipped before sale, on Heptavac P vaccination system and

dosed with wormer and treated for fluke. All flocks are QMS Farm Assured.

For further information contact secretary Muriel Ross on 07713358539

Come and visit our stand at Highland Sheep

A renowned Caithness farm whichregularly wins championships withlambs from its 1600-ewe sheep flock,and has a history of winningchampionships with calves from its400-cow beef suckler herd, is thisyear’s host of NSA Scotland’s biennialNSA Highland Sheep.

The reputation of Sibmister farm atMurkle, near Thurso, just off the scenicNorth Coast 500 tourist route whichdraws thousands of visitors to thenorth of Scotland every year, is sure toattract farmers from all over thecountry to the most northerly county onthe Scottish mainland.

Sibmister and the nearby farm ofStainland extends to a total of 1700acres and is one of the best knownsheep and beef enterprises in thenorth, run by owners, Kenneth andElspeth Sutherland, with son, Stephen,and his fiancée, Alix Brown, and son,Kenneth, and his wife, Fiona, and witha reputation for innovation and theproduction of high quality stock.

Not many commercial livestock farms,for example, incorporate Jacob sheepand Longhorn cattle into their breedingprogrammes which demonstrates thefamily’s innovative approach and abilityto think “out of the box”.

The Jacob was introduced as anexperiment four years ago and is nowbeing widely used in the flock to tupthe farm’s ewe hoggs. It was a pair ofJacob cross lambs which took thechampionship for the Sutherland’s atAberdeen and Northern Marts’ annualChristmas show at Quoybrae lastDecember and diners enjoyed Jacoblamb at the annual dinner hosted byshow sponsor and buyer of thechampion, Mackay’s Hotel, Wick.

“The Jacob was introduced for easeof lambing and the lambs have turnedout even better than expected,” saysStephen. “The ewe lambs have alsobeen retained and are proving highlyprolific.”

The Sutherland’s moved away fromthe traditional pure Cheviot ofCaithness in the search for a moreprolific ewe more than 20 years agobut with the improvement in theprolificacy of the Cheviot in recentyears, the breed has been re-established at Sibmister with 300

ewes which are both bred pure andcrossed with the Bluefaced Leicesterto produce Cheviot Mules which, inturn, are crossed with Suffolk and Texeltups from their own pure-bred flocks of60 Suffolk and 50 Texels ewes.

The bulk of the commercial ewe flocknow comprises Cheviot Mules and Texelx Cheviot Mules along with 200 Suffolkcrosses and 200 Jacob crosses.

Lambing starts at the end of Februarywith pure-bred Suffolks, followed by thecrossbreds from the second week ofMarch, Cheviots from the end of Marchand hoggs and Jacob cross ewes fromthe second week of April.

Around 900 ewes are housedimmediately after scanning and lambedin a recently erected slatted sheds whichhas made for easier management andconsiderably reduced feed costs overthe winter and also allows for tailoredrations to be fed. Ewes are then movedin to bedded courts a week beforelambing and then turned out a coupleof days after lambing depending on theweather to make room for other ewes

with up to 2000 sheep, includinghoggs, going through the sheds overthe winter.

The family works closely with Harbroand local Harbro distributors, W and AGeddes, the main sponsors of NSAHighland Sheep, in working out thenutritional requirements of the stock onthe farm.

The feeding regime for the sheep,which has been followed for the last 10years, comprises Harbro Premium Ewenuts and rolls over the winter andHarbro Feet and Fertility pre-tuppingwhich was formulatd to improve flockperformance with a focus on foothealth and fertility.

“We’ve had fewer problems withfeet since introducing this product, aswell as good scanning results, so itseems to be making a difference,” saysStephen.

Harbro Kelso Tup and Lamb is fed toshearling tups sold at Quoybrae andDingwall which ensures tups go off in

excellent condition - fit but not fat.Around 50 shearlings are sold eachyear, with a top price of £1200 havingbeen achieved for a Texel.

The aim is to finish as many lambsas possible off the grass with the last100 or so brought inside and givenHarbro lamb feeder pellets for three orfour weeks to bring them up to spec.The goal is to reach 20kg deadweightwith lambs marketed from 11 weeksonwards and two-thirds finished offtheir mothers. All are sold toWoodheads at Turriff.

“The industry gets heavily criticisedfor too many lambs being out of spec,”says Stephen. “We don’t find that aproblem and 70% of our lambs grade Eand U and the rest R with only four Ogrades last year, with very few overfat.”

The family has been showing at theRoyal Highland Show since the 1970’s- the longest of any exhibitor in thecommercial sheep section at the show- and have won numerous champion-ships over the years.

Championships are also regularlypicked up at other shows, such as theAberdeen Christmas Classic, the RoyalNorthern Spring Show, the Turriff andBlack Isle summer shows and, of course,their local Caithness Show where theyhave carried off the overall sheepchampionship on no fewer than fouroccasions with commercial ewes withlambs at foot, including one with triplets.

A similar open-minded approach hasbeen taken in the development of thespring calving suckler herd of 400 cowsand various breeds have been triedover the years. Over the past 10 yearsthe Longhorn breed has been includedin the equation and they have nowsettled on a criss-cross breedingprogramme with the Longhorn andSimmental to produce home-bredreplacement heifers.

“The Longhorn is easy calving andeasy fleshing with plenty of milk andwe think it’s the ideal cross for ourfarm,” says Stephen.

Also the Longhorn cross steers areselling just as well as Simmentalcrosses at the store sales at Quoybraeto many regular buyers.

Stephen and Kenneth’s grandfather,Jack Sutherland, was the first inCaithness to buy a Charolais bull afterthe breed first came into the UK in the

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Leading Caithness livestock farm to host NSA Highland Sheep 2019

NSA Highland Sheep hosts, Kenneth and Elspeth Sutherland (left), with sons,Stephen (centre) and his fiancée, Alix Brown, and Kenneth and his wife, Fiona,

with their two children, Jack and Amy

It has been a relatively easy lambing at Sibmister this spring with plenty oflambs on the ground

Open-minded

Flock performance

Widely used

By Edwin Gillanders

(continued from previous page)1960s and all the cows – except those needed to breed replacements - areput to Charolais bulls with all progenysold store at 10-11 months.

The family had the distinction in1978 of winning the supreme andhome-bred championships at the RoyalSmithfield Show in London with aCharolais cross stot, Buzby, brought outand paraded by Kenneth, Sen, whichwent on to sell for £3800.

But they have not stoppedexperimenting and more recently a redAberdeen-Angus bull has been boughtfrom near neighbours, D and M Tait,Inkstack, Barrock, to put on toLonghorn cross heifers.

“We are happy with the calves,although not the biggest, and feel thethree-way Simmental, Longhorn andRed Aberdeen-Angus cross might bethe ideal suckler cow,” says Stephen.

A strict feeding regime is followedwith all cows receiving mineralsthrough the winter and buckets onceout to grass. The Super Sucklerminerals hae been formulated byHarbro to ensure suckler cows receive

a nutrient balanced diet during the vitalperiod of production.

“We have seen an improvement inperformance over the past few yearswith the latest scanning showing onlyseven or eight cows not in calf,” saysStephen. “We have certainly seen a liftin the fertility of the cows and thisyear’s scanning is the best we’ve everachieved. Additional benefits includeimproved calf vigour.”

All calves and store cattle are fedBeefstock nuts with Rumitech – anatural additive which makes more of

the energy in the feed available to thecow, reducing methane emissions andimproving rumen function. Due to theirprogressive approach, the Sutherlandfamily were one of the first to use theproduct when it was introduced byHarbro following a trial with compoundfeed including the additive.

“The increased efficiency of therumen function has resulted in anoticeable reduction in the amount ofsilage consumed which is a known

benefit of Rumitech, and this promptedthe family to adopt the product into theration on a permanent basis,” saysStephen.

Both the sheep flock and sucklerherd have been expanding, withadditional seasonal grazing beingrented, and advantage has been takenof various environmental schemes toplant hedges which is attracting morewildlife as well as providing moreshelter for stock.

Spring is a busy time at Sibmister, asit is on any livestock farm, and therehasn’t been much time to think aboutthe forthcoming event during thelambing period. But the Sutherland’sare honoured to have been asked tohost NSA Highland Sheep 2019 onJune 12 and very much look forward towelcoming visitors to the farm.

The long journey up the A9 willcertainly be worthwhile for visitorsfrom further south who venture northto enjoy the iconic scenery of the northof Scotland and take the opportunity toview what is widely recognised as oneof the best livestock enterprises in thearea.

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A recent diversified innovation atSibmister farm is Braeside Retreats, animaginative development of six luxuryaccommodation pods, opened thisspring, which has taken the Sutherlandfamily in to the heart of Highlandtourism.

Located close to the farm andsituated at the most northerly point ofthe popular NC500 tourist route in thestunning north Highlands, BraesideRetreats nestles in the hillside betweenthe bustling town of Thurso and the

small historic village of Castletown andlies in a natural beauty spot withspectacular views overlooking thePentland Firth and Orkney.

Surrounded by fields of sheep andcows, the Sutherland family invitevisitors to “breathe in the freshCaithness air and relax in thetranquillity of the countryside”.

Handcrafted by skilled localtradesmen, the pods are far morespacious than your average camping

pod. Each is fully equipped to ensuretrue comfort and luxury.

“Relax into our king-size beds andcomfy sofas, unwind in your private hottub and take in the view while sippinga glass of wine on your privateterrace,” is the enticing invitation fromFiona Sutherland.

Each pod includes a king-size bedand sofa bed, en suite showroomroom, fully equipped modern countrystyle gallery kitchen, LED TV with built-in DVD player, free Wi-Fi, six-seater hottub with lounger and private parkingspace, plus decked terrace, privateoutdoor patio, and a BBQ made fromtraditional Caithness Stone.

Welcome to Sibmister farm’s luxury pods

and breathe the fresh Caithness air

The pods are fitted with a modern kitchen area and en suite shower and furnished to a high standard with both a king-sized and sofa bed

The pods offer luxury accommodation and magnificent views over the Caithness countryside

The Sibmister family team have had a busy spring lambing, calving and preparing for NSA Highland Sheep – Kenneth Sutherland (right) with sons,

Kenneth (left) and Stephen

Feeding regime

Increased efficiency

Honoured

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79 Beltex Sheep SocietyLane Farmhouse, Crooklands,Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7NH. 01539 567973 beltex.sheep@btconnect.comwww.beltex.co.uk Beltex a leading terminal sire in whichsires prime lambs with maximum killingout percentages. Distinctive large doublemuscled hindquarters improves carcass.

42 Blackface Sheep BreedersAssociationWoodhead of Mailer, Perth, PH2 0QA.01738 634018 aileen@scottish-blackface.co.ukwww.scottish-blackface.co.uk Blackfacesheep are the backbone of the Britishsheep industry, with three distinct typesthat suit any farming situation.

82 Bleu du Maine Sheep Society LtdLongwood Farm, Trostrey, Usk,Monmouthshire, NP15 1LA. 01291 673816jane@bleudumaine.co.uk www.bleudumaine.co.uk Display showing the versatility of theBleu for producing a profitable cross-bred sheep.

44 Bluefaced Leicester SheepBreeders AssociationRiverside View, Warwick Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 2BS.01228 598022info@blueleicester.co.ukwww.blueleicester.co.uk The Bluefaced Leicester the only sire of the “UK Mule” famousthroughout the UK for its prime lambproduction.

40 British Texel Sheep SocietyUnit 74, 4th Street, Stoneleigh Park,Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG.024 7669 6629 office@texel.co.uk www.texel.co.uk A proven versatile breed, with fastgrowth rates and excellent carcassquality, sought by producers farming indiverse climates.

45 Dorset Horn & Poll DorsetSheep Breeders Association Agriculture House, Acland Road,Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1EF. 01305 262126dorsetsheep@xlnmail.comwww.dorsetsheep.org Dorset sheep’s greatest strength isits versatility. A breed capable ofbreeding naturally at any time of yearand fitting in with any farming operation.

83 Dutch Spotted Sheep UKSpringfield, Lochmaben, Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway, DG11 1RW. 07712 577337 Email:office@dutchspottedsheep.co.ukwww.dutchspottedsheep.co.uk Official breed society for the DutchSpotted Sheep.

43 Highland Mule BreedersAssociation & HISHAThe Arr, Lethen, Nairn, Morayshire, IV12 5QJ. 07713 358539murielross2006@gmail.comwww.highlandmulebreederes.co.uk The Highland Mules are all the progeny ofa Blackfaced mother, or occasionally aBlackfacedxSwaledale mother for extramilkiness and mothering skills, crossedwith a Blue-faced Leicester ram.

80 Lleyn Sheep SocietyGwyndy, Bryncroes, Sarn, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 8ET. 01758 730366promotions@lleynsheep.comwww.lleynsheep.com The modern breeding ewe suitable forcrossing with any terminal sire toproduce lambs that the market wants.

41 North Country Cheviot SheepSocietyAlandale, Kirkby Thore, Penrith,

Cumbria, CA10 1UE. 07834 817710 82338 secretary@nc-cheviot.co.uk www.nc-cheviot.co.uk The “Northie” is the complete all-rounder, a native breed which thrives inall parts of the UK.

46 Suffolk Sheep Society62 Fenaghy Road, Galgorm, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT42 1FL. 028 2563 2342 Email:enquiries@suffolksheep.orgwww.suffolksheep.org The Suffolk, the leading domesticterminal sire breed, is the fastestgrowing reducing production costs andincreasing profitability.

81 Zwartbles Sheep AssociationFlourish Walls House, Greenlaw, Duns, Berwickshire, TD10 6XW. 01361 810411secretary@zwartbles.orgwww.zwartbles.org Large framed, prolific, milky, maternalsheep with fast growth rates and low fatcarcasses. Characteristics also desirablefor cross breeding.

84 EasyRamsPikesend Farm, English Frankton,Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 0JZ.

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Sheep Breed Societies

Sheep Breeders

EXHIBITORS

(continued from previous page)07971 970918

robynhulme@btconnect.comwww.easyrams.co.uk EasyRams are the UK’s only breeders ofpure NZ Suffolk, Texel and Sufftex ramsand the new EasyDams maternal sires.

66 Essie Suffolks (Irene Fowlie)Adziel, Strichen, Fraserburgh,Aberdeenshire, AB43 6TB. 01771 637263fowlie_@hotmail.comwww.essiesufolks.co.uk Essie Suffolks produce high performanceindex shearling rams and gimmers forcommercial and pedigree flocks forterminal and maternal use on a grassbased system.

68 Innovis LtdPeithyll Centre, Capel Dewi,Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3HU.01970 828236enquiries@innovis.org.uk www.innovis.org.uk Innovis is a commercial sheep breedingcompany supplying performancerecorded, grass based genetics acrossthe UK.

67 J Scott & PartnersFearn Farm, Fearn, Tain, Ross-shire,IV20 1TL. 01862 832522

admin@fearnfarm.com www.fearnfarm.com High Performance, Hi-Health breedinglivestock produced under commercialconditions on forage based diets.Agents for Gallagher Fencing.

65 Logie Durno SheepLogie Durno Farm, Pitcaple, inverurie,Aberdeenshire, AB5 5EL. 01467 681579info@logiedurnosheep.co.uk www.logiedurnosheep.co.uk Sheep breeding company producingperformance recorded grass fed ramsand females which are used throughoutthe UK with Free Delivery.

69 AP Supplies15 Cherry Way, Nafferton, EastYorkshire, YO25 4PA. 01377 254728 a.petch742@btinternet.comwww.apfarmsupplies.co.uk Small family run business supplying theAPS range of products to sheep andcattle farmers throughout the UK.

25 Agrimin LtdArlanda Way, Humberside Airport,Kirmington, North Lincs, DN39 6YH. 01652 6880063

twells@agrmin.co.ukwww.agrimin.co.uk The Agrimin range of sustained releaseboluses for all classes of sheep andlambs provide continuous, measuredtrace element supplementation.

96 DR Alexander & SonKeoltag, Reay, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7RE. 01847 811365 or 07710 637078sales@dralexanderson.co.ukwww.dralexanderson.co.uk Main distributors for Ifor Williams inCaithness and Inverness. Trailer sales,repairs, servicing and spares.

38 Allans of Gillock LtdGillock Mains, Watten, Caithness, KW1 5UR. 01955 661211 info@allans.co.ukwww.allans.co.uk Builders and Agricultural Merchants tothe Highlands and Islands of Scotlandfrom their five branches, can offer aservice second to none to DIY and tradealike.

39 ANM GroupThainstone Centre, Inverurie,Aberdeenshire, AB51 5XZ. 01467 623700 info@anmgroup.co.ukwww.anmgroup.co.uk

Established in 1872, ANM Group isScotland’s leading farming, food andfinance co-operative, with interests inthe land market, commercial andindustrial plant and machinery andequipment and the catering andhospitality industry. The group isdedicated to maximising returns for itsmembers, ensuring the sector is fit forthe future.

14 Barenbrug UK Ltd33 Perkins Road, Rougham Industrial Estate, Bury St Edmunds,Suffolk, IP30 9ND. 01359 272000 info@barenbrug.co.uk www.barenbrug.co.uk As one of the largest grass seedproducers in the UK, Barenbrug is aleading player, distributing more than4,000 tonnes of grass seed each year tothe forage markets.

91 Biobest Laboratories – HiHealth Flockcare6 Charles Darwin House, EdinburghTechnopole, Milton Bridge, EH26 0PY.0131 440 2628jonathan.simmonte@biobest.co.ukwww.biobest.co.uk HiHealth Flockcare offers sheep farmersand their vets specialist veterinary adviceon testing and discounted laboratory fees.

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highlandsheep 2019

Commercial and Educational

10

highlandsheep 2019highlandsheep 2019(continued from previous page)17 Biocell Agri LtdLochans Mill Farmhouse, Lochans,Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway, DG9 9BA.01776 820647 / 07718 905625biocellagri@btinternet.comwww.biocellagri.com Biocell Agri - The yeast specialists,providing a unique strain of live yeast forfaster finishing and higher carcass quality.

30 British WoolWool House, Sidings Close, Canal Road, Bradford, BD2 1AZ. 01274 688666laurajohnson@britishwool.org.uk www.britishwool.org.uk

British Wool represents the work doneon behalf of UK sheep farmersincluding; Shearing Training, Grading,Auctions and Consumer Marketing.

3 C & D Auction Marts LtdTownfoot, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5LY.01225 791215info@cdauctionmarts.co.ukwww.cdauctionmarts.co.uk Livestock auctioneers operatingNationwide from Longtown andDumfries markets. Estate, land agencyand property valuation servicesthroughout Northern England andScotland.

102 Caithness Livestock BreedersSir Archibald Road, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8HN. 01847 894567 admin@clbthurso.co.uk Agricultural merchants - Feed, nutrition,animal health, seeds and fertilisers.

95 Clipex Fencing & StockyardsQuin Road Business Park, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland. +353 (0) 87 163 4626 david.blake@clipex.com www.clipex.ie Automatic sheep handler, sheep yards,pneumatic squeeze crushes andgalvanised steel fencing with 30 yearguarantee.

11 Corteva AgriscienceCPC2 Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge, CB21 5XE. 01462 457272cortevauk@corteva.comwww.corteva.co.uk Corteva Agriscience™ is a world-leadingcrop protection and seed businesscompletely dedicated to agriculture.

63 Crystalyx (Caltech)Solway Mills, Silloth, Wigton,Cumbria, CA7 4AJ.

01697 332592 info@crystalyx-global.comwww.crystalyx-global.com Crystalyx feed blocks supplies a highenergy form of supplementation to themain forage diets of sheep, beef anddairy livestock.

28 Dallas Keith LtdBromag Industrial Estate, Witney,Oxfordshire, OX29 0SR. 01993 773061 info@dallaskeith.co.ukwww.dallaskeith.co.uk Manufacture and supply a wide range of feed blocks, salt licks andmolasses liquid feeds for all classes of sheep.

4 Datamars Agri UKPheasant Mill, Dunsdale Road, Selkirk, TD7 5DZ. 028 2076 8696orders@datamars.co.ukwww.datamars.co.uk Livestock Identification (LID), AnimalHealth Delivery Systems (AHDS) andFarm Resource Management (FRM).

101 David Ritchie (Implements) LtdCarseview Road, Forfar, Angus, DD8 3BT01307 462271 rrobertson@ritchie-uk.comwww.ritchie-d.co.uk Ritchie is a manufacturers of high qualitylivestock handling equipment, gates,bale handling and grass machinery.

22 Denis Brinicombe Group LtdFordton Industrial Estate, rediton Devon, EX17 3BZ.01363 775115enquiries@brinicombe.co.ukwww.brinicombe.co.uk The Denis Brinicombe Group are afamily owned manufacturing companythat produce unique specialist animalhealth through nutrition products.

78 Dingwall & Highland Marts LtdHumberston, Bailechaul Road, Dingwall, IV15 9TP.01349 863252info@dingwallmart.co.ukwww.dingwallmart.co.uk The Highland's premier auctioneers! Livestock sales are the heart of ourbusiness and our success is measuredby the benefits enjoyed by ourcustomers. We offer a range of qualityservices and facilities designed tosupport local businesses.

60 Farm Profit Programme Thainstone Centre, Inverurie,Aberdeenshire, AB51 5XZ. 01467 623700 info@anmgroup.co.uk

86 Farm and Forestry EquipmentWest End Garage, 44 Stuart Street,Ardersier, Inverness, IV2 7RS. 01667 462608, doug@ffe.co.uk Web:farmandforestryequipment.co.uk Can-Am and Kawasaki Utility and All-terrain vehicles, C-Dax, TFM and LogicATV equipment.

19 Farm North-East Magazine11 Sunnyside Gardens, Drumoak,Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5EZ.01330 811616eddie@farmnortheast.co.ukAgricultural Communications Ltdpublishes Farm North-East every twomonths. It carries news of politicalissues affecting agriculture in Scotland,and reports on business topics, as wellas shows, sales and markets with astrong focus on beef and sheep.

21 Farmfit UKBroomhouses 2 Industrial Estate,Glasgow Road, Lockerbie, Dumfries andGalloway, DG11 2SD. 01576 205905 sales@farmfituk.com www.farmfit.com The perfect fit for your farm. We are areliable agricultural equipmentmanufacturer who can provide a fulldesign, fitting and installation service.We also have an online shop for gates,cubicles, lambing equipment, troughs,feed barriers and accessories.

89 Fecpak(G2) Peithyll, Capel Dewi, Aberystwyth,Ceredigion, SY23 3HU.01970 821918 uk@techiongroup.comwww.techiongroup.com FEC without a microscope, helping savetime and money, improve animal healthand performance, and use wormingtreatments sustainably.

1 W & A Geddes Ltd7 River Street, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5EB01955 602207info@wandageddes.co.ukwww.wandageddes.co.uk Agricultural Merchants. We sell a widerange of agricultural supplies and aim toprovide a one stop shop for all farmersand crofters in the north of Scotland.

105 Gow AgricultureThe Yard, Sordale, Halkirk,Caithness, KW12 6XB. 01847 831120info@gowgroundworks.co.ukwww.gowgroundworks.co.uk Gow Groundworks are specialists ingroundwork, concrete work and buildingand renovation work.

27 Graham Edwards Trailers LtdMoor Lane, Full Sutton, York, YO41 1HX.01759 373062sales@edwardstrailers.co.ukwww.edwardstrailers.co.ukManufacturers of livestock and flat-bedtrailers.

1 Harbro LtdMarkethill, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 4PA. 01888 545200info@harbro.co.uk www.harbro.co.uk

Leading independent manufacturer ofsheep feeds, mineral and energybuckets. Specialists in lamb diets andcompound ewe feeds, made usingScottish quality raw materials.

26 HBS Ring LtdGlaikmore, North Kessock, Inverness, IV1 3UD. 01463 811603 alan@hbsring.co.uk www.hbsring.co.uk Agricultural machinery ring supplying everything needed on the farm and more.

23 Healthy Hooves EUThe Paint Works, 35a Dane Road,Coventry, Warwickshire, CV2 4JR. 07767 277157graham@healthyhooves.euwww.healthyhooves.eu Healthy Hooves Eco The footbathsolution for sheep. Safe and easy touse, with antiseptic and cleansingproperties. More sheep/Bath.

87 R Henderson (Mechanical &Welding Services)Bridgend, Watten, Caithness, KW1 5UH01955 621255RHenderson8@btinternet.comwww.mechanicalandweldingservices.co.uk Servicing and repairs on all kinds ofagricultural and construction equipment.In 2008 our firm became a sub dealerfor major manufacturers, Fendt Tractorsvia Ross Agri Services and agents for awide range of key manufacturers.

20 Hipra UK & Ireland LtdFoxhall Business Centre, Foxhall Lodge,Foxhall Road, Nottingham, NG7 6LH.0116 846 6486 admin.uk@hipra.com www.hipra.com Hipra is an animal pharmaceuticalcompany with a vision to be a worldreference in prevention in animal healthfor farm animals.

104 HRN Tractors LtdMachinery Centre, North Dunn, Watten, Caithness, KW1 5XL. 01955 661355 mail@hrntractors.comwww.hrntractors.com HRN Tractors is a John Deere dealerand specialises in new and usedtractors, combines and agriculturalmachinery. We offer a fast andcompetitive sales service, tailoredprecisely to our customers’ needs.

99 K and T FootwearKF Storey, PO Box 7036, Kettering,Northamptonshire, NN16 6AB. 07715 035131info@kandtfootwear.co.ukwww.kandtfootwear.co.uk Agricultural and equestrian footwear,including Northampton market dealer

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11

highlandsheep 2019(continued from previous page)boots, Redback boots, Buckler, Rossi,boots and Shepherd Fell boots.

16 KRKA UK LtdChurchill House, 1 London Road, Slough,Berks, SL3 7FJ. 020 7164 6156 charlotte.read@krka.bizwww.krka.co.uk With more than 60 years of experience of producing high qualitypharmaceutical products.

37 Landy Pressure Washers (Lambert & Dyson Ltd)Landy Works, Keighley Road, Skipton, BD23 2TA.01756 794291post@landypressurewashers.comwww.landypressurewashers.com The Landy P.T.O. pressure washers anddrain jetters including Hot Water P.T.O.pressure washer. Electric and petrolwashers also available.

92 Longhorn Cattle Society3 Eastgate, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh,Warwickshire, CV8 2LH. Tel: 0345 0171027 Email:secretary@longhorncattlesociety.comWeb: www.longhorncattlesociety.comThe Longhorn is beyond equal as asuckler cow. Its combination of qualitiesin terms of milk, calving ease, longevity,docility, length and leanness of body isunrivalled by any other breed.

93 Luing Cattle Society LtdMount Blair. 10 Manor Gardens,Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6JS. Tel:01250 872897 Email:secretary@luingcattlesociety.co.ukWeb: www.luingcattlesociety.co.ukFlesh for Forage: Easily finished cattleout of fertile, easy-handled cows withstaying power.

31 MacGregor Industrial Supplies15 - 17 Henderson Road, LongmanIndustrial Estate, Inverness, IV1 1SN.01463 717999lorina.mcqueen@macgregorsupplies.co.uk www.macgregorsupplies.co.ukMacGregor Industrial Supplies trailerdivision can provide an extensive rangeof trailers from livestock to bespoke cartransporters.

35 Macleod & MacCallum28 Queensgate, Inverness, IV1 1DJ. 01463 239393

rural@macandmac.co.ukwww.macandmac.co.uk We provide the highest quality legaladvice on all aspects of agricultural law,crofting, rural property and ruralbusiness matters.

50 Moredun Foundation Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan,Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ. Tel:0131 445 5111 Email:

info@moredun.org.uk Web:www.moredun.org.uk Come along to our stand and find outmore about our research into infectiondiseases of sheep.

62 MSD Animal Health UK LtdWalton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK7 7AJ. 01908 685685

vet-support.uk@merck.com www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/DNOMF/ProjectLAMB MSD Animal Health offers products andservices dedicated to improve animalwelfare and increase productionefficiency of ruminant farm animals.

49 Natural Stockcare LtdUnit 1B, Willows Business Centre,Newburn Bridge Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne, NE21 4SQ. 0191 264 5494info@naturalstockcare.co.ukwww.naturalstockcare.co.uk Natural Stockcare manufacture animalfeed supplements to the highest qualitystandards ensuring our first classproducts match the requirements of ourISO 9001: 2015 certification.

61 NFU MutualThurso & Dingwall

4 Brabster Street, Thurso, Caithness,KW14 7AP.Thurso 01847 895005 Dingwall 01349 862430alix_brown2@nfumutual.co.ukwww.nfumutual.co.uk NFU Mutual taking the time to offer youattentive, personal, local service for yourinsurance, pensions and investments.

61 NFU ScotlandThe Rural Centre, West Mains, Ingliston,Newbridge, Midlothian, EH28 8LT. 0131 472 4000webmaster@nfus.org.ukwww.nfus.org.uk Fighting for the future of Scottishagriculture.

98 Niall Bowser - LivestockEquipmentLerrocks Farm, Argaty, Doune,Perthshire, FK16 6EJ.01786 841373niallbowseruk@yahoo.co.ukwww.niallbowserlivestockequipment.comDistributors of Rappa aluminium mobilesheep yards, Vetmarker lamb tailingchutes and Perkinz Drenchmaster sheepsqueeze handlers.

24 Norbrook Laboratories Ltd1 Saxon Way East, Oakley Hay Industrial Estate, Corby,Northamptonshire, NN18 9EX. 01536 741147 enquiries@norbrook.co.uk www.norbrook.com NorbrookLaboratories is a veterinary

pharmaceutical company, which worksclosely with the agricultural industry toenhance animal health and productivity.

2 NSA ScotlandSecretariat & Event Organiser, 3 Briar Close, Newport, Brough, East Yorkshire, HU15 2QY. 07718 908523 euan@nsascotland.orgwww.nsascotland.org NSA represents the views and interestsof sheep producers throughout the UK. Itis funded solely by its membership andits activities involve it in every aspect ofthe sheep industry.

15 Orlden Livestock ProductsUnit 6E, Milltown Business Park,Warrenpoint, Co Down, BT34 3FN. 028 4175 3157 orldenproducts@gmail.comwww.orldenlivestockproducts.comORLDEN provide Fox Repellent Oil forLambs, foot spray, ORF treatment,barrier & healing creams, and otherproducts for people, cattle & horses.

29 OsmondsBradeley Green, Tarporley Road,Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 4HD. 01948 668100 info@osmonds.co.ukwww.osmonds.co.uk Osmonds produce a wide range ofhealth, nutrition, digestive and hoofproducts for sheep and other livestock.Trade enquiries welcome.

36 Penderfeed LtdMiddlefield, Duns, Berwickshire, TD11 3HT. 01361 883703 penderfeed@aol.comwww.penderfeed.co.uk Suppliers of feeding and handlingequipment. Electronic I.D. and weighing.

64 Quality Meat ScotlandThe Rural Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge,Midlothian, EH28 8NZ. 0131 510 7920 info@qmscotland.co.ukwww.qmsotland.co.uk QMS delivers a range of activities tosupport the development of asustainable, professional, profitable andresilient Scottish Red Meat Industry. Wepromote and protect the Scotch BeefPGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and SpeciallySelected Pork brands and ourinternationally recognised assuranceschemes cover more than 90% oflivestock farmed for red meat inScotland.

34 Ravenhill LtdMoycroft, Elgin, Morayshire, IV30 1XL.01343 541121mail@ravenhill.co.ukwww.ravenhill.co.uk Ravenhill specialist suppliers of

construction, farm and groundcaremachinery. We offer a wide range ofparts and repairs for all franchises.

107 Robertsons-Orkney Ltd8 Crowness Road, Hatston IndustrialEstate, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1RG.01856 876068 colin.tait@robertsons-orkney.co.ukwww.robertsons-orkney.co.uk Sales, servicing and repairs of new andused tractors and machinery.

97 Robertsons of Tain LtdShore Road, Tain, Ross-shire, IV19 1HY.01862 892276service@robertsonsoftain.co.ukwww.robertsonsoftains.co.uk Suppliers of Honda ATV’s, Logicattachments for ATV’s and sheep andlivestock trailers.

47 Roxan IDPheasant Mill, Dunsdale Road, Selkirk TD7 5DZ. 01750 724110 sales@roxan.co.uk www.roxan.co.uk Roxan provide a full range of identificationear tags for sheep and cattle. Our newwidened portfolio includes a range ofdrenchers, injectors and pour-onapplications from SIMCRO and bothhandheld and stick readers for better farmmanagement. Our aim is to help makeTagging, Reading and Supplementingsimple.

106 Scot JCB LtdIndustrial Estate, Great North Road,Muir of Ord, IV6 7UA. 01463 870591 muiroford@scot-jcb.co.uk www.scot-jcb.co.uk Scot JCB operates from twelve depotsproviding sales and an award winninglevel of service support for JCBmachinery.

51 Scotland’s Rural College/SAC ConsultingSRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh,EH9 3JG. Tel: 0131 535 4000 Email:events@sruc.ac.uk Web:www.sruc.ac.uk We deliver world-classresearch, education and consultancy tolead innovation and sustainabledevelopment in the agriculture and ruralsector.

103 Scotpen LtdKirtleton House, Waterbeck, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, DG11 3HD.01461 600203 houldey@btconnect.comwww.scotpen.co.uk Scotpen - Mobile aluminium sheephandling system. Peak handler - take thestress out of foot trimming, dagging,drenching, tagging, mouthing andchecking udders.

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(continued from previous page)12 Scottish Association of YoungFarmers Clubs (SAYFC)Young Farmers Centre, Ingliston,Edinburgh, EH28 8NE. Tel: 0131 3332445 Email: admin@sayfc.org Web:www.sayfc.org Scotland’s largest rural youthorganisation offering personaldevelopment opportunities for those 14to 30 years old including competitions,events, travel, training and agriculturaland rural affairs.

5 Scottish Crofting FederationUnit 26/1B Kyle Industrial Estate, Kyle ofLochalsh, IV40 8AX. Tel: 01599 530005Email: hq@crofting.org Web:www.crofting.org SCF is the only organisation solelydedicated to campaigning for croftersand fighting for the future of crofting.

8 Scottish ForestryHighland and Islands Conservancy,'Woodlands', Fodderty Way, Dingwall,Ross-shire, IV15 9XB. Tel: 0300 067 6950 Email:highland.cons@forestry.gov.scot Web:www.forestry.gov.scot Providingfunding opportunities and guidance tohelp sheep farmers in Scotland improvethe productivity of their land, livestockand business.

7 Scottish SPCAKingseat Road, Halbeath, Dunfermline,KY11 8RY. Tel: 01383 841023 Email:education@scottishspca.org Web:www.scottishspca.org Come and trythe Scottish SPCA’s new games as partof their free prevention througheducation programme.

9 Scottish Woodlands Ltd8 Fodderty Way, Dingwall BusinessPark, Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9XB.Tel: 01997 420040 Email:dingwallenquiries@scottishwoodlands.co.uk Web:www.scottishwoodlands.co.uk ScottishWoodlands provide a completeWoodland Management service fromNew Woodland Creation to TimberHarvesting including everything inbetween.

90 Secure CoversThomas & Fontane Ltd, Edgton, CravenArms, Shropshire, SY7 8HN. Tel: 01588680661 Email:enquiries@securecovers.com Web:www.securecovers.com Secure Coversreplace tyres and protect silage clampsand big bales. Secure Windbreaks andEconoblinds weather proof and ventilatelivestock buildings.

94 Shearwell Data LtdPutham Wheddon Cross ,Minehead, Somerset, TA24 7AS. 01643 841611

sales@shearwell.co.ukwww.shearwell.co.uk Exceptional livestock tags including theKetchum metal cattle tag, on-farmsoftware, apps and full EIDmanagement systems - TePari andShearwell.

32 Shepherdsmate (GH Best Limited)Augherskilly, Ballyconnell, Co Caven, Ireland. +353 (0) 4995 26327sales@shepherdsmate.comwww.shepherdsmate.com The innovative sheep handling system -Single operator, weigh, sort, inject,drench, foot-pare and tag, all from oneposition!

6 The Scottish Partnership AgainstRural Crime (SPARC)Police Scotland, Specialist CrimeDivision, Scottish Crime Campus,Craignethan Drive, Gartcosh, G69 8AE.01236 818931alan.dron@scotland.pnn.police.ukwww.scotland.police.uk This is a multi-agency partnershipconsisting of sixteen key organisationswhich collaboratively work to reduceand tackle rural crime throughoutScotland regardless of demographicsand geographical location. EnsuringScotland's rural communities andenvironment are safe places to live,work and enjoy.

33 Thomas Smyth Farm Supplies43 Staffordstown Road, Randalstown,Co Antrim, BT41 3LD. 07714 769802tommysmyth@btinternet.com MIK International Sheep FlooringSystems - Plastic sheep, pig and calfflooring and penning.

10 Tithebarn LtdRoad Five, Industrial Estate, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 3PG. 01606 595000 info@tithebarn.co.ukwww.tithebarn.co.uk Tithebarn manufacture and sell a fullrange of mineral, protein and traceelement supplements in bags, blocks,buckets and licks.

48 United AuctionsHuntly Auction Mart, The Ward, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 4QU. 01466 792148 Email:huntly@uagroup.co.ukwww.uagroup.co.uk United Auctions is Scotland's leadinglivestock auctioneers and procurementspecialists. We operate a network ofauction marts throughout Scotlandincluding Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally,Tiree, Islay, South Uist and Oban.

88 Volac International Ltd50 Fishers Lane, Orwell, Royston,

Hertfordshire, SG8 5QX. 01223 206903 lambing@volac.com www.lamlac.co.uk Volac pioneered the development andmanufacture high-performance milkformulas creating the first commerciallyavailable instantised ewe milk replacer:LAMLAC.

100 Wox Agri Services Ltd71 Station Road, Stannington,Northumberland, NE61 6NQ. 01670 789020 Email:info@woxagriservices.co.ukwww.woxagriservices.co.uk Guttler Greenmaster grasslandmanagement system for all year roundgrassland overseeding and rejuvenating.

18 Zoetis UK Ltd5th Floor, 6 St Andrew Street, London, EC4A 3AE. 0845 300 8034customersupportuk@zoetis.com www.zoetis.co.uk At Zoetis, we are committed to workingwith you to improve the health, well-being and productivity of your animals.

72 Baba Blacksheep

55 Big Dog LeathersAr-Taigh, Sarclet Village, Thrumster,Wick, Caithness, KW1 5TU. 01955 651765 / 07522 741398pomfret.steven@gmail.com All handmade leather goods and farmingaccessories made in Scotland

102 Caithness YarnsBallachly, Dunbeath, Caithness, KW6 6EJ. 01593 731421caithnessyars@gmail.comwww.caithnessyarns.com Caithness Yarns offer premium qualityyarns from high welfare flocks, includingour own, from the north of Scotland.

59 CoCo Campervans - ChocolatierThe Croft, Upper Bowertower, Bower, Wick, KW1 4TT.01955 661369 Email:cocosmile46@gmail.comwww.facebook.com/cococampervansandchocolate

54 Dunnet Bay DistillersDunnet Bay Distillery, Dunnet, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8XD. 01847 851287info@dunnetbaydistillers.co.ukwww.dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk PremiumScottish Spirits – Rock Rose Gin & HollyGrass Vodka.

73 Facination

73 Favourties Fudge

52 John O'Groats BreweryThe Old Fire Station, John O' Groats,Caithness, KW1 4YR. 07842 401571johnogroatsbrewery@gmail.comwww.johnogroatsbrewery.co.uk Artisanbrewery producing the finest craft ales,using the beautiful unspoilt waters ofthe highlands of Scotland.

71 Marks and Pencils38 Upper Dunbar Street, Wick,Caithness, KW1 5QH. 07411 298118 hello@marksnpencilswww.marksnpencils.wordpress.comBespoke hand-crafted gifts andfunctional items including our hand-illustrated glassware.

58 Peedie PrintsBruadar, Dunnet, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8YD. 07919 885398 info@peedieprints.co.ukwww.peedieprints.co.uk Handcrafted gifts designed andproduced by a committed familybusiness.

76 Reids of CaithnessUnit 17, Henderson Street, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7QU. 01847 890988info@reidsofcaithness.comwww.reidsofcaithness.com We pride ourselves on a commitment totime-honoured, handcrafted bakingmethods when bringing our exceptionalrange of Scottish favourites to life.

56 Stacks Bistro 3, Craft Centre, John o' Groats, Wick KW1 4YR. Tel: 01955 611582www.facebook.com/stacksbistro A family run Coffee House and Bistro inJohn O Groats. Our ethos is comfortfood, good coffee and artisan bakingusing local produce.

57 Wolfburn Distillery Henderson Business Park,Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7XW. 01847 891051 info@wolfburn.com www.wolfburn.com Wolfburn Single Malt Scotch Whiskymade in Thurso.

74 Wrenny Roo Cupcakes

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highlandsheep 2019

Farmers Marketand Crafts

One of the most excitingcompetitions at NSA Highland Sheep2019 will be the NSA Next GenerationShepherd of the Year competition,which has a total prize fund of £1015up for grabs.

Participants will require to carry outfive of six tasks – prime lamb selection,shearing two sheep, ATV handling,sheepdog handling, demonstrateknowledge of foot care techniques(compulsory) and answer questions onflock management and health(compulsory).

The competition is being sponsoredby the British Texel Sheep Society. Thewinner will receive a trophy and cashprize of £300 and will be given theopportunity of representing Scotland inthe finals at the NSA Sheep Event atMalvern on, July 28, 2020. The highestplaced competitor under the age of 21will also receive a prize of £100.

The International Sheep Dog Societyis also supporting those entrants takingpart in the sheep dog handling elementof the competition, including a firstprize of £100.

Texel chief executive, John Yates,said the society was delighted to ableto support this important part of theevent.

“As the industry moves to a post-Brexit era, there has never been a moreimportant time to retain and recruit thevery best young people for the UKsheep industry,” said Mr Yates.

“The sheep industry is an excitingone to be involved with at every leveland competitions such as this are agreat way of encouraging young peopleto hone their skills and explore themany opportunities available to themin the sheep sector.”

The society, through its youthdevelopment programme, is activelyencouraging young people to considera career in sheep farming at everylevel, both practically on-farm or in anallied industry.

“The modern sheep industry has awide variety of roles suited to all levelsof experience and skill, with technologyand AgriTech playing an increasinglyimportant role in flock management inareas such as genetic improvement,better grassland management or datarecording,” said Mr Yates.

The competition is due to start at9.00am and the presentation of prizeswill take place at 3.30pm. Entries arebeing accepted up until May 31

13

highlandsheep 2019

A special multi-breed show andsale pairs of ewe hoggs will be amajor attraction at NSA HighlandSheep 2019.

The sale has been a regular featureof NSA Highland Sheep and NSAScotsheep events since first beingintroduced at the first NSA HighlandSheep at Dingwall Mart in 2013.

“The show and sale is providing anopportunity for breeders to show-case their top ewe hoggs,” said WillieBudge, Achalone Farm, Watten,Caithness, chairman of the NSAHighland Sheep organising committee.“The sale has attracted strong buyinginterest at previous NSA HighlandSheep events and four-figure priceshave been achieved.”

The sale will be conducted byAberdeen and Northern Marts. All thehoggs entered will have been born in2018 with either MV or non-MV

accreditation and will feature sevenclassifications - Mules, North CountryCheviot (Hill), North Country Cheviot(Park), Scottish Blackface, any othernative breed, any other Continentalbreed and any cross-bred.

Prize money of £50 for a first, £25for second and £10 for third is onoffer, plus £100 for the overallchampion. Judge will be CharlesAngus, Oldfield Farm, Thurso.

Sheep entered for the show mustbe offered for sale and prize winners not sold will forfeit their prize money. Sellers may offer to takeewe hoggs home after the sale andbuyers will have 14 days to collecttheir purchases from the seller’sfarm.Entries are being accepted up until

May 31

Strong competitionfor Shepherd of the

Year title

Show and sale of ewehoggs a major feature

Busy programme of seminars and

workshops

Andrew McCornick to officially openHighland Sheep 2019

Technology

Prize money

There will be plenty to do at NSAHighland Sheep 2019 with threeseminars and 10 twenty-minuteworkshops (see timetable on pages 4and 5) scheduled throughout the day,as well as the opportunity to view thehost farm and tour the extensive tradestand area.

The event will be officially opened at10.00am by NFU Scotland president,Andrew McCornick, and the seminarprogramme will start at 11.00am witha discussion on the prospects for thelamb trade. Speakers will includeauctioneer, Scott Donaldson, presidentof the Institute of Auctioneers andAppraisers Scotland, and MikeGooding, a director of Farmers Fresh.

This will be followed at 1.00pm witha discussion on the likely impact ofBrexit on the Scottish sheep industrywhich will be opened by JeremyMoody, secretary and adviser to theCentral Association of AgriculturalValuers.

At 3.25pm, host farmers, StephenSutherland, will take to the stage for aquestion and answer session chairedby event chairman, Willie Budge.

The comprehensive workshopprogramme will look at a variety ofpractical issues facing sheep farmers.The five twenty-minute workshoppresentations will take placethroughout the morning and will berepeated in the afternoon.

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highlandsheep 2019

As I write, we are coming to the endof our lambing for 2019 which – incontrast to last year which seems solong ago - has proved a far better yearin both weather terms and thecondition of the ewes.

Our lambing has gone welland has been easier on thewhole this year. Sadly,however, the predation issuehas been on the increase thisyear and is one of the worstyears I can remember for uslosing lambs.

I never used to see badgers,ravens or buzzards as a child butnow they have become aregular feature on the farm. Ourlapwing, curlew and oystercatcher numbers have declineddramatically. I for one don’tbelieve in coincidences but yetI’m told I’m to blame.

It feels very much that agriculture isbeing accused and attacked from alldirections on a regular basis. Climatechange, red meat consumption, loss ofhabitat, decline in ground nesting birds,to name but a few of the challengesfacing livestock farmers.

Highlighting the important role thatour farmers in Scotland play inmaintaining and managing thecountryside that the general public areaccustomed too and regularly enjoy, ishigh on the priority list for many of ourorganisations, including NSA Scotland.

We live and work in a time of greatuncertainty. I dread to mention the ‘B’word but Brexit is continuing to cast ashadow over the industry and ourcountry until the powers-that-be canfind a way forward.

The current changes to the LFASSpayments have dominated discussionsaround hill farming for some time now.

Despite what some may feel about theindustry receiving support from thegovernment, payments to our farmersin the hardest and most marginal areasof the country are vital and mustcontinue in some form. Theconsequences otherwise would becatastrophic to the fabric of ourcountryside.

In spite of all this, however, I remainincredibly positive about the future ofsheep farming in Scotland. We have agreat story to tell - sheep grazing landand converting that into our fabulousproduct, maintaining habitats to allowplants and wildlife alike to thrive,keeping people in rural areas andsupporting rural businesses, andpassing on the knowledge to the nextgeneration of sheep farmers.

NSA Scotland is committed tolobbying on behalf of our industry. Yourrepresentatives have been attendingregular meetings, maintaining contact

with government and sittingon many stakeholdergroups.

We have also been toWestminster this yeargiving evidence to theScottish Rural AffairsCommittee and are activelyinvolved in discussionssurround Brexit and wherewe go afterwards.

One of my first aimsfollowing my election aschair of NSA Scotland is tostrike up a better dialoguebetween us and thenumerous other

organisations who represent allaspects of the countryside. This has sofar been a positive move and it is vitalthat we all work together to put ourcase across.

Of course, we are a members’organisation and there to work on your

behalf so I would encourage anyonewith something to say to get in touchwith any of us and let us know whatyou think we should be doing.

I and several of my committeemembers will be around at the eventso please feel free to introduceyourselves and have a chat with us.

I very much look forward toattending NSA Highland Sheep andmeeting plenty of new people. I wouldlike to take this opportunity of thankingmy predecessor as chair, John Fyall, forall his work in getting us to this stage,I feel somewhat of an imposterappearing after so much of the hardwork has already been done!

Our thanks are due to the Sutherlandfamily, who are generously hostingNSA Highland Sheep at Sibmister, andWillie Budge and his local organisingcommittee, for taking on such a hugecommitment to give us the opportunityto showcase the best of our importantsheep sector.

And also, of course, last but mostcertainly not least, to Euan Emslie, ourevent organiser. Without his hard work,none of these events would bepossible and we are all most grateful.

Sheep farming facingchallenges but has a

great story to tell

by Jennifer Craig,

Chair, NSA Scotland

Jennifer Craig

Looking forward

Positive

Uncertainty

Dingwall & Highland Marts LimitedHumberston, Bailechaul Road, Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9TP

t. 01349 863252 www.dingwallmart.co.uk

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15

highlandsheep 2019

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) hasproduced a free guide explaining theuse of estimated breeding values(EBVs) to help sheep breeders inScotland select the right breedingstock for their business.

“Using EBVs as a Tool to BreedBetter Sheep” is an easy-to-readpublication which has been extensivelyupdated to include the improvementsto the performance recording systemintroduced by Signet Breeding Servicesearlier this year.

One of the main changes forcommercial buyers is that for terminalsire breeds, the existing carcase traitEBVs are now weight-adjusted, ratherthan being age-adjusted. This meansthat EBVs will give a better predictionof muscle and fat at slaughter weights.This reflects that lambs are selected onweight, not age, on farm.

Another key change is that EBVs andindexes have been rebased. The breedaverage figures are now based on2010 data, rather than 1990’s data andbetter reflects the genetic progressthat has been made by many breedsover the past 25 years. The EBVnumbers that buyers see will besmaller than previously, but a top 10%ram will still be in the top 10%.

The QMS guide also includesinformation about the introduction ofsome new EBV’s which build onresearch undertaken at SRUC using CTscanning images. Again, relating tocarcase traits, these include anintramuscular fat EBV. Intramuscularfat contributes to meat eating quality.

The other new EBVs that breederscan now consider when investing in atup are: vertebrae number (thoracic,lumbar and total); spine length(thoracic, lumbar and total) and eyemuscle area (from CT scanning).Commercial buyers will be able to usethese new EBVs to maximise carcasevalue in their lambs.

Another important change whichhas been established in response tothe findings from the RamCompareproject which QMS supports, is thenew national terminal sire valuation.This sees the main terminal sire breedsnow evaluated all together, rather thanindividually.

Although EBVs will be reported by

breed, if there are good genetic links itwill be possible to apply a conversionfactor from Signet to allow EBVs to bedirectly compared between breeds.

As well as containinginformation on the new EBVsand indexes, the new guideoffers advice on how tointerpret the EBV datapresented at sales and offerproducers practicalinformation on tup selection.

QMS head of industrydevelopment, Sarah Millar, isconfident that using EBVs canhelp the productivity andprofitability of sheepbusinesses.

“The changes that havebeen introduced recently willundoubtedly improve theaccuracy and relevance ofthe UK’s sheep terminal siregenetic evaluations,” she

says. “We hope this free publicationwill provide a step-by-step guide forthose interested in learning more abouthow EBVs can help them improve theperformance of their flocks.”If you would like to obtain a free copyof the updated guide ‘‘Using EBVs asa Tool to Breed Better Sheep’’ contact

QMS on 0131 510 7920. It is alsoavailable to download from the QMS

website www.qmscotland.co.uk/publications

Updated guide highlights valuable role of EBV’s

in sheep selection

Key change

Productivity

16