Sheep FarmerDECEMBER/JANUARY 2017/2018 A NATIONAL SHEEP ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION

TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT WEIGH-CRATE WINNER ANNOUNCED ZOONOSES DISEASE SURVEILLANCE WOOLLY ROADSHOW REPORT DASHBOARD LAUNCHED

NSA POLICY UPDATE CYBERCRIME: ARE YOU AT RISK?

TMR FEEDING CAN REDUCE COSTS

your business your future Uncertainty continues Sheep At 20% sugar Farmer December/January but outlook is positive 2017/2018 edition Vol. 36, No 6 ISSN 0141-2434 The clock ticks on and closely at our resources A National Sheep Association publication. now, with less than and strengths and making you can’t ‘beet’ 500 days to go, we sure that we’re making Contents still have no detail or the most of them and certainties whatsoever tapping into their full 2 News round-up about trade or the future potential. 4 NSA reports: devolved nations of farm support for the In the future, some 6 NSA reports: English regions sheep industry. There producers will see 8 NSA Winter Fair preview molassed Supabeet are indications of what efficient productivity may be and there are as almost their only 10 Sheep Breeders Round Table signals that are open goal. At the other end report to interpretation. But of the spectrum, some 12 Weigh-crate winner there’s still not enough to producers will see the 14 Latest NSA activity allow sheep producers to make inform provision of public goods and benefits 15 News analysis: cybercrime business decisions. as equally important alongside their, The 500 days may be extended for hopefully, efficient sheep flock. And, of 18 Bedding options a further 700, or more, if we achieve a course, there will be much in between. 20 FARM FEATURE: NSA Northern transitional period. But still nothing is The New Zealand system is often Ireland Region Chairman Brian clear. The UK and the EU have agreed highlighted as a model that we should Jamieson positions on dividing the tariff rate quota follow, but I would say that the Kiwi 22 Interest-rate increase update • supa performance held by New Zealand, but the Kiwis are experience should be understood, learnt 24 TMR feeding making the case to the WTO that they from, and adapted to our very different want the flexibility to place the total situation here in the UK. We don’t need 26 LAA comment • supa nutrition volume into either nation if required – to go through the pain that their sheep 27 RamCompare project their 1 + 1 = 1 formula. And then there producers did in the 1980s. We have 28 Disease surveillance is the Irish border. We’re far from any time for transition and we have much to 30 Tackling liver fluke • supa value decisions being made about that and learn regarding optimising grassland and there is also a worrying absence of any livestock production, although our best 31 Tagging benefits real options. is every bit as good as our New Zealand 32 Zoonotic diseases: reducing risk But you have to have some sympathy peers. Maybe part of the change that is 34 Coccidiosis: control and with those trying to find a way through coming will drive more people to where treatment this massive task. There are legal New Zealand producers are, but there 36 Responsible antibiotic use and operational steps to be taken, are also things that they could learn consultations to be carried out, and from us about integrating production 37 Woolly Roadshow report hundreds of new staff – who are needed and environmental management and, of 38 BWMB update to get this job done – must be brought course, our domestic market creates a 39 Sheep directory up to speed. very different dynamic. 40 NSA Next Generation It feels as if NSA has been effective in getting the voice of sheep producers Invest wisely The front page picture was taken by heard. Many politicians and civil servants ‘Sweating your assets’ is a term that professional photographer John Eveson and are saying the right things about the many producers will have heard and, features North Country Cheviot ewes being sheep industry and are aware of its essentially, that is the best advice fed ahead of lambing time. value and the risks it faces. We need to anyone could offer at the moment. Invest This NSA magazine is published with design and continue this work and do what we can wisely and make those investments work production services provided by Ladies in Print. do shape the future but, looking in the hard, but don’t undermine their value. other direction for a moment, one of the If my recent experience at the NSA most valuable things that we can do for Next Generation conference in Welshpool our members is to help and play our part was anything to go by, we will have a in preparing them for change. Because positive future. With more than 125 Email: [email protected] change is going to come and one of the highly enthusiastic and hard-working Tel: 01684 899255 keys to survival is the ability to adapt. young people there (headed up by the We need to help producers to read the NSA Young Ambassador group) and with Paper is FSC® certified. It is Don’t miss the Sugar rush this winter sourced from responsibly signs as well as they can and the do the calibre of delegates as strong as the managed forests. whatever is in their power to change their numbers, the conference served as the No part of this magazine may businesses accordingly. perfect example of what will be needed be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or shared to succeed in the future. And with many in any form (be in electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior consent of NSA. Identifying strengths organisations and individuals keen to Every care is taken when compiling this magazine and This doesn’t mean that there must be come along and play their part in sharing NSA and Ladies in Print take no responsibility for errors one ‘blueprint’ for successful sheep information and giving guidance from and omissions arising from publication. Views expressed Call your local merchant! and information contained in Sheep Farmer are not farming. Indeed, we should be striving experiences learnt, it also highlighted necessarily those of NSA or Ladies in Print and neither what a strong and collaborative industry party cannot be held responsible for any reason arising to use our diversity as a strength. But it from them. Neither NSA or Ladies in Print endorse any delivering you growth does mean that we should all be looking we can be. services or products advertised.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 1 www.tridentfeeds.co.uk

16791 TRIDENT_SHEEP FARMER A4 Advert.indd 1 21/11/2017 15:33 National Sheep Association Notice is hereby given that: Merry Christmas to all News • The Annual Members Meeting of NSA our members Central Region will be held at the Merry Christmas and a Happy New NSA Head Office NSA Regions Bluebell Inn, Tissington, Ashbourne, Year to all our members. We hope Derbyshire, DE6 1NH, 7pm on 2018 is a prosperous year, whatever NSA, The Sheep Centre, Malvern, Central Wednesday 24th January. is in store! If you’re looking for gift Alastair Sneddon Anne Payne Update Worcestershire, WR13 6PH. Call 01684 Regional Chairman Regional Manager • The Annual Members Meeting of NSA inspiration for a ‘tricky to buy for’ family 892661 (Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm) 01629 812777 01142 883241 South East Region will be held at the member or friend, why not consider an or go directly to one of the team below. alastair.sneddon@bagshaws. [email protected] com Scab research Angel Hotel, Gosport Road, Privett, NSA membership? Any NSA members Phil Stocker The University of Surrey Veterinary West Tisted, Alton, Hampshire, purchasing this gift will automatically NSA Chief Executive Cymru Wales School is looking for sheep producers, GU34 3NN, 4pm on Wednesday 7th be entered into a prize draw to win a [email protected] Llew Thomas Helen Davies who have experienced sheep scab in Regional Chairman Regional Development Officer February. tempting lamb box, kindly supplied by 01267 253374 01691 654712 their flocks within the past 10 years, Lanhill Lamb - perfect for the freezer for until Friday 15th December. Contact NSA Julie Jennings • The Annual Members Meeting of NSA 07974 386394 07976 803066 to help in a project investigating the the coming months. This offer will run Head Office for details. Association Secretary/PA to Chief Executive [email protected] [email protected] Northern Region will be held at the spread of the disease and its economic [email protected] Tynedale Function Suite, Hexham repercussions. Lynx ‘licence’ latest Eastern Mart, NE46 3SG, 7.30pm on Tues- Hannah Park Dan Phipps Jonathan Barber If you would like to be involved day 13th February. Several months after the Lynx UK be commended for supporting the zoo Communications Officer Regional Chairman Regional Manager then please visit: https://surrey. 07836 590996 01953 607860 Trust submitted its licence application owners as they continued to try to [email protected] 07836 287281 07712 659262 onlinesurveys.ac.uk/sheepscab and • The Annual Members Meeting of NSA to release lynx into Kielder Forest, capture the animal. [email protected] jonathan@ceressolutions. fill-out an online questionnaire. All Scottish Region will be held at Airth Katie James co.uk Northumberland, a verdict is still to be The lynx was eventually shot after respondents and any data generated will Castle Hotel and Spa, Airth, Stirling- Communications Support Officer heard. straying into a caravan park, near [email protected] remain anonymous. shire, FK2 8JF, 4pm on Wednesday Marches But at the beginning of November, Aberystwyth town centre, almost two Antony Spencer Hannah Park A summary of project outcomes will 14th February. while the licence application remained weeks after its escape. Gill Callow Regional Chairman Regional Secretary be published in a future edition of Sheep • The Annual Members Meeting of NSA Membership Secretary 07973 301954 01684 892661 (via NSA HQ) in the consideration process, NSA was Ceredigion council said the decision [email protected] marches@nationalsheep. Farmer magazine. Your help will be very South West Region will be held at [email protected] made aware of an incident involving a had been taken to humanely destroy the org.uk much appreciated. Exeter Livestock Centre, Exeter EX2 lynx that had escaped from Borth Wild wild animal after the risk it posed to the Abi Swaffield 8FD, 7.30pm on Wednesday 21st Northern Animal Kingdom, based in Aberystwyth. public increased to ‘severe’ following Membership Recruitment Officer Eddie Eastham Heather Stoney- February. [email protected] NSA Lambing List The Eurasian lynx, the same species failed attempts to recapture it Regional Chairman Grayshon • The Annual Members Meeting of NSA 01228 576382 Regional Manager reminder proposed by the Lynx UK Trust in its While assurances have been received Helen Davies 07770 732817 07966 699930 Cymru/Wales Region will be held at release application, is reported to have from Natural England that it would [email protected] [email protected] The NSA Lambing List is now open for Corporate Relations the Royal Welsh Showground, Hafod killed, in just one attacked, seven sheep not move forward with the licence Sheep Farmer Advertising Sales business. This is a service enjoyed by y Hendre, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY, many NSA members, set-up to match and traumatised several others in the application to release lynx without [email protected] Northern Ireland 2pm on Thursday 22nd February. members who are looking for help flock. Scotland also agreeing, NSA feels Brian Jaimeson Edward Adamson The evidence seen by NSA strongly that this level of collaboration should Karen Sumner Regional Chairman Regional Development Officer at lambing time with agricultural or Members residing in a region are [email protected] 02893 366225 suggests that the cause of death was go even further, ensuring all devolved Bookkeeper veterinary students, who are looking eligible to appoint a proxy vote on their [email protected] 07711 071290 straight puncture wounds to the neck nations, Wales included, are adequately [email protected] to complete a placement as part of behalf if they cannot attend the meeting, and subsequent internal bleeding. consulted ahead of any licence Rachael Porter their course. If you’re looking to place but this must be done in advance with Scottish NSA’s sympathy goes out to the sheep approval. Sheep Farmer Acting Editor an advert and haven’t already, you NSA Head Office. Download a proxy John Fyall George Milne producer involved, who should also Contact via NSA Head Office Regional Chairman Regional Development Officer can submit one online at http://www. notice at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/ 07837 291258 01334 472403 nationalsheep.org.uk/lambing-list/, events or contact NSA Head Office. [email protected] 07831 511330 Find us at www.nationalsheep. [email protected] or those without internet access can org.uk. Follow us on Twitter contact NSA Head Office for assistance. New NSA Chairman in NI @natsheep and like us on South East The list is becoming increasingly With three NSA Regions having recently Andrew Barr Bob Blanden popular each year and adverts are held Annual Regional Members Regional Chairman Regional Manager Facebook/natsheep 01273 858563 01666 860308 listed in the order they are received. Meetings, NSA is pleased to welcome 07768 867124 07860 689391 So make sure you get yours in early new NSA Northern Ireland Region NSA is a Company Limited by Guarantee [email protected] [email protected] registered in England (No. 37818) and a to avoid disappointment. If you’ve Chairman Brian Jamieson (pictured) on Registered Charity in England and Wales (No. South West never used the service before, more board. Office holders in NSA Eastern 249255) and Scotland (No. SCO42853). Alan Derryman information can be found at www. and NSA Marches Regions remain Regional Chairman VAT No. 273 3469 44 01395 597836 nsanextgeneration.org.uk. unchanged. Brian takes over from [email protected] outgoing NI Regional Chairman Campbell NSA Office Holders Annual Regional Members Tweed. Find details of all regional office holders at www.nationalsheep.org.uk Lord Inglewood Bryan Griffiths Honorary President English Committee Chairman Meetings 07779 465729 The remaining six NSA Annual Regional David Gregory bryan.southcott@btconnect. Members Meetings (ARMM) have all Honorary Treasurer com now been confirmed. The business at Margaret Dalton Dan Phipps each will include: election/re-approval Chair of the Board Chair of UK Policy and Technology Committee of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer; nomination/re-approval of the regional Trustee Director; NSA Project Partners election of new committee Bob Kennard Edwin Harris members and endorsement of Make More of Mutton Welsh Commons Forum current members; a chairman’s Manager Chairman 07415 855530 01684 892661 (via NSA HQ) report; and a treasurer’s [email protected] www.nationalsheep.org.uk/ report relating to the region’s www.makemoreofmutton. welshcommonsforum org.uk finances.

2 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 3 meeting, organised by NFU, was well attended and Mr Gove courses for young enthusiastic shepherds to learn more about gave an updated presentation on where he sees the current working their own sheep dogs. This was a fantastic opportunity NSA reports – devolved nations situation going forward around all Brexit issues. He covered for them and something that we intend to build on for the many topics but highlighted three key points. Firstly, that any future – see page three for Annual Regional Members Meeting Brecon, for winning the John Gittins award at the event. public money would be for public good, such as environmental information. NSA Northern Ireland Region benefits and access, while improving soil health and animal By Edward Adamson, Development Officer I was invited to talk at the FUW Montgomery Farming Conference – along with HCC Chairman Kevin Roberts, Royal welfare. Secondly, productivity – improving yields while limiting Our Annual Regional Members inputs. And thirdly, volatility – the government knows that National Sheep Meeting was held on 20th November, ahead Welsh Chief Executive Steve Hughson, and Barclays’ Adam White. In late November, I also met with HCC, alongside other farming is exposed to this and wants to help. He also said the of an open meeting for all sheep producers. total support budget was guaranteed until 2022, but did not Association Several changes were made to Office Holders, industry partners, to further discuss the current market prices for light lambs. give details on payments and how they would be distributed which saw Brian Jamieson from Ballintoy taking depending on future agreements when leaving the EU. 2018 Events the role of Chairman. He takes over from We would also like to remind sheep keeper members that the annual inventory forms will be posted to all registered Raising serious concerns about the sheep sector’s Campbell Tweed. Jonny Farmer, regional NSA Next Generation future regarding trade and support payments, particularly NSA Eastern Region Winter Fair Ambassador, came in as Vice Chairman. Find full details of keepers from mid-December. If you do not receive a copy st for the hill and upland sector, Mr Gove seemed to have a Friday 9th February the Annual Members Meeting outcome on the NSA website. by 1 January 2018, please contact EID Cymru on 01970 st clear understanding of the consequences and that support Melton Mowbray Market, Leicestershire. The NI Committee also welcomed a new member, Elizabeth 636959. All forms to be returned by 1 February 2018. CPH and Livestock Movement rules are also being updated during would continue to be available in some format for hill sheep Earle, who recently joined the Agrisearch team. The following production. NSA Scot Sheep open meeting was well attended by producers who heard the next two years with the removal of CTS links, SOAs, and a Wednesday 30th May new process for registering temporary land associations and NSA Scottish Region also met with QMS Chief Executive Aurelie Aubry give an update on the research being carried Alan Clarke recently. The meeting was initially to introduce our Kings Arms Farm, Ballantrae, South Ayrshire. out by AFBI, followed by the Robinson father-and-son team temporary CPH. However, until you are contacted by RPW the rules remain unchanged. A fuller explanation of these rules NSA team to Alan, and gave us an opportunity to put forward NSA Sheep Event from Scotland. Both have an interest in sheep and excellent various concerns and suggestions gathered at the previous communication skills. The combination of their contributions, will be communicated via the NSA Weekly Email Update and Wednesday 18th July website. Please get in touch if you do not currently receive this committee meeting. The agenda included current and potential Three Counties Show Ground, Worcestershire. covering conventional thinking combined with modern and new export markets for Scotch Lamb, the Scotch PGI status and research ideas, made the evening worthwhile and informative update from NSA – see page three for Annual Regional Members Meeting information. maintaining it after Brexit, the low consumption of lamb and NSA South Sheep for the audience. possible ways to increase promotion and demand, monitor Saturday 8th September John Robinson studied Agriculture at Queens University, farms, the current marketing campaign, and lamb sampling in South of England Show Ground, Ardingly, Sussex. followed by research on ewe nutrition at Hillsborough. After a NSA Scottish Region stores and ways of increasing the demand for light lamb. NSA Entry to NSA Scot Sheep HALF PRICE for members; short spell at the University of London’s Wye College he moved By George Milne, Development Officer Scottish Region recently supported QMS by attend some of the to the Rowett Research Institute, in Aberdeen, before settling As I write this just other events FREE for members (one membership card lamb sampling days in supermarkets and this has proved to permits one free entry). at the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) now the Scottish ahead of our next be a worthwhile experience in connecting producers with the Rural University College (SRUC). Here he continued in animal committee meeting there Join today at www. nationalsheep.org.uk/membership public and consumers. Event details at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/events research until his retirement. He still has an Emeritus position will certainly be plenty to The region also held several successful sheepdog training at SRUC. His son Andrew is a vet and a partner in the Hawick discuss, following several Practice in the Scottish Borders. key meetings. Regional Chairman John Fyall and myself recently met with NSA Cymru/Wales Region Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing to discuss several issues for By Helen Davies, Development Officer the Scottish sheep sector, which included future support and EID Tag In October we held a farm walk trade as a priority. And Mr Ewing had a clear understanding at Ben Anthony and Diana of the consequences of these two points. Maintaining PGIs Reader Fairclough’s sheep unit. We for the beef and sheep sectors was also discussed, as it will were so lucky with the weather which, after be a requirement for the UK government to put in place, prior an inspiring presentation from Ben, allowed to leaving the EU, a legal document to protect all PGIs that delegates to enjoy a walk around the farm and currently exist in Scotland and the UK. NSA was well briefed to Waterproof, rugged design appreciate what the couple have done in terms of grassland speak clearly on this issue, as I had been part of the Scottish management and improving their flock. The 640-strong flock group invited to attend a meeting in Brussels on this subject. Management information using alerts of Aberfield cross Tregarron Welsh ewes are lambed indoors. The group included representatives from QMS and the Scottish Rotational grazing is key to good grassland management on the salmon and whisky industries and will be vitally important for Download/import data via USB unit. Although it may seem like hard work moving the electric any future trade deals. The Scottish upland sheep support fences, it has certainly paid off because the sheep looked scheme was also discussed with Mr Ewing and we took the Long life, rechargeable battery in fantastic condition. Ben and Diana have also embraced opportunity to highlight our concerns. new technology and have put themselves forward for various I’ve also met with Michael Gove recently, who attended Memory: Store over 1m records projects and schemes to further enhance their knowledge the Brexit farming roundtable meeting held in London. The of the industry, which they are happy to pass on to other LED, vibration and audio indicators producers. Our thanks go to them both for their kind hospitality ww and making the 40 plus members, and friends, who attended w.r most welcome. oxan Congratulations must go to Dan Pritchard, NSA Next .co.uk Generation Ambassador, for winning the 2017 Farmers /airstick Guardian Sheep Innovator award. Dan, along with fellow Regional Ambassadors Caryl Hughes and Nicola Drew, attended the Sheep Breeders Round Table through support given by NSA Cymru/Wales Region. The region also sponsored the Hill and Native breed section 01750 724 110 at the recent Welsh Winter Fair, together with a stand at the event where members, both old and new, were welcomed. [email protected] £599 It proved to be a busy fair with various activities, including mutton tasting, taking place on the stand during both days. NSA Scottish Region held several successful sheepdog training www.roxan.co.uk Congratulations go to Richard Roderick, from Newton Farm in courses in October.

4 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 5 NSA reports – English regions to be missed, with free entry for you as NSA members and a wide range of activities, seminars, demonstrations, stands and competitions for all to take part in. Meeting (ARMM) has been set for Wednesday 1st November. It was well Central I have just returned from an excellent three days in Wednesday 24th January 2018. It attended with some lively discussion By Anne Payne, Manager Nottingham as Chairman of the Sheep Breeders Round Table. starts at 7pm and will be held at the covering lynx, live exports, NSA policy Now that the sale The title of the conference this year was: ‘Thinking Positively’. Bluebell, at Tissington in Derbyshire, documents, disease threats to sheep, season is largely over, There was record attendance of more than 200 people on each where regional NSA Next Generation responsible antibiotic use, and North with varying prices recorded, our day and if you want to find out more, all presentations can Ambassadors will share their thoughts Sheep 2019. The next meeting is Regional Chairman Alastair Sneddon be found on the NSA website, or check out Twitter using the on how the programme as benefited scheduled for January 2018. shares a few observations. Not least hashtag #sbrt17. their farming businesses. Details of the The Annual Regional Members is that there are more people looking NSA regions generously sponsored a number of younger Annual Regional Members Meeting can Meeting (ARMM) is to take place on to buy ewe lambs than shearlings. This sheep producers to come along and, without doubt, the next be found on page three. Tuesday 13th February 2018, at 7.30pm would appear to be because there is an generation outnumbered the ‘oldies’, which is great to see. appetite to farm sheep without having at Hexham Mart. Further details will be the work and/or risk involved in lambing Northern posted on the NSA website in the New South East By Heather Stoney- Year. Details of the Annual Regional them. Consequently, the gap in price is By Bob Blanden, Manager Grayshon, Manager Members Meeting can be found on page closing between the value of ewe lambs A farm walk was held by NSA South West Region Chairman As usual I am writing this ahead of time Back in three. and shearlings and, in some cases, the Alan Derryman in September. and, on this occasion, the Sheep Health, September, some margin is very slim. This is particularly Wealth and Production Conference will have of our committee the case with second-quality examples, South West think we have generally been very lucky here in the Marches taken place by the time this report reaches members and NSA By Bryan Griffiths, because those producers who want to region, with most producers I talk to having got their fodder you. We have been fortunate enough to have secured an staff attended the Westmorland Show Committee Member buy shearlings to lamb want the best in the barn or clamp without too much interference from the outstanding collection of speakers. If there is anyone who has NEW 2013 RTV400 / 500 and flew the flag for British lamb. This NSA South West they can afford. The resulting two-tier weather. There definitely seems to be a lot more forage crops notCompact seen the line-up, you will be disappointed to have missed The best all terrain utility vehicle just got smaller included offering tastings in the food hall Region members were trade now begs the question: would around compared to other years, in fact some of the turnips the event. We are arranging to have the conference recorded to the public, which I am assured went treated to a fascinating and thought- in two robust, responsive and affordable packages. some sheep kept for shearlings have look more like swedes. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said and to make it available on the NSA website for those who down a treat. provoking farm tour this autumn, been worth more if killed as hoggets, for everyone and I hope it is a short winter for sheep-producer were unable to attend. I would like to express my thanks to all With two high performance models to choose from, either a 15.8HP The region sponsored two young courtesy of our Regional Chairman Alan rather than kept through to the autumn? colleagues who have not been as fortunate as us. the speakers and sponsors, as well as the University of Surrey liquid-cooled or a 16HP air-cooled EFI petrol engine version. people to attend the Sheep Breeders Derryman. Run on 243 hectares (600 Versatility With these thoughts in purchasers’ The trade as held up well for the late summer glut, but School of Veterinary Medicine for hosting, and everyone who These compact RTVs deliver outstanding durability and reliability Round Table Conference in Nottingham acres), Home Farm, based at Sidbury, minds, it has not been an easy season numbers on farms are beginning to dwindle somewhat now worked hard to ensure that the event ran smoothly. Thanks offering chokeless quick cold starts and selectable 4WD - ideal for in November. Stephen Taylor, from is run organically within the constraints for selling sheep and enthusiasm among with many opting to let someone else finish their tail-enders, also to all the delegates who attended. I am quietly confident livestock, amenity or country pursuits. Lancaster, and Edward Sutcliffe, of a stewardship scheme and supports buyers of store lambs has been lacking particularly since what grass there is left is soon likely to that this event will become a regular feature on a biennial from Halifax, were the lucky people 1,000 breeding sheep and 70 suckler Both RTV’s feature Kubota’s innovative transmission for ultimate after indifferent returns. disappear. Hopefully there will still be a strong trade for the calendar. chosen and I am sure both enjoyed an cows. Alan explained the intricacies of control and safety on hill descents and are powerful and rugged October saw 30 NSA members old-season lambs and the store finishers will have more to look You will find the official notice for our Annual Regional interesting weekend full of all things maintaining the six ‘families’ that make enjoy a day at John Gate’s Cheshire- forward to than last season. Only time will tell. Members Meeting (ARMM) on page three, but I am pleased enough to handle any terrain or any task, all day, every day. sheep. up the entirely self-contained flock of based farm. A fine day made for I cannot believe it is almost a year since I took the to announce that we have managed to secure two interesting NSA Northern Region, together with Romneys. With the use of EID, he has perfect conditions for John and his son chairmanship of the NSA Marches Region but, as they say, speakers as well as a report from our NSA Next Generation AHDB, is holding a Sheep Farmers selectively bred productive ewes that can Richard to share details of their farming time flies when you’re having fun. I am lucky to have a good Ambassador’s and our sponsored young person on the Sheep Social Evening at Barnard Castle Mart thrive solely on the steep, dry pastures NEW ���� enterprises. Together with other land team to work with, but it is always nice to see some new faces. Breeders Round Table. This will include Gordon Wyeth, Farmers on Monday 11th December. The evening where the farm is situated, near the RTV���Ci parcels, the home farm comprises more So please don’t be shy and remember all our meetings are Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year 2016, who was unfortunately kicks off at 6.30pm with a pie-and-pea south coast. The same philosophy has & RTV��� than 49 hectares (120 acres), with an open to everyone so do come and join us. Details of the Annual not able to speak to us earlier this year due to a bereavement. supper, followed by a demonstration been applied to the herd of Stabiliser emphasis on keeping their system as Regional Members Meeting can be found on page three. Gordon farms locally to Alton with 10,000 Romney sheep and on lamb selection for slaughter and an cows, with the emphasis on building SPECIAL OFFER ACROSS ENTIRE RTV RANGE straightforward as possible. The sheep is now an intermediate depot for British Wool. Sticking with the AHDB update on marketing activity. NSA a herd that will perform well on home- enterprise consists of 600 Mule ewes, Eastern British wool theme, British Wool Chief Executive Joe Farren will will give a presentation on its ongoing grown forage. By Jonathan Barber, Manager + together with 150 Mule gimmers bought be addressing us on some of the recently introduced measures * Terms and Conditions apply. Conditions apply to 2nd year work and what it does to represent Viewed from a high vantage point, See the Kubota website or dealer for details. - see dealer for details. in annually and 100 pedigree Rouge. We held our Annual Regional Members he has implemented to reduce handling costs, to help improve your sheep sector. The event is free the farm presented a wonderfully th The main flock is lambed outdoors in Meeting on 11 October and we had a returns to producers. No doubt he will have other subjects to attend. It would assist us in making picturesque scene of woodland, parkland For further information or to fi nd your local dealer: April, with lambs sold deadweight. A herd tremendous turnout. I don’t know whether to cover. Finally, I’d like to wish all our members a merry sure there are plenty of pies if you could and pasture and is a fine example of of 100 suckler cows is run alongside that was because everybody was happy or because our Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2018. Details of the www.kubota.co.uk register your interest with myself or the livestock production working together the sheep enterprise and turkeys are guest speaker was Charles Sercombe, who spoke about his Annual Regional Members Meeting on page three. Tel: ����� ��� ��� produced for the Christmas market. mart office. with the environment. Following the role as NFU National Livestock Board Chairman. He touched A committee meeting was held on tour, those in attendance enjoyed Our Annual Regional Members on all the subjects he felt we should know about, from the NSA SHEEP 2013 AD 134x182mm S1.indd 1 12/06/2013 15:27 refreshments kindly sponsored by next generation in the industry, to working with multiples, local suppliers, Perkins, while Alan and responsible use of antimicrobials, and many other aspects Gwenan received a well-deserved vote of of his role. He certainly stimulated many questions from the thanks. Details of the Annual Regional audience and a lively discussion. Ratification of the region’s Members Meeting on page three. officers took place at the meeting, which saw Dan Phipps reapproved as Chairman and regional representative to NSA Marches English Committee. Thanks were given to Andrew Foulds for his By Antony Spencer, Chairman representation, on behalf of the region, on the NSA Board of We have had our first couple Trustee. His role finishes in January 2018 and Jonathan Barber of frosts now and grass was elected in his place. Robert Spink was elected as Vice growth has finally slowed down. It Chairman. The committee was re-elected on block, with the really has been a fantastic autumn in additions of Lisa Adams and Louis Osman. terms of grass growth and the lambs Members were happy with the events, farm walk and sales have done surprisingly well on what I that had taken place throughout the year in the region. would generally consider ‘tidying up’ NSA Eastern Region Winter Fair will take place on Friday 9th Some 30 members and friends enjoyed a Farm Walk in Central Region in October. grazing going into the winter months. I February at Melton Mowbray. It promises to be an event not

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Prices exclude VAT and postage. Prices correct at time of print. 01604 881 491 www.fearing.co.uk We reserve the right to change prices. E&OE. Fearing Ltd

22 SHEEP FARMER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 23

SFnovdec13p.indd 23 1/11/13 12:27:56 Prepare for lambing at NSA Eastern Region Winter Fair Don’t give fluke Come and join NSA Eastern Region, at NSA representatives will also be on hand 4pm and entry is free for NSA members Melton Mowbray Market, for an array of throughout the day to discuss its current (one membership card permits one free information, activities, demonstrations and ongoing work on behalf of members. entry). Non-members will be charged £5. and competitions that will be of great Melton Mowbray market has excellent More information is available from interest to all sheep producers at facilities, including a comfortable event organiser Jonathan Barber, a break its biennial Winter Fair on Friday 9th conference area, award-winning cafe, NSA Eastern Regional Manager, in February 2018. and plenty of undercover and outside conjunction with Norfolk-based Ceres Providing choices, so you can select the ideal solution With lambing only a few months space for the wide range of displays. Solutions. Call 01953 607860 or email away for the majority of flocks, what The event will run from 10am until [email protected]. better time to brush up on ewe nutrition, all year round... vaccinations and worming policies. Or perhaps consider adopting some new products for identification and handling. WINTER FAIR The event also represents a chance to look ahead to the grazing season, with an array of fencing and grassland “Get Ready for Lambing” management solutions on display. With the increasing interest from FRIDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2018 arable producers on how to integrate sheep into crop rotations to help tackle MELTON MOWBRAY MARKET black grass and improve soil fertility, this topic will feature in the day’s seminar 10 am - 4 pm programme and in many of the exhibits at the event. The main sponsors at the event SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER will be MSD Animal Health, who will be discussing the industry five-point- plan to address lameness in flocks and, therefore, improve total flock performance. Recent survey results suggest a major reason for early culling of sheep is due to lameness, so it’s a subject that many flocks need to get to grips with. Stock judging NSA EASTERN REGION WINTER FAIR There’s a chance for everyone to test their stock-judging skills. And there will  Trade Stands also be a competition for teams of young sheep producers. The Next Generation  Seminars Team Challenge will be for teams of three; age 26 and under on the day.  Sheep Breed Exhibits Teams will be asked to: - • Assess a pen of prime lambs  Stock Judging Competitions • Judge a group of breeding ewes  • Judge a group of terminal sire rams Demonstrations • Carry out some sheep husbandry tasks • Complete a questionnaire New for 2018 This will be a short-format competition “Next Generation Team Challenge” and will give visitors the time to take part in the competition, as well as visit for details contact stands and attend seminar sessions. Organised by the National Sheep Association, Eastern Region. Tel : 01953 607860 Email : offi[email protected] Admission - NSA Members FREE £5 for Adults, Closamectin® Solution for Injection for Cattle & Sheep POM-VPS contains 5 mg/ml ivermectin and 125 mg/ml closantel. Free to Agricultural Students and Children under 18 Triclafas® Drench 5% w/v Oral Suspension POM-VPS contains 5% w/v triclabendazole. Solantel® 50mg/ml Oral Suspension for Sheep POM-VPS contains 50 mg/ml closantel. Further information is available from the manufacturer. Manufactured and distributed in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in GB by: Norbrook Laboratories (GB) Limited, 1 Saxon Way East, Oakley Hay Industrial Estate, Corby, NN18 9EX. | 4365-LA(S)-GB-12/10/17 8 SHEEP FARMER

4365 Solantel Sheep Farmer Advert A4 Portrait.indd 1 13/10/2017 09:22 Genetic evaluation report Tips for maximising ram results debut at conference longevity and productivity Thought-provoking would be one way to describe delegates’ By Sara Gregson, contributor response to the long-anticipated preliminary results of the A lot of money is often spent on buying RamCompare project, unveiled at the NSA Sheep Breeders quality rams, but some commercial Round Table in November. The project set out to compare sheep producers are disappointed when the performance of progeny by different breeds for a range of they get them back onto their farms. traits. Data collected was used to carry out a combined breed The results of a recent project suggest analysis and determine whether commercial abattoir data that with more attention to health and could be used to produce EBVs for carcase traits. nutrition, rams could be active for much AHDB beef & Lamb’s Liz Genever says: “From an AHDB longer perspective, the focus is on getting a larger proportion of Rams face considerable challenges, carcases meeting market specifications. RamCompare provides often moving from the relative luxury the opportunity to feed carcase trait information into genetic of a pedigree flock to the rigours of evaluations. It will offer producers the tools to get a greater working life on a new unit with a limited, proportion of their animals meeting target specifications. We’ve or no, transitional period and patchy got a massive opportunity here to get more lambs into that box preventative health programmes. and to move the industry forward.” With growing concern about the RamCompare was launched in May 2015 and is the UK’s on financial returns on carcases of up to £7 were experienced short working lives of rams and the first official progeny test. Six farms located across the UK were by the producers involved, depending on sires used. cost to producers, a recently completed involved in data collection for phase one, which included: “This is despite the fact that all rams involved were already research project set out to provide data and £700,” says Lesley Stubbings. • Ewe records – breed, age, weight, body condition score considered to be high genetic merit animals,” he said. “Looking to show how long rams actually last. “More than half the producers buy Ram KPIs throughout the year and sire group Funded by the Norman Hayward Fund at the top 25% for eight-week weights, for example, there are a direct from a breeder and this reflects a Average working life 4.5 years • Lambing records – including sire and dam, number born, greater number of Suffolks, which rank highly here, alongside of the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation, growing trend across the industry. This Lifetime output 289 lambs birth weight, ease of birth, deaths, fostering information Hampshires. When it came to muscling, it is interesting to and carried out by independent sheep direct relationship means that there is • On-farm lamb performance – weights at around 56 days, see the Meatlinc rank highly, but they have been selecting on consultants Lesley Stubbings and Kate potential for more information sharing Cost/lamb reared £1.99 90 days and at sale. Ultrasound muscle and fat depth muscle depth for years. “When we broke down data and looked Phillips and vet Chris Lewis, the work between vendor and buyer. Cost p/kg carcase (20kg 10p measurements were done at around 90 days at specific farm group, this became a consistent theme for the has come up with some answers. “Only a third of sheep producers carcase) • DNA samples for future research Meatlinc across the board. Suffolks also had a big influence in The ‘Improving the Welfare and always, or mostly, buy performance • Carcase information – carcase weight, conformation and fat this category, partly due to their size. So it will be interesting to Longevity of Rams in Commercial Sheep recorded rams, yet there is no difference class look at these in a weight-adjusted environment. Flocks’ project gathered information from in life-length between recorded rams and Further recommendations in the • Saleable meat yield (by weighing primals) and tenderness almost 600 UK sheep flocks, mainly non-recorded animals. This might help report on health issues include adapting score on loins (shear force) were collected from a proportion Wider pool through focus group discussions and an dispel any criticism that high genetic the five-point plan for lameness for of the lamb crop (around 15 female lambs per sire) “In terms of fat depth measurement, Suffolks and Hampshire online survey, as well as more detailed merit animals do not last as long,” she rams, involving vets who can break Downs tended to be fatter, with Texels leaner and Charollais data from several farms and surveys adds. open product packs and dispense small Ram breeds used within the project were Charollais, coming in at both ends of the scale,” he added. completed at shows and events. quantities of vaccinations for rams, and Hampshire Down, Meatlinc, Suffolk, and Texel. During the RamCompare is set to continue for the next three Health management looking to develop a ‘Clean Bill of Health’ first three years of the project, more than 360 natural service years, involving eight farms across the UK. A wider pool of Project results Sheep producers identified health status document. Vendors would complete this and around 180 AI rams were nominated for use, with performance recorded terminal sire breeds are now being While the sheep producers surveyed as the highest selection priority when and purchasers could use it as a guide some breeders now considering freezing semen for future included, with strong interest from several breeders outside of online were generally satisfied with rams are bought. But their knowledge of to future treatments and feeding. nominations in subsequent years. the original five used during phase one. how long their rams were lasting, their treatments received by rams before they “It was about producing a comparison between five The biennial Sheep Breeders Round Table event is organised expectations were not matched with are sold is low. Ram feeding commercial breeds,” explained Ms Genever. “These five were by AHDB Beef & Lamb, NSA, QMS, HCC and AgriSearch. reality. On average, they wanted them to They are also often left out of routine “On farms where we monitored weight chosen because they tended to have the most history around Find more information about RamCompare on page 27 of work for four to five years, but in practice flock treatments, including vaccination and condition, rams lost, on average, performance recording and tended to be numerically significant this issue. they are lasting for 3.8 years. programmes. With respiratory diseases 9% of their bodyweight while working, within the UK. More than 70 rams were tested during the first “On average, the respondents paid and lameness high on the list of causes but this reached 20% in some cases,” two years of the project, and these were typically within the £516 per ram, with a wide variation in of ram death and culling, this is a says Ms Stubbings. “There is a need for top 20% for carcase traits because it was our aim to get top prices, but most falling between £300 significant oversight. clearer and more accurate guidance on performance rams onto the system.” Quarantine is also a weakness that ram feeding throughout the whole year. Focus group insights was identified on a large proportion “If we can improve ram health Leading sires of units. Only a small number of planning and nutrition then we can 88% felt scope to increase ram life Initial results are shown across a series of tables, which show sheep producers isolate rams for the improve the working lives of rams and leading sires within the project during the first two years. The 78% agreed ram health planning needs recommended minimum period of three reduce the costs per lamb sold. results will be updated in May 2018, to include records for a improvement to four weeks. She adds that further development further 1,500 carcases for lambs born in late spring 2017 and 96% thought more knowledge of a ram’s “There are two main reasons for this of the key performance indicators (KPIs) finished later in the year. RamCompare results only rank the previous management desirable shortened quarantine time,” says Ms and sound benchmarking are also performance of animals on trial, which included rams in the Stubbings. “Firstly ram sales are often required if sheep producers are going top 1% for a trait across some breeds while others only saw 77% would quarantine for longer if could too close to tupping to allow time for a to be able to manage and measure rams in the top 25% put forward. The new carcase trait EBVs 80% did not know enough about ram suitable quarantine period and, secondly, improvement in ram performance over will appear as part of genetic evaluations for animals with nutrition the level of trust between purchaser time. “This will give them the confidence acceptable accuracy values. 98% thought that there was significant and vendor may overshadow the need to that keeping fit, healthy and fully capable Signet Manager Sam Boon spoke about some of the scope to reduce ram costs protect the flock from unseen problems, rams is the most cost-effective strategy headline figures of the study and highlighted that differences such as anthelmintic resistant worms.” to follow.”

10 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 11 Couple scoop final NSA giveaway

One Monmouthshire-based couple are in May, Jenny says that she and her wasting no time in putting their new partner are looking forward to the next IAE lamb weigh crate to work, after event – for business networking as well winning the coveted prize in NSA’s final as catching up with friends. prize-draw giveaway of 2017. Jenny Parry and Mike Smith, who farm in the Brecon Beacons National Park near Look out for NSA’s Abergavenny, are delighted by their win. exciting 2018 prize draw “We never win anything, so obviously This fourth and final IAE lamb weigh we were thrilled when we got the call,” crate winner marks the end of NSA’s says Jenny. “It couldn’t have come at a 2017 prize-draw giveaway, which has better time, with our main lamb-selling seen four lucky members scoop this season ahead of us and our current incredible prize during the past 12 weigh crate is definitely starting to show months. its age.” Make sure you keep your eyes peeled The couple reintroduced sheep for details of NSA’s all-new giveaway for production at their unit 10 years ago, 2018, which will be announced in the after purchasing the farm they currently next edition of Sheep Farmer. run. Their system, Jenny says, is an agricultural related business. And New NSA members are automatically extensively managed and comprises we also run our own company producing entered into the draw on signing up but, 400 Texel cross ewes from which all hand-crafted oak products for restoration as an existing member, you can make as lambs are all finished off grass and projects,” explains Jenny. many entries into the draw as you like by sold through Monmouthshire Livestock “As far as our sheep enterprise is simply recommending someone to join Market. Given the couples other concerned, we aim to produce good NSA. commitments, keeping the business quality finished lambs as efficiently efficient is key. as possible, within the constraints “As well as running the farm of jobs, family and other business business, my partner Mike and I are commitments.” also employed full-time off the farm in After signing up at NSA Welsh Sheep

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12 SHEEP FARMER ADVERTORIAL NSA activity focuses on Brexit, live LIQUID FEEDS: exports, and sheep health scheme A RUNAWAY SUCCESS

By Phil Stocker, NSA on this. It could certainly help to tackle Work at Defra and the devolved Brexit updates losses caused by disease and parasites administrations relating to Brexit • Improving collaboration between that we already have clear answers continues, but few decisions have Westminster and the devolved to (PGE, Fluke, and abortions as been made. Preparation is key here nations examples). And we could also deal with so that informed choices can be • Commitments to fair distribution some ‘iceberg’ diseases like MV and made once decisions emerge. The of funds, but avoiding trade OPA. NSA still feels strongly that one of Withdrawal Bill (formerly referred to distortions, and a far stronger spirit the big answers to this is to strengthen as the Great Repeal Bill) that will pass of collaboration between our levy that sheep producer/sheep vet EU legislation into our statute books is bodies too relationship and to use vets to prevent now being considered by Parliament. A • Strong suggestions of a two-year problems and increase efficiency, rather government Agriculture Bill white paper transitional period than to treat problems when they’ve (also referred to as the Agriculture Bill • The likelihood of government support occurred. ‘command paper’) is expected at the stability until 2022, but rapid change end of the year, as is the Environment thereafter Live exports Bill white paper (also referred to as the • Intense debates on the future of Both George Eustice and Michael NZ TRQ volumes, with NZ strongly ‘Environment 25-year plan’). Gove have clearly stated that they see FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: opposed to the UK/EU position Sugar content boosts rumen function It has become even clearer that with Brexit as an opportunity to ‘restrict live Richard Dobson 07764 344716 some 40% of UK sheepmeat being • High levels of Defra preparation exports’ – an activity they feel casts a Highly palatable, drives dry matter intake exported (96% of this to the EU) and for export certification and border cloud over the high welfare reputation Mel Broughton 07717 341425 controls with third countries. little hope of establishing equivalent enjoyed by the sheep industry. Michael Low substitution allows better use of dry feed Dave Stanford 07767 873748 alternative trade elsewhere in the value of sheep farming to the UK. NSA Gove made it clear that breeding stock Danielle Goatley 07710 075824 timescales concerned, a trade deal with will continue to do this in whatever were not under threat and that they Free access feeding reduces stress Freephone: 0800 3898450 the EU (or at least a long transitional way it can but I believe that you, as are perceived to have more reliable Reduces risk of ‘Twin Lamb’ disease arrangement) that allows tariff free members, can also play your part. I welfare conditions due to their higher www.edfmanliquidproductsuk.com access for our lamb (and mutton) into would suggest that as many individuals value. However there is clearly confusion the EU is critical. as possible should be contacting their concerning the rationale and implications MPs – by letter, telephone or email, of what they are suggesting, namely that Wider messages or face to face. This is about ensuring exporting or transporting sheep across Molasses blends for energised ewes NSA’s message to Ministers has got that our political ‘servants’ know the water is ‘cruel’. The reality is that any through, although this is no guarantee importance of ensuring that we have the welfare problems are usually brought Feeding high energy molasses blends to ewes in late pregnancy can Twins: Medium level of supplementation where the aim is to ensure of success. Wider messages about the economic and market conditions that about by poor legal enforcement – have a big impact on lambing success, reducing the risk of twin lamb two viable and thriving lambs Triplets: Maximum care and attention value and importance of sheep farming allow us to thrive and succeed. something that is not consistent across disease and boosting lamb vigour. is required and careful supplementation is required to ensure all 3 in the UK are also hitting home and AHDB Beef & Lamb continues to add EU states. And that’s something that ED&F Man’s Danielle Goatley points out, “Most ewes lambs can be carried and delivered successfully. I was told first hand, in a one-to-one to its library of ‘Horizon’ publications was made clear to the Secretary of State are coming into the winter in good condition. The key is Sheep diets should be based around good quality forage, meeting with Michael Gove, that UK relating to Brexit. Impact scenario during our meeting with him. As a result, to keep them in good condition, preventing them getting supplemented with appropriate energy and protein grazing livestock farming is reliant on, publications for England and Scotland NSA has been in discussions with NFU, overly fat or losing too much weight, either of which can sources, as well as good sources of vitamins and minerals. and worthy of, support. This all relates are now available, with a similar paper and more recently with other bodies, lead to reduced performance and the increased chance of Sheepmol and Sheepmol Plus are high dry matter, high to the wider environmental and social/ for Wales due out in the New Year. All about the potential for ‘assured export metabolic disorders.” sugar blends of cane molasses, glycerine and liquid co- cultural outcomes of sheep farming – are available on AHDB’s web site. routes’ with industry taking responsibility products, formulated specifically for sheep. The unique mix of energy and its role in soil management. for overseeing agreed trade. The details Twin and triplet bearing ewes have a particularly high demand for sources promotes healthy lamb growth and maintains ewe health. The principle for the future is Sheep health of this need a lot more work, but it is energy, especially glucose, and as they get closer to lambing this highly likely to be one of livestock Members will remember NSA proposals, a fact that there are ways to ensure demand increases. If these energy and glucose demands aren’t As pregnancy progresses and the lamb grows, the physical pressure enterprises that should achieve viability several years ago, for an RDP-type and demonstrate legal compliance and met, then ewes can suffer twin lamb disease/pregnancy toxaemia. on the rumen increases and intake capacity is reduced. In this through peak efficiency within ‘natural sheep health scheme that would to ensure good welfare conditions. We Around 70% of the lamb’s growth takes place in the last two months situation liquid feeds offer a number of unique benefits:- boundaries’, and ‘contracts’ for the encourage and support producers to ‘do must also be ambitious if we want to of pregnancy. It is therefore vital to ensure that the ewe’s nutritional delivery of a range of public goods the right thing’ to improve the health keep this trade. requirements are met during this time. The exceptional palatability drives intakes when DMI can be and benefits. There’s a good chance status of their flocks. Actions including reduced that the government will not allow UK advisory relationships with sheep vets, To meet the high energy demands of the growing lamb, ewes naturally producers to face what New Zealand’s membership of accreditation schemes metabolise body fat in the liver, producing ketones. If the dietary Low substitution rates mean more can be fed than would be the producers faced back in the 1980s, or the use of disease screening energy supply is inadequate, excessive body fat is metabolised, case with a dry feed without reducing forage intakes when subsidies were removed suddenly. programmes and many more were leading to an excessive build-up of ketones to toxic levels and body The high sugar supply boosts rumen function, meaning ewes get We should expect RDP type capital proposed. As we approach Brexit, this condition loss. more from each mouthful consumed investment support and measures thinking has re-emerged and the Animal The rule that prevention is better than cure is particularly true in this Free access feeding can reduce stress and the incidence of to enable efficiency of production. In Health and Welfare Board for England situation. Twin lamb disease can be prevented by feeding the ewe bullying or prolapse addition, although far from clear, we (AHWBE) facilitated a meeting recently properly, in terms of both quantity and quality of feed supplied. should also see measures explored to with members of the Sheep Health help us to weather market volatility. and Welfare Group (of which NSA is a Start supplementary nutrients six weeks pre lambing date with an ED&F Man offer a proven range of sheep supplementary products The next few months will be vital, so member) to discuss this approach. The amount based on ewe condition, and where possible with predicted including the recently launched Sheepmol range, and if extra protein we must continue to ensure that those AHWBE was surprised by the sheep scanning information. is required, Prime 20. All are high sugar, high energy liquids. The in positions of power understanding the sector’s enthusiasm to move forward Singles: Low levels of supplement should be offered to avoid too Sheepmol range has the added benefit of glycerine inclusion to large a lamb birth weight. reduce the likelihood of twin lamb disease. 14 SHEEP FARMER up. Malicious software, known as malware, is used to gain Cybercrime is a growing threat access to computers. Emails are sent from what appears to be a legitimate source, including an attachment or link containing the malware. Once these are clicked on or opened, fraudsters can then gain access to confidential information and money. to UK sheep industry “Another type of cyber fraud is ransomware,” adds Mr Naylor. “Fraudsters dupe the recipient into clicking on a link in By Karen Wright, contributor an email, or on a website, that delivers a virus to the computer, Cybercrime is a growing threat across all businesses and locking down your personal data so that you can’t access it. sheep producers are not exempt. The NSA recognises The criminals then demand that you pay a ‘ransom’ if you want the increasing threat of cybercrime and its responsibility access to be reinstated.” towards helping to protect its members. “Hackers are getting The recent The Times Tech Summit in London warned that cleverer, they keep changing their approaches and even the security threats against internet-connected devices were savviest of us can be caught out,” says Chief Executive Phil growing because it was so easy and cheap for criminals to buy Neil Wilson. Andrew Naylor. Stocker. ransomware on the web in buy-one-get-one-free deals where “Although it’s not ‘good’ news, it helps if members can you can share the profits with people who have written the that producers blame poor connection as the reason that they share their experiences if they are affected by cybercrime so code. can’t get onto the internet or pick up WiFi,” she adds. “In fact, we can warn others,” he adds. “It’s an on-going battle.” And with increasing connectivity – with more technology it could easily be hackers that are blocking the system.” Mr Stocker speaks from experience too; finding out after connected by WiFi – the issue of cybercrime is likely to get And as we rely more on the internet and WiFi, so the some months that his credit card had run up a debt of Tim Port. Kreseda Smith. worse, according to Harper Adams University’s Kreseda Smith. problem will intensify. “We’re moving increasingly towards £18,000, way over the credit limit and used in unusual places. Completing her PhD in farm crime, she has spoken to many automated farming systems, with WiFi-enabled farm machinery. “It was several months before the card company picked up year, when they know that farmers have money arriving in their producers on issues of crime including cybercrime and has Thieves can steal a tractor with keys, but in the future they may on this. The fraudsters had managed to get my bank to change account. He highlights some key ‘do’s and don’ts’ to help found them to be increasingly worried about the latter. hack into Wi-Fi devices to take them.” my address, so that I didn’t received my statements. Luckily producers avoid cybercrime: And the increasing amount of farm data held on computers the loss was covered by the card company, but it was a very • Never disclose security details. Security software and sent via the Internet also poses as an opportunity to unpleasant experience.” A genuine bank or organisation will never ask you for your “And few are aware of the level of security they need,” she hackers, bent on damaging farm records, taking financial PIN or full password in an email, on the phone, or in writing. says. “The very minimum is a firewall but they should also have information and generally creating disruption. Growing concern Question what and why you are being asked for the details, software that regularly checks mobile data and Wi-Fi on their “Producers must make sure that their data is backed up And it’s an experience that’s on the increase. Rising concerns and make sure you know who you’re talking to. devices, regardless of their system. No one system is exempt safely,” she adds, admitting that the industry should take a about cybercrime have been highlighted in responses to the • Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic from the threat of cybercrime.’ coordinated approach to protecting and keeping farmers fully NFU Mutual’s annual rural crime survey, which revealed that it Just because someone knows your name and address, Farms are in rural and often remote areas and have been aware. “What we’re doing now is not enough. This is a rapidly was farmers’ fastest rising concern. or details like your mother’s maiden name, it doesn’t mean plagued with poor connectivity to broadband. “But the danger is growing problem.” “We’re now seeing reports that sheep producers are that they’re genuine. Criminals can falsify phone numbers increasingly being targeted in scams that are simple but and pose convincingly as bank employees or trusted effective, particularly at times when criminals know BPS is officials. Often, they’ll try to trick you into revealing security being paid and farmers’ bank accounts are likely to have details by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud. Premier Sheep money in them,” says NFU Mutual’s Rural Affairs Specialist Tim • Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision Price. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or other “Cybercrime can be conducted from the comfort of trusted organisation force you to make an on-the-spot Drench criminals’ own homes, and relies on small businesses not financial transaction or transfer. Nor would they rush you having effective computer protection software in place – or while you pause to think. Slow down, so that you can Have the trace elements in your failing to spot that they are being scammed.” consider your actions. stock been washed out this The Mutual NFU urges sheep producers to take some basic • Stay in control precautions to protect themselves from cybercrime, such Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for summer? as using up to date anti-virus software and keeping firewalls personal or financial details. It’s easy to feel embarrassed Drench 3-5 weeks prior to lambing switched on and running software ‘patches’ immediately. when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But to maximise livestock performance. Insuring against cybercrime may also be considered. if you don’t feel in control of a discussion, it’s fine to end it High levels of essential elements “Never divulge passwords, PIN numbers or card or reader straight away. generated codes to anyone,” says Mr Price. “And if you’re • Listen to your instincts to balance the ewe and lamb up to presented with an unusual request or If something feels wrong, question it. and through lambing. pop-up during an online banking session Criminals aim either to pressure you or to asking you to enter security information, lull you into a false sense of security while Not all mineral drenches are the close the session and check with your your defences are down. Whether you’re bank’s online banking helpdesk. Be extra busy with other activities or relaxing at same vigilant.” home, think carefully about the information you’re giving. Double check “For some time now, producers have And it is well worth checking out a been heavily targeted by fraudsters using phone number from the bank’s own web telephone scams, known as ‘vishing’, site before calling to confirm account where callers claim to be from their bank,” payee details. “Check out data on farm says Lloyds’ UK Head of Agriculture machinery for sale too and, if you are Andrew Naylor. thinking of buying it and paying on line, “Vishing scams trick unsuspecting Contact Jonathan Guy wait until it has been inspected and victims into divulging online banking T 01886 880482 verified as genuine.” credentials, or coerce them into taking M 07866 607466 HSBC’s Head of Agriculture Neil Wilson steps that allow the criminal to access E [email protected] also urges producers to be on the lookout Cybercriminals could be watching your their bank account,” he explains. W www.jganimalhealth.com for scammers at certain times of the online activity. Cybercrime, though, is the next step

16 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 17 Straw shortage: what alternatives are available? Ewbol There’s an acute shortage of straw woodchip compared to straw. There was complete the cycle, woodchip bedding, Productive this year – the result of poor weather, no difference between woodchip and as with straw, has been demonstrated particularly in Scotland, but also straw as bedding on animal behaviour, to be compostable. That said, the Healthy increasing demand by biomass burning average daily gain or food intake. Lambs composting process takes longer Profitable plants, which draw heavily on straw were fed hay as well as concentrates compared to straw and ‘immature’ supplies from eastern England. This will during this period, but the lack of straw compost should not be used on land push up the cost of bedding housed as bedding did not lead to animals until fully broken down. This can take systems on many units this coming housed on woodchip eating more hay. between two and three years. winter – and the cost may well remain A further study investigated lambing On the plus side, re-using the ForFarmers Ewbol range high for years to come. So what are the onto woodchip compared to straw woodchip for bedding the following year alternatives if straw is unavailable? and found there to be no differences can not only save space and money provides quality ewe and Sawdust, woodchips, miscanthus, and in behaviour or lamb survival. Much from buying in a full supply of woodchip PAS 100 green waste compost are just more woodchip was used during the again, but the process also aids the lamb feeds for all systems. some bedding-material options available lambing period than straw, but the study composting process by adding extra to sheep producers, which could prove concluded that, if produced on farm, the nitrogen to the material. to be competitively priced compared to cost of woodchip could be significantly The benefits of feeding straw this winter. reduced. Slat solution ForFarmers Ewbol And, looking longer term, ever Woodchip should have a moisture Another solution, particularly in areas High increasing demand and prices for cereal content of less than 30% to maximise where the cost or availability of straw Energy range: straw in the UK mean that it could be the absorbency of the material. And is an ongoing issue, could be the Reduces twin increasingly costly for sheep systems to producers must ensure that the installation of slats. Slats are used lamb disease Increases forage rely on buying in straw for housing during woodchip source is appropriate and that in most sheep housing in Northern Quality digestibility winter, fattening and lambing. only clean woodchip (not contaminated Ireland, according to CAFRE’s Sheep protein with glues or plastics) is used. Technologist Eileen McCloskey. “Most Improves lamb Woodchip option In order to use woodchip effectively – use wire mesh slats. But we’ve installed survival and Increases fibre This is even more of a concern in and appropriately – the sheep unit must plastic slats here at our new sheep vigour digestibility areas such as Wales, which have a also be properly set up to support its unit – they’re textured to ensure good low prominence of arable systems. So use. The bedding must be mechanically grip and not too wide, which means that says a report carried out by Farming handled, meaning that sheds must be they’re also suitable for young lambs.” Connect and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC Meat able to be driven into The plastic Promotion Wales), alongside several to apply woodchip. slats installed at academic partners, to assess the use of And woodchip storage Glenwherry were woodchip as bedding for livestock. is also important, originally developed Work at IBERS, Aberystwyth if producers want for pig production University, found that growing lambs to buy in bulk and systems, but are now actually showed a preference for keep costs down. To being used on some sheep units ® Key to success of slats is having appropriate ‘traffic’ on them. “If the ‘foot fall’ is too low, the slats Number 1 for over 40 years will become dirty. It’s important to have enough ewes on the slats to ensure that faeces is pushed through and they stay Helping you rear clean,” she says. For more information speak to your local Dr McCloskey believes that the plastic account manager or call 0845 722 8853 slats are well worth the investment. strong, healthy lambs “The sheep are comfortable and settled Our expert team offer husbandry and management [email protected] www.forfarmers.co.uk – slipping isn’t a problem and the slats support, to help you get the most out of your flock. offer a sure footing. And it’s easy to ForFarmersUK clear wool from the slats, which can be www.lamlac.co.uk Freephone: 0800 919808 a problem with wire mesh floors. Wool doesn’t stick to the plastic slats. “The slats have also proved to be strong and durable. I think some Follow us Like us Watch us producers are a sceptical about the strength of plastic slats, but if they’re installed correctly with plenty of support Sheep on plastic slats at CAFRE’s Glenwherry unit. then they’re extremely strong.”

18 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 19 Farm facts Flock expansion is key to mitigating future volatility • Ballintoy, in Country Antrim, comprises more than 110 hectares (272 acres) – a mixture of lower lying By Hannah Park, NSA got away with it. and higher altitude grazing. An expansion plan is just one of the “From a financial point of view, • 300 commercial Texel and Suffolk vital ingredients required to ensure we need a system where one person cross ewes, plus 60 ewe lamb the continued success of his business, can manage between 250 and 300 replacements according to Ballycastle-based sheep ewes independently. So we’re gearing producer Brian Jamieson. everything to be as efficient as we • 50-cow suckler-beef herd put to a With a keen eye for growing and possibly can.” Limousin bull developing his farm, expansion plans are Lambs are drawn and sold liveweight • Indoor lambing, commences second the focus for the family business, which from June onwards. A small amount week in March he runs in partnership with his brother, of additional concentrate is offered • Lambs sold through livestock market Lyle. For them, success is all about annually, depending on seasonal factors, • Ram lambs left entire, so aims to utilising grazing potential for maximum with a view to getting the year’s lamb sell by November returns. This is particularly important crop away by the following November. because Brian is looking to boost sheep This is particularly important, according markets and we get on well selling our numbers during the next few years, and to Brian, because all ram lambs are kept lambs there. Without them, I do feel to move a more intensively run system entire. we’d be very much at the beck and call to gain the best return from the land. of the conglomerates. Although you know Despite the commitment this growth Minimal inputs the pence per kilogramme that you’ll brings with it, representing the sheep “Obviously the main aim is to make receive when selling deadweight, I don’t industry through various channels is as much money as we can from these think that lambs have killed out as well also important to Brian, and most lambs. And if we can do that with as some people had hoped this year – recently this has seen him assume the minimal inputs then that’s the way to unless they had been meal fed. position of NSA Northern Ireland Region go. We try to present well and we keep “I imagine some producers might Chairman, in November 2017, as well all the rams entire, because I find that have been disappointed with their return. as representing Northern Ireland on the this greatly improves growth rates and it We get on well with our lambs in the NSA’s Finance and General Purposes makes no difference market. They are committee. when it comes to presented well, and selling them at I’m usually happy More ewes market. with the price I Back home at Ballintoy, in Country “Everyone has achieve.” Antrim, the family beef and sheep unit their own opinion, Brian also says comprises more than 110 hectares but I am very much that, with increasing (272 acres). The ground is a mixture of in favour of livestock numbers, he’s also Some of the hoggets Brian purchased this year. lower lying and higher altitude grazing. seen additional Around 70 hectares (173 acres) is used Expansion plans are now in motion, aim is to breed a lamb for the prime Northern Ireland but here, where we are Right: Scottish benefits for his for crop production and grazing, with which Brian says began after his father market so, once I have my numbers on the country’s north coast, it can be Blackface ewes business. “Our the remaining 35 hectares (86 acres) of purchased 45 Scottish Blackface ewes stabilised, the Scottish Blackface might particularly exposed at times. We used were purchased in grassland utilisation rougher ground used for grazing sheep. in September 2016. These will be used be phased out.” to lamb everything outdoors, but stock September 2016 and management Approximately 70% of the farm’s land as a starting point to breed some Mule numbers were a lot lower then and extra and introduced into has improved is owned, with the rest in conacre. A replacements into the flock. Scanning rates help was more readily available, so you the flock. significantly since portion of this sees Brian work closely The farm currently runs 300 Although the focus is for the farm to we expanded stock with the National Trust, a relationship commercial Texel and Suffolk cross breed its own replacements, Brian numbers. Whereas that he is hoping to develop into ewes, alongside 60 ewe lambs retained explains a one-off purchase of around before we would something longer term in the future. in 2016 as replacements. A suckler-beef 60 hoggets was made in 2016 to aid have perhaps herd of 50 cows, put to a Limousin bull, expansion plans. These hoggets will understocked fields, now we’ve been make up the beef enterprise. Resulting be added to the main flock next year, able to keep on top of grazing much calves are sold as stores, at around alongside the best of the 60 ewe lambs more easily. This has helped us to finish 12 months old, through Kilrea and retained. The majority of these will be lambs more efficiently. A total change Ballymena markets. kept and lambed as yearlings, apart of rams in autumn 2016 has also “This has been our second year from the best ones that were put to a improved output, and will continue to be working with the Scottish Blackface, Charollais ram this year. something we do on a regular basis.” which have definitely required a change Brian says he is hopeful of achieving By tupping time in 2018, Brian says of mind-set,” says Brian. “They seem to scanning rates of close to 170% at he is aiming to put 350 to 400 ewes be adapting to the conditions, though, the beginning of January. And he is to the ram subject to market factors. and are performing well. Aside from looking to improve on this figure with the “We know that the next few years will increasing breeding ewe numbers, we addition of Mule genetics into the flock present particular challenges with the wanted to increase the prolificacy into from next year. uncertainties surrounding Brexit. Of the flock and that’s why we decided to All lambing is done indoors and all the agricultural sectors, the sheep go for Mules. begins during the second week in March. industry has the potential to be the “These will, ultimately, be crossed “We’ve recently spent a lot of time, most at risk because of our reliance on with the Texel for a finishing lamb and effort and money on sheep housing, exports. But to be a sheep producer you we’re looking to get Mule numbers up resulting in the addition of a new shed need a short memory, something we’ll to between 50 and 100 across the total for lambing and handling,” he says. no doubt be drawing on to face what the Brian Jamieson. flock during the next few years. My main “The weather can be rough anywhere in A suckler-beef enterprise is run alongside the flock. next few years have in store.”

20 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 21 First rate increase for a decade FARM INSURANCE

By Natalie this is not a risk-free option. So moving Hallett, Old Mill funds from a safe environment to one Accountants where capital is at risk needs to be November saw considered carefully and as part of a the Bank of England Monetary Policy longer-term plan. Committee raised the interest rate, for Banks or building societies remain the first time in a decade, by 0.25% the safest place to keep cash in the to 0.5%. While this is good news for short term. Keeping enough money savers, in reality the increase merely easily accessible on deposit is a high puts us back in same place as 2016 priority for your financial security and before a cut in rate was made from this should be one of the foundations of 0.5% to 0.25% in reaction to the your personal financial plan. Resist the decision to leave the European Union. urge to commit this ‘emergency’ money The last time the Bank of England to longer-term investments, even though Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised you may be given the promise of a higher rates was on 5th July 2007 and, at that investment return. The prospect of time, the interest rate was increased higher returns usually comes with higher from 5.5% to 5.75%. We may have a risk or the inability to access your money while to wait before we get back to those quickly. sort of interest rate levels. The Bank of England has been keen to stress that, Cash reserves to balance the interests of borrowers as Although you should be holding adequate Natalie Hallett. well as savers, any further increases will reserves of cash, over longer periods up. This could push sheep producers to be gradual. of time the return on deposits struggles be even more cost conscious with many to keep pace with inflation. Inflation is considering if any costs can be reduced WE COVER SMALL FARMS, Further rises rising and is significantly higher than the to compensate for the additional This increase may not have a great rate of interest you earn on most deposit borrowing cost. effect but the Governor of the Bank of accounts, so this money is effectively LARGE FARMS AND England, Mark Carney, signalled that losing value each year. Fixed-rate borrowing he thought there would be further rises With increased borrowing seen in Now may also be the time for producers to come. So, if you or your family have farming businesses during the past to be proactive with their bank EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN a mortgage or loans, make sure you few years, in order to keep up with managers, perhaps looking to fixed rate understand how higher rates could technological advancements and to take borrowing rather than variable rates in impact on your bills. advantage of the generous tax reliefs order to know where you are with cash The current interest rate of 0.5% given for capital spending, the impact flow. Many producers are loyal to their remains low and although we have seen the interest rate rise could have on bank, but it may be worth investigating banks and building societies deposit borrowing costs, and therefore cashflow, if another bank could offer a more rates edge up in the past month, they could put pressure on your farm’s cash attractive rate for your borrowings – From sheep farmers to arable farmers. are still far lower than we have seen in balance. particularly if this could free up more the past. Anyone worrying about the impact cash in your business. It may also be Flower growers to poultry farmers. It can be tempting to look at that this may have in their business worth considering moving large overdraft alternatives to cash deposits when should be thinking about calculating balances, which are often on much We are the UK’s leading rural insurer with our Farm Select savings rates are so low. While we their cash inflows and outflows and be higher interest rates, over to a fixed-rate We pay believe that investment portfolios are thinking forward to see where their cash loan to help budget your monthly costs insurance. But we want more farms to benefit from our likely to deliver better long-term returns, balance, or indeed overdraft, may end and stay on top of your cashflow. great cover and local service. That’s why we’ve introduced Farm Essentials insurance – designed to meet the needs of 98% smaller farms. of all farming Give them the claims† As your local agent, I’m close by and can provide expert best start in life advice and hands-on support when you need it. “HIGHEST CONCENTRATED COLOSTRUM PER LITRE”* *FW Jan 16, Murray Corke, Cambridge University Find your local Agent Contact your local Downland retailer or telephone 01228 564498 nfumutual.co.uk/agent

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65mm x 182mm full colour advert Sheep Farmer November 2017 TMR can reduce feeding costs

One Welsh flock has shaved £4 per ewe off its pre-lambing feed costs by switching to feeding a total mixed ration. The flock, a Farming Connect Focus Site comprising 885 Lleyn and Texel-cross ewes, is based at Hundred House, a 162-hectare (400- acre) upland farm near Llandrindod Wells in Wales, and is run by Keith Williams. His pre-lambing feeding system incorporates a treated soya product and high quality silage. Mr What is protected protein soya? Williams had • This feed is added predominantly, to dairy traditionally rations. It is not commonly used in sheep fed twin- systems. and triplet- • It contains a high level of digestible undegradable bearing ewes protein (DUP), which makes it a highly palatable concentrates feed that can be fed on its own or used in a outwintered on ewes didn’t push forward when fresh up to twice a variety of diets. a forage crop feed was added.’’ day, starting • Adding it to sheep rations has the potential before they Dr Nakielny stresses that the success from eight to offers producers considerable savings on were housed of the system relies on high quality weeks pre- time, cost and labour compared to conventional 30 days before silage and that the beneficial effects of lambing, but approaches where rumen degradable protein lambing. At protected soya protein can only be fully he wanted to (RDP) can be overfed. this point realised if silage has a minimum ME of reduce both they were 10.5. feed and labour costs. introduced to the new ration with 50g “Feeding a lower ME silage means He has achieved both with a total of the protected protein allocated per that extra energy is needed in the diet. mixed ration (TMR) that combines a foetus carried. Straight soya or other higher energy source of protected protein, which is The new system incurred an initial feeds can be added to the diet to help high in digestible undegradable protein outlay of £4,750 in a new mixer wagon ensure a balance of energy and protein (DUP), and grass silage, with a minimum but, based on the cost savings, Mr in the crucial run up to lambing.” ME of 10.5MJ/kgDM. This meets the Williams says the machine will pay for energy and protein requirements of ewes itself within two years. He had been Nutritional requirements in late pregnancy. feeding 23 tonnes of concentrates but Analysis of the 2016 cut clamp silage at The new feeding system, which Mr wanted to reduce his costs to maximise Mr Williams’ unit revealed that it had an Williams first trialled through his work output per ewe. ME of 10.9% with a dry matter of 34% as a Farming Connect Focus Site, cost By changing the feeding system, he and crude protein levels of 14.4%. him £1.36 per ewe during the 2017 says he has not only made savings on Dr Nakielny says that it is lambing period. This compares with feed but flock health has improved too. important not to overlook other £5.50 per ewe when the flock was fed When ewes were fed concentrates – nutritional requirements. “His ewes concentrates. up to 1.5kg per head per day just before are supplemented with vitamin and He calculates that this has resulted in lambing – there were some issues with mineral supplements to match the an overall cost saving of approximately acidosis and twin-lamb disease. silage analysis,’’ she says, adding that £4,190. “It’s a huge amount and has Feeding a balanced TMR ration has ewe body condition score must also be benefits that go way beyond the actual reduced the number of cases according assessed in the run up to lambing and cost saving on feed,’’ he says. to Farming Connect’s Catherine Nakielny, action must be taken if needed. During winter 2016/17, ewes were who oversaw the trial. Mr Williams calculates that the new Tips for TMR feeding “It means that high levels of starch system has saved him around 51 hours 100 • Ensure there is adequate feed space are not being fed and helps to avoid the in labour during the lambing period. He 95 • Ewes must be in good body condition metabolic upsets that feeding high levels doesn’t employ any staff apart from a • Good quality palatable silage is of compounds can sometimes cause,’’ lambing student for two weeks during the she says. lambing period. 75 vital and this should be tested in ® Tracesure products are also available without copper * Statement relates to boluses commercially available in the UK on date of publication. appropriate batches Prolapses, which can be due to Ewes were previously fed up to twice • The system is easier to implement feeding high levels of concentrates, have a day for 56 days, but that has been also decreased in number. “And ewes reduced to 30 days, once a day. “And it if ewes are fed indoors pre-lambing 25 so it may not be feasible for outdoor fed the TMR diet also seemed more now takes me just 10 minutes a day to content and rested for longer periods,” feed, which means I have more time to Call +44(0)1359 252 181 regimes 5 she adds. “During observation, 20% of get other work done.”

Visit www.animax-vet.com 0 24 SHEEP FARMER

Animax_NSA_leaching bolus beef and sheep ad_v3_converted_7-11-17 07 November 2017 18:45:59 COMMENT PIECE Breeding values will help more Survey highlights crucial role of livestock auction markets lambs hit market specification The preliminary Table 1. Ten leading rams for overall carcase merit (2016/2017) Taking advantage be born by to meet Qurbani specifications, results from the first two years Ram ID AI/ Breed Owner/breeder of new and or indeed when Qurbani animals will be NS (both if different) emerging market purchased. of RamCompare, the UK’s first Handbank NS Texel R M & E A Payne/ 67 / 1 2.00 2.11 -0.67 13.96 opportunities, “The livestock auctioneer can advise PRH1500573 Peter Baber and making use on the specifications required for Qurbani commercial progeny test, were made Roxburgh Shot AI Texel Mr John Elliott/ 142 / 3 1.25 2.56 -1.21 10.90 of the vital role of animals, and when to bring them to the available to the sheep industry at the Sheep Breeders Round Table in late Gun Willie Messrs D M & S Prince the livestock auction market,” adds Mr Brereton. EJR1101108 mart system, can lead to a positive With Brexit and trade deals remaining November. During the first two years, data was Penygelli NS Texel Alwyn Phillips 67 / 1 0.97 2.18 -1.32 8.98 outlook for 2018. So say leading top of the agenda, it is not only the Halal PAP1501802 industry figures and recent research market that presents opportunity, as many collected from nearly 6,000 lambs Wedderburn AI Charollais J D R & J L Corbett/ 72 / 2 1.29 0.83 0.02 8.32 conducted on behalf of the Livestock look towards new and emerging markets. sired by more than 70 different rams used on six commercial farms and Peleus Barber, Walton, Dunkley Auctioneers’ Association (LAA). But “UK produce is in demand across 15WNY02086 & Oughton what are the opportunities ahead, the world, and with livestock auction fed into genetic evaluations. Artificial Hans Fokker AI Suffolk Mr & Mrs H F Porksen 57 / 2 1.34 -0.09 1.46 6.83 and how can sheep producers take markets embracing new technologies, and insemination (AI) was used to link farms and years, enabling the farm or year 95 advantage of future prospects? communication platforms, the industry is T79:13:095 “First and foremost, it is crucial to well-suited to supply emerging markets effect to be removed within the genetic evaluation. Whitehead NS Hampshire Robert & Kay Vincent 81 / 1 0.97 1.50 2.46 6.72 understand market demand and fluctuations outside of the EU.” 64T1500471 Down at different times of the year,” explains The encouraging findings from the LAA’s Stonedge NS Texel Messrs D M & S Prince 157 / 1 0.42 2.32 -2.30 6.67 LAA Chairman and Auctioneer at St Asaph independent research certainly indicate that Increased accuracy Data collected included sire, dam, birth Wallykazam Livestock Market John Brereton. “For the UK livestock auction industry has an YDP1500991 example, we see the export carcase trade did the ability to present livestock for sale in important role to play in both the home and date, birth weight, ease of lambing, suitable lots. eight-week weight, 90-day weight, muscle Foulrice On NS Charollais C W Marwood & Son 217 / 1 0.75 1.60 0.02 6.61 into Europe as important year-round trade international markets as we head towards a Ramcompare “Auction marts offer a marketplace for and fat depth at 90 days, carcase for the UK industry. But the export market post-Brexit era. 14DG04690 all categories of stock and the ability to Presented by Mr Brereton during a weight, and conformation and fat class. will vary, with heightened demand at certain Dalby AI Charollais C R Sercombe/ 144 / 3 0.86 0.77 0.31 5.90 sell in suitable batches, often with the help This new information has been analysed times of the year. reception at the House of Lords, hosted Malachite Walton, Gregory, and has increased the accuracy of four “The livestock auction market system is and guidance of the auctioneer, which helps by the LAA’s patron Lord Inglewood, the 12PE01501 Moseley & Greenow achieve the best price,” says LAA Executive existing estimated breeding values well-suited to reacting to these demands, survey results also confirm that sheep Sandyknowe NS Suffolk Messrs Malcolm M 47 / 1 0.81 1.04 2.04 5.41 Secretary Chris Dodds. (EBVs) – eight-week weight, scan weight, providing a competitive buying environment producers are not simply following tradition. Sole Trader Stewart/ muscle depth and fat depth – used in where purchasers can select the product “Particularly with lambs, for example, the Y13:13:161 Messrs T C & C A they want. Equally, vendors are able to sell in need to select sale batches in level lots for the genetic evaluation for terminal sires. Harding size, conformation and finish is critical if the Before RamCompare, carcase data suitable lots and batches to achieve the best Key price and satisfy this demand.” best price is to be achieved. The auctioneer from terminal sires was not used in Number of progeny/farms Mr Brereton’s view is backed by research is always best placed to guide on market genetic evaluations. The carcase value Notes: Carcase weight EBV [range 1.72 - 2.00] undertaken earlier in the year by the LAA, trends and requirements.” was predicted from ultrasound and BLUP run date: 01/11/17. in which some 93% of producers surveyed, This customer-centric service certainly computed tomography scanning. Through Carcase conformation EBV [range 2.43 - 2.64] Analysis type: Carcase traits, across all livestock sectors, confirmed that helps, particularly when negotiating a year RamCompare, the information collected Carcase fat class EBV [range 2.44 - 3.47] AI = artificial insemination, they bought or sold through the livestock that has seen both highs and lows. Knowing from progeny via the abattoirs has led Carcase merit index [range 10.75 - 13.96] NS = natural service auction system during the calendar year. when and what to sell can be critical. to better understanding of the carcase The research, conducted during two “The lamb trade in 2017 started strongly merit of the rams. As a result, three conformation EBV. performance of those animals on test, major industry events, identified several key and this was maintained in the early part new EBVs (carcase weight, carcase Despite the trial being dominated so conclusions about breed differences catalysts drawing both buyer and vendor of the year,” says Mr Brereton. “We did see conformation and carcase fat class), and by high-index and high-EBV recorded should be made with caution. In many to the live sale ring. Access to professional this wane during a mixed summer, before an one new index (overall carcase merit) rams, the difference in performance cases, differences in EBVs between staff and marketing advice scored highly, as uplift later in the year. Speaking now, as we have been developed. between the three best and three worst leading animals may be small and, as head towards the Christmas period, we are These EBVs mean that commercial rams on each farm averaged £3.69 always, accuracy values should also be LAA Executive Secretary Chris Dodds. in a steady position – perhaps even a little producers can select rams that will per lamb, with several farms seeing taken into account firmer than the same time in 2016. “It is particularly pleasing to note the improve the percentage of their lambs benefits exceeding £5 per head. This At the time of launching the “The uplift in trade towards the end of very small number, just 4%, of respondents hitting specification and breeders can work clearly demonstrates the financial preliminary results, a proportion of the summer was, in part at least, aided by stating that they used the market as it is have access to additional information on benefit of selecting recorded rams on lambs were still being processed. Final the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha. The Halal something that has always been done,” says the carcase traits of their rams. their EBVs and matching these to a given results will be published in May 2018. market is vital to the industry and livestock Mr Dodds. production system. RamCompare was funded by AHDB, markets gear up at these times of the year.” “While there are many following in Ram results HCC, QMS, Agrisearch and Sainsbury’s. The livestock auction market system the footsteps of previous generations by Table 1 lists the top 10 rams for Animal performance More than 10 other partners worked to lends itself perfectly to providing expert selling through the live sales ring, the survey overall carcase merit. The top ram was The full results are available at www. ensure that the project was a success advice to vendors, which means that outcomes clearly highlight that producers Handbank PRH1500573, bred by Anne ramcompare.com. It is worth noting that and many remain part of the project purchasers have access to exactly what they are choosing to utilise the system as they and the late Bob Payne and nominated RamCompare results simply rank the as it continues into a second phase. demand, when they need it. see tangible benefits and returns. First by Peter Baber. Handbank was a natural performance of animals in the trial. In RamCompare phase two will collect The Muslim calendar is based on and foremost, returning a good profit and service sire used on one farm and some breeds, rams in the top 1% for a data from lambs for a further three the moon, with Eid-al Adha going back securing a fair market price will be the key the figures were based on 67 lambs. given trait were nominated, while in other years with new breeds, eight farms and approximately 10 days each year. So it is drivers, and clearly the livestock auction He ranks as number one for carcase breeds only the top 25% of animals were a research institute involved. LAA Chairman John Brereton. crucial to know when lambs will need to market is delivering.” weight EBV and number five for carcase nominated. The tables can only rank the

26 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 27 submissions from a county with many Most common diagnoses (July to September 2017) sheep or sheep holdings, better vigilance Dashboard highlights regional among the local sheep producers and 250 vets, or more use of the GB surveillance network in a particular area. Diseases 200 not requiring a laboratory diagnosis, and national disease risks or in flocks whose veterinary practice 150 has its own diagnostic facilities, won’t By Amanda Carson, Animal Plant and Health Agency be represented in the data. These 100 In June this year, APHA’s Surveillance Intelligence Unit limitations mean that the data and Count of diagnoses launched the GB Sheep Disease Surveillance Dashboard. maps can’t be used to make inferences 50 The GB Sheep Disease Surveillance Dashboard has been on the amount of disease within, or to developed by APHA to share the diagnostic information that 221 60 40 30 29 28 27 26 25 23 make comparisons between, individual 0 is gathered from submissions to the veterinary surveillance counties or regions. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 network in Great Britain, in other words to APHA’s Veterinary The diagnostic information that the 1. Parasitic gastroenteritis 6. Pneumonia – M.haemolytica Investigation Centres in England and Wales, to SRUC’s Disease dashboards are based on is updated 2. Pine/Cobalt deficiency 7. Coccidiosis Surveillance Centres in Scotland, and to APHA’s network of monthly. 3. PGE – Nematodiriasis 8. PGE – Haemonchosis universities and other partners who provide post-mortem 4. Hyposelenaemia 9. Pneumonia – other cause services under contract http://ahvla.defra.gov.uk/documents/ Dashboard highlights 5. Chronic fascioliasis 10. Clostridium perfringens D (Pulpy Kidney) surveillance/maps/england-wales-map17.pdf Above right is a graph showing the most To find your nearest VIC or partner PME site, use APHA’s commonly diagnosed diseases in sheep Count of most common diagnoses winter months (December to February, 2012 to postcode finder on the Vet Gateway: http://ahvla.defra.gov.uk/ during July, August and September 2017 2017) postcode/pme.asp with internal parasites contributing most 800 The interactive dashboard, which can be found at to deaths in sheep that were submitted https://public.tableau.com/profile/siu.apha#!/vizhome/ to the GB surveillance network for 700 SheepDashboard_/Overview illustrates diseases diagnosed Screenshot of the GB Sheep Disease Surveillance Dashboard veterinary investigation. Trace element 600 in sheep across GB in an attractive and interactive format. deficiencies, for example selenium, 500 Diseases of interest can be selected by county, region or population is provided, based on the number of sheep per and Pine, due to cobalt deficiency, are across GB by using the interactive map. Filters can also be square kilometre in each county, according to the Annual commonly diagnosed in growing lambs 400 used to show diagnoses by time period and age group of Sheep and Goat Survey: that are failing to thrive during this time 300 sheep. Vets and sheep producers can now quickly and easily • Low sheep density: up to 40 sheep per square kilometre Count of diagnoses of the year. 200 access information on the most common diagnoses in an area, • Medium: between 40 and 80 sheep per square kilometre Looking forward and using the or learn where specific diseases have been diagnosed. • High: more than 80 sheep per square kilometre combined data for the winter months 100 To give some context, a broad indication of the sheep A higher count of diagnoses may be due to more December (not including 2017) January 0 747 744 193 179 172 169 151 142 142 130 and February from 2012 to 2017, allows 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 possible prediction of common diseases 1. Parasitic gastroenteritis 6. Sheep scab to consider as potential threats to sheep 2. Chronic fascioliasis 7. Pneumonia – M.haemolytica health. Diagnoses for abortion are not 3. Johne’s Disease 8. Listeriosis (encephalitis) included in the graph on the right. 4. OPA (Jaagsiekte) 9. Pregnancy toxaemia Again internal parasites, including 5. Acute fascioliasis 10. Pneumonia – other cause worms and fluke, are commonly diagnosed as well as those diseases (encephalitis) is often assocaited with that manifest as ill thrift in older sheep, ingestion of soil, either from feeding such as Johne’s and OPA. Listeria sheep directly on the ground or from silage. Table 2: Causes of abortion in sheep from January 2012 to October 2017 Abortion causes Abortion – Enzootic 2,004 Looking back over the past five years Abortion – Toxoplasmosis 1,271 (January 2012 to October 2017) we can also show the main causes of abortion Abortion – Campylobacter 850 that have been diagnosed following Abortion – Schmallenberg 474 submissions to the GB surveillance Abortion – Not listed 434 network. Congenital abnormality 342 This shows that there are many area. The example here shows Cumbria different causes of abortion and (a county with high sheep density). Abortion – Salmonella 163 demonstrates that getting a diagnosis To learn more about how the Abortion – Listeria 161 is important to inform prevention and dashboards works go to the APHA Not listed – reproductive 74 flock health management. The two most Vet Gateway and select ‘Disease commonly diagnosed causes – Enzootic Dashboards’, or you can follow this Abortion – T. pyogenes 57 and Toxoplasma – are both preventable link: http://ahvla.defra.gov.uk/vet- Abortion – Salmonella Montevideo 46 by vaccination. These diseases, as gateway/surveillance/scanning/disease- Abortion – Salmonella Dublin 45 well as Salmonella and Q Fever, are dashboards.htm. Here you will find Abortion – Bacillus licheniformis 43 also zoonotic and can be transmitted guidance on how to use the dashboard to humans. So producers need to be and a link to an explanatory video on Abortion – Yersinia sp 41 aware if these are present on the farm YouTube. Abortion – fungi 10 so steps can be taken to protect public We welcome feedback, so if you have Abortion – Q Fever 4 health. any comments or suggestions on the Another dashboard view shows what dashboard tool, please send them to Abortion – Salmonella Typhimurium 1 diseases have been seen in a specific [email protected]

28 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 29 Take steps to protect flocks Tagging lambs from birth can against liver fluke this winter improve flock management

By Lesley Stubbings, Table 1: High risk areas on farm – do you have any? As a simple but effective management practice, tagging improvements can be made and deliver a more commercially SCOPS Farm history If there is any history of liver fluke on the farm then there is a threat. New lambs from birth enables producers to build a greater valuable product based on the performance of their individual When it comes to risks can also arise if you have you made any environmental changes. For understanding of their flock’s performance. The extra farm,” says Ms Sheppard. “And if your weighing system is liver fluke, deciding example, taking on some rougher or wetter grazing, or areas with drainage precision that gathering real-time data offers allows better compatible with an EID tag reader, collating the relevant data whether to treat or problems or ponds, which may pose a new threat. management decisions to be made, according to Allflex’s for each individual animal needn’t be time-consuming or not, which products Helen Sheppard. burdensome. Snail habitats Areas on the farm where the intermediate host, the tiny mud snail, can to use and what “Knowing the exact weight of individual “Button tags are ideally suited to new thrive, create a high risk. For example, muddy patches and around water management actions animals within the flock is a simple way of born lambs,” she says. “Applying these troughs. These snails are key to the life cycle of liver fluke and they can are needed can be daunting. The level reducing guess-work and ensuring lambs at between 12 and 48 hours after birth multiply the potential infection up to 500 times. So a small muddy area can of risk from liver fluke varies from year and ewes are being managed efficiently and enables shepherds and flock managers to represent a significant liver fluke population. to year, by region, individual farm, and cost-effectively,” she explains. “Whether easily scrutinise each animal’s performance even down to field level. So how do you Spring grazing If snail habitats were grazed by sheep in the first half of the grazing season, it be for calculating medicinal dosages, throughout its life to determine if the current navigate the options to find the right the risk that snails have become infected is higher. And so is the risk of large monitoring growth rates or evaluating management regime is working effectively approach for your flock? numbers of liver fluke in that area, later in the season. genetics, every detail counts when it comes and to identify where improvements can be The good news is that there is Summer grazing If these areas are then grazed by sheep again, from late summer onwards, to ensuring livestock are being produced to made.” information and advice available that the sheep will have been exposed to the high level of infection and the high the correct weight and quality.” With early market lambs, where growth can help. This year SCOPS and COWS risk will continue throughout the winter. Whether finishing lambs for slaughter rates are critical, weighing animals from have teamed up to pull together all the or breeding stock for sale, combining Mini button tags are placed one-third of birth and monthly thereafter (or weekly information available across the UK information sources, we aim to add a Table 2: Tests to discuss with your vet electronic identification (EID) technology the way along the ear with the female as they approach final finishing weights) to help livestock producers and their more regionalised view to the general or adviser with a handling system and electronic part of the tag inward, to prevent allows producers to quickly and accurately forecast. And, so far, the feedback from advisers to assess the risk to their Fluke egg Faecal samples are weigh crate allows producers to record snagging and improve retention. understand and assess the value of varying the regions supports this forecast. herds and flocks. Combined with clear detection examined by a lab and if each animal’s weight throughout its lifetime feeding regimes and to make the most In September cases of acute fluke in advice on the tests available and the adult fluke are present in – and to potentially pick up health issues at an earlier stage. efficient and cost-effective use of the farm’s resources. sheep were confirmed in Cheshire and interpretation of the results, we aim to the sheep they will detect “The data captured by weighing lambs from birth and at With later born lambs, regular weighing provides huge positive coproantigen results were also make decision making easier, as well as fluke eggs. regular intervals throughout their lifetime means that flock benefits in terms of managing grazing and feeding more reported in samples taken from lambs more accurate and effective. Coproantigen This is a newer test that managers can scrutinise each animal’s records, identify where effectively and achieving consistent finishing weights as in South West Scotland. Parasite Watch can detect fluke infection Limitedac time offer required by modern contracts. farms in South West England and South Regional updates between two and three T “EID tags also provide a faster, more accurate and reliable West Wales also report cases of liver now Firstly, there are monthly updates, which weeks earlier than fluke egg way of generating and maintaining individual animal records fluke infection. are available via the NADIS parasite detection. compared to relying on an old-fashioned pen-and-paper forecast (http://www.nadis.org.uk/ Watch out for updates during the Blood tests These tests assess liver system,” says Ms Sheppard. “And because it costs the same parasite-forecast.aspx). For example, in winter on the SCOPS, NSA and COWS function, providing an to tag a lamb at birth as it does to tag an animal prior to early October, NADIS was predicting: websites. We will also be issuing alerts indication that liver fluke slaughter, it makes sense to tag all lambs at, or as near to, • Western Scotland and South Wales at on social media and to the press. Let may be present. birth as possible.” ‘high risk’ Serology also detects the • Eastern Scotland, North West Tailored approach bring you joy, with a antibodies that the sheep Improving efficiency England, South West England, and Armed with this information, the next produces in response to She adds that, depending on the individual farm’s current North Wales at ‘medium risk’ step is to carry out a risk assessment special free tractor toy liver fluke infection (positive performance indicators, the money saved by reducing inputs, • Central and Eastern regions of for your flock: results two weeks after such as anthelmintics and labour, as well as optimising the England at ‘low risk’ 1. Check the fluke forecast for your Subscribe today and choose farm’s grazing resources and avoiding contract penalties by region and talk to your vet or infection). With access to a wide range of one of four 1:32 toy tractors ensuring all livestock are sold within specification, will pay for animal health adviser about what is the necessary EID reading equipment and electronic weigh happening near you. Next, assess by Britains scales in a relatively short time. your farm (see Table 1) to help l Pay as little as £2.60 per issue According to SRUC, using EID technology in conjunction with pinpoint higher risk areas. l Access to exclusive subscriber benefits an auto-drafting weigh crate can reduce labour requirements by 2. Make sure you investigate any sudden l A perfect gift between 30% and 40% when handling sheep. Using EID derived deaths in sheep. A post mortem is data can also improve net margins by approximately £4 per still the most definitive evidence of ewe. liver fluke. If you are selling stock FREE “No matter what the age or target weight of the animals to an abattoir then ask them for GIFT! being monitored, regular weighing can also improve other areas feedback the condition of livers. of flock management,” adds Ms Sheppard. “For example, 3. Discuss the various tests available knowing each animal’s weight will ensure vaccines, drenches (see Table 2) and treatment options and pour-on medicines are administered at the correct dosage with your vet or animal health adviser, and will minimise the risk of drug resistance by preventing the including any management actions over-application of susceptible medicines. you can take, such as avoiding the John Deere JCB 4220 “Closely monitoring the weight gain of offspring can also Massey Ferguson 7230R (H7005) (H7003) highest risk fields, housing early, and New Holland T6.180 6616 (H7001) result in improved breeding decisions by providing a better administering quarantine treatments. (H7007) understanding of which genetic inputs are, or are not, delivering Check for updates and get more the requisite results. With accurate data to hand, flock information on testing and product To subscribe call 0330 333 0056 and quote the code managers can then make appropriate alterations to ensure Mud snails: the intermediate liver fluke host. choices at: www.scops.org.uk their breeding programme remains on track.”

30 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 31 Q4 Christmas17 tractors ad 90Wx134H (no URL).indd 1 03/11/2017 16:04 to prevent infection, wear gloves when So how can producers can protect handling/treating affected animals and themselves, staff and anyone else who Zoonotic diseases: managing and keep any cuts or abrasions clean and visit their farm? The most effective way covered with a waterproof dressing. is to wash your hands with soap after Producers should also be careful when handling animals, particularly before handling the orf vaccine because eating or drinking. NHS research states reducing the risk of infection scratching yourself with it, or getting the that effective hand washing should take fluid into cuts, can cause the disease. 20 seconds (the equivalent of singing By Victoria Fisher, Farm First Veterinary Table 1: Zoonotic sheep diseases Enzootic abortion – Ovine the ‘Happy Birthday’ Song). Hand wipes, Services, South Wales Disease Pathogen Signs in humans Signs in Sheep Chlamydiosis (EAE) – is a bacterial gels or sanitisers should not be used as Producers spend a lot of time handling infection of sheep and goats, and is a substitute for soap. Anthrax Bacteria Skin lesions, Sudden death Orf infection. sheep, particularly around lambing respiratory disease, the most commonly diagnosed cause time. They also spend a lot of time thinking about all the death of abortion in these species. And this women should also avoid handling this. Avoid touching diseases that can infect ewes and lambs, spread through Brucellosis Bacteria Prolonged fever, Abortion disease can be transmitted to people Toxoplasmosis is another common Another simple way to limit exposure is the flock and, ultimately, damage profits. But how often do sweating, arthritis, by handling infected ewes, particularly cause of abortion in sheep. Unlike to not eat or drink when working with sheep producers stop and consider their own health and, weight loss, around lambing time, or handling still- EAE, this is a parasitic infection that is animals. And also ensure that vulnerable particularly, the nasty diseases that sheep can pass on to headaches born lambs and placenta. It can also be transmitted in contaminated cat faeces. people avoid touching animals, humans? Cryptosporidosis Protazoa Diarhoea, fever, Diarrhoea transferred on clothing. Cats normally pick up the infection from particularly animals that are unwell or If staff work on the unit or producers run an ‘open’ farm vomiting, stomach eating infected sheep meat. There are giving birth. with public access, steps must be taken to ensure health pains Serious risk misconceptions that toxoplasma is only If producers are concerned that they, and safety guidelines are met, including assessing the risk of E-coli 0157 Bacteria Stomach pain, Diarrhoea In most humans the infection will cause a risk to pregnant women. Data from or someone who has been on their farm, people contracting zoonotic diseases. diarrhoea mild flu-like symptoms, but pregnant England and Wales, for 2016, showed may have contracted a zoonotic disease Zoonotic diseases are those that can be passed between Giardiasis Protazoa Skin lesions Diarrhoea women are at risk of developing a that of 335 reported cases in humans, then they should contact their GP or call animals and humans. They tend to cause mild symptoms, but Louping ill Virus Fever, flu-like Neurological serious, even life-threatening condition only 42 were in pregnant women. NHS 24 Scotland or England (Dial 111) some can be potentially fatal. And there are several diseases symptoms, and are also at risk of suffering a Infection during pregnancy runs serious or NHS Direct Wales (Dial 0845 46 47). that can be transmitted between sheep and humans without neurological miscarriage. For this reason, it is vital risk of miscarriage or birth defects in Be sure to mention recent contact with direct contact. These include toxoplasmosis, which is often Orf Virus Skin lesions Skin lesions that any pregnant women avoid ewes the brain or eye of the child. In non- animals, as most zoonotic diseases contracted by ingestion of contaminated cat litter. Table 1 Ovine Bacteria Flu-like symptoms, Abortion around lambing time, and that they pregnant people, toxoplasma can cause are rare. They can then give you advice outlines many of the zoonotic sheep diseases and some of Chlaymdosis miscarriage avoid handling clothing that may be flu-like symptoms (approximately 20% on health care and treatments where the clinical signs the infections can cause. It’s important to Q-fever Bacteria Flu-like symptoms, Abortion contaminated as well. It is advisable infected) or the parasite can travel to necessary. remember that sheep may look completely healthy and still chronic disease, birth that separate clothes are worn in the the eye, brain, lungs or heart resulting in Further information can be found carry zoonotic disease, such as E coli O157, which can be defects house to those worn on the farm. The symptoms related to the affected organ. via the National Health Service (NHS), serious in humans. Toxoplasmosis Parasite Flu-like symptoms, Abortion live sheep abortion vaccine for EAE can There are specific treatments available if Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and abortions, birth also cause human infection, so pregnant toxoplasmosis is a confirmed diagnosis. Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Direct contact defects, ocular disease Diseases such as anthrax, brucellosis, giardiasis and louping ill are, thankfully, rare in the UK. The others are seen relatively Anyone can be infected with a zoonotic disease, but not all frequently. But studies have shown that most are declining, will succumb to the infection or show symptoms. People who “ Using EiD tags from birth means although it is likely that many are under-diagnosed, such as orf. are most at risk of developing a zoonosis are those who have I can easily scrutinise each animal’s There are several ways of catching an infection from a sheep. lower immunity. These include young children, elderly people These include direct contact with an infected animal’s fluids, and those suffering from another disease, pregnant women, records and make more profitable such as faeces, placenta or saliva. This can be by accidental and people with suppressed immune systems. These groups decisions.” ingestion of faeces through poor hand-washing; bites or of people should be particularly careful when in contact with scratches; contamination of an open wound or inhalation. sheep. Jamie Wild, Redhill Farm, Oakham Most of the pathogens that cause diarrhoea are spread by One of the most common zoonosis seen in the UK is inadvertent ingestion of faeces. Infection can also be the result Cryptosporidiosis, which results in scouring in young lambs of direct contact, whereby the pathogen has been transmitted and calves and is caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium on an object such as contaminated clothing or equipment, parvum. This is hardy and difficult to kill. People usually rather than by direct contact with the animal. Vector-borne contract cryptosporidiosis from handling sick animals, is typically when insects, such as ticks or midges, carry the drinking contaminated water, or eating food that has been disease and then transmit it when they bite the host. contaminated. In 2016 there were around 4,000 cases of human cryptosporidiosis. As with animals, this parasite causes diarrhoea, stomach pains and dehydration, but can also induce vomiting in people. Symptoms will normally occur a week after initial infection. There is no specific treatment in humans, most cases will recover with adequate rehydration but some can develop further complications. Orf is another relatively common zoonotic disease. It is 9m x 18m caused by a virus that usually infects an open wound/cut (30ft x 60ft) and results in painful, swollen, blistering skin lesions in both 100 ewes size humans and sheep. In sheep the lesions are found around £2350 +VAT the lips and mouth (see Figure 1), but in people they can Tagging early enables you to get a better understanding of your flock by gathering real-time data. occur anywhere there is an open wound. Infections usually This data allows you to build a clear picture of each lamb’s performance and can be used to make Other sizes occur after handling sheep with orf lesions. Orf is dramatically informed health management, breeding and marketing decisions leading to improved efficiency available under-diagnosed in people, probably due to producers’ self diagnosing without seeing a doctor. and profitability. As in sheep there is no specific treatment for orf. The 01594 546935 [email protected] Contact your local agricultural merchant or wounds will heal unaided if they are kept clean and do not www.agpolytunnels.co.uk call our customer services team on 0845 600 9070 get a secondary infection, which may require antibiotics. But

32 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 33 Controlling coccidiosis in lambs

By Dave Bartley and Beth Wells, Moredun PINE SHAVINGS Coccidiosis is caused by a single-cell parasite called Eimeria (see Figure 1) and is most often seen in young lambs aged between four and eight weeks, that have been exposed to a high level of oocyst challenge. BEAT INFECTION Clinical signs include weight loss; profuse diarrhoea, containing mucus and often flecks of blood (see Figure 2); WITHOUT staining of the perineum and tail; straining; abdominal pain; a tucked-up stance; dehydration; and death, if left untreated. ANTIBIOTICS Figure 2: Lamb scour with mucus and flecks of blood. The main risk factors for coccidiosis are a heavy oocyst challenge and young, susceptible That said, there are disadvantages to blanket treating ewes. lambs. High levels infection occur, most often, Preventative treatment of ewes with an anticoccidial around in intensive husbandry systems where there are Above: Coccidia sample from sheep. lambing time can help to reduce contamination of buildings/ high stocking densities and/or lambs that are Left: Potentially contaminated feed trough. pastures with oocysts, but may delay the acquisition of natural immunity in young livestock. under stress. So this disease can be a problem some lambs will continue to contaminate the And, as some lambs will have become infected with coccidia for lambs born and reared indoors, as well as environment with oocysts. oocysts that have overwintered on pasture, medication of grass-reared lambs. Oral anticoccidials should be administered ewes alone may not prevent coccidiosis occurring in the lambs. As with all diseases and infections, prevention is better than to lambs just before the peak oocyst challenge is predicted All ewes are also medicated, even though they are clinically cure. Coccidia (Eimeria) are highly host specific, so infection (usually at between four and eight weeks of age). In unaffected by coccidia. can only originate from other lambs and sheep. And prevention circumstances where infection pressure is high, a second of infection is dependent on good hygiene and husbandry, so treatment may be required about three weeks after the first keep pens and feeding troughs clean and dry (see Figure 3). Treated lambs should be moved to clean bedding or Gut damage Lambs with a severe coccidial infection will invariably become An adequate intake of colostrum will help the lamb to cope uncontaminated grazing, such as fields that did not run lambs dehydrated and will require supportive rehydration therapy to with coccidial and other infections. Exposure to low levels of in the previous season, where possible Dozens of sheep farmers who now use our infection can be beneficial as this will induce lambs’ protective aid replacement of fluid and electrolytes. STOCKMAX pine shavings in their lambing natural immunity. If lambs are not exposed to infection at a Preventative approach The damage to the gut caused by coccidial infection can persist for some time. So it is important to treat lambs as pens tell us that it reduces their losses from young age they can develop coccidiosis at an older age. A popular preventive measure is to incorporate a coccidiostat soon as the disease is confirmed. infection and their need for antibiotics. If possible, avoid grazing mixed age groups of lambs on the (decoquinate) into the creep feed. This requires a veterinary It is also worth emphasising that, in some flocks, coccidial same pasture and on fields that have carried ewes and lambs prescription. However, there are disadvantages to this blanket infection may occur concurrently with the roundworm within the previous two to three-week period, because young method of control. The success of this treatment depends on We think this is down to the Nematodirus battus and this will exacerbate the clinical lambs can pick up infections from older lambs. each lamb consuming sufficient creep feed, at a young age, to power of the pine we use to symptoms of disease. Any coccidia control programmes And be aware that the risk of infection is higher for lambs provide adequate protection against challenge. And timing of make STOCKMAX. Science for outdoor lambs need to take Nematodirus infection into under stress, due to poor nutrition or cold, wet weather. We coccidiostat use is extremely important to ensure that lambs consideration and lambs may also need to be treated with a has proved that pine really can’t control the weather, but ensuring that ewe nutrition is are exposed to low levels of coccidia so they build up natural suitable anthelmintic where appropriate. does kill harmful bacteria good will help to protect lambs. immunity, but not high challenges that will result in clinical Always consult your vet for a differential diagnosis and for such as E.Coli, and our disease. It is advisable to consult your vet before administering treatment advice. Coccidiosis diagnosis medicated feed. customers confirm that it works in practice. Since a range of pathogens can cause scouring in young Decoquinate can also be administered as a preventative lambs, such as Nematodirus, it is vital to obtain a diagnosis treatment in feed to ewes for 28 days around the lambing So before you start lambing this year, please from your vet (see Table 1). period, to reduce the shedding of coccidial oocysts. The timing contact us to find out more, and save yourself Diagnosis of coccidiosis should be based on farm history, of the treatment will vary between management systems, but lambs, time, costs, labour – clinical signs, faecal analysis and, where animals have died, should be administered when oocyst shedding by ewes is and antibiotics. from a post-mortem examination of the gut. As many species likely to be a hazard to lambs – before, during or after lambing. The Specialists In Animal Feed Supplements of coccidia do not cause disease, total oocyst counts may 500kg FEED & MINERAL BLOCKS not always provide a good indicator of the cause of scouring; Premium Quality Red Lump Rock Salt U R A L therefore ask for the oocysts to be identified (speciated). CAREFREE SUPPLEMENTATION T

500kg blocks in bio-degradable boxes delivered shrink wrapped on pallets A Anticoccidials, including Diclazuril and Toltrazuril, can be E

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administered as a single oral dose via a drench gun. Used EST 1970 PINE N to prevent or control coccidiosis in sheep, they interrupt the H Ball of Madley Ltd E coccidial lifecycle and eliminate excretion of oocysts for up to Y G I two weeks. Treatment of lambs should be on a flock, rather than individual, basis because asymptomatic infection in bomTHE ROCK SALT MEN Table 1: Potential causes of scour in young lambs • Imported and graded by us • No waste Nutritional Infectious agents Stress • Largelump size • Delivered nationwide ● HIGH SPECIFICATION FEED AND MINERAL BLOCKS FULLY WEATHERPROOF Dietary Parasitic disease Transportation If it’s not our name on the bag, ● PROTEIN FROM HI PRO SOYA MEAL, MOLASSES AND FISH OIL FOR ENERGY change (Nematodirus, Giardia, It’s NOT our salt! ● 24 HOUR ACCESS TO SUPPLEMENT FOR SHY FEEDERS Cryptosporidium) ● LABOUR SAVING FEEDING SYSTEM, TRIED AND TESTED ● MADE TO ORDER, SPECIALS NO PROBLEM For more information Plant Bacterial disease (e.g. Weaning Telephone: 01981 250301 ● REDUCED WASTE, SAVES MONEY OVER BUCKETS poisoning salmonella, E. coli) please call us on 01668 213467 www.ballofmadley-hereford.co.uk Dallas Keith Ltd, Bromag Industrial Estate, Burford Road, or visit www.stockmaxshavings.com Viral disease (Rotavirus, Cold, wet Witney, Oxon OX29 0SR coronavirus) weather ‘Hand selected from the Himalayas’ Telephone: 01993 773061 / www.dallaskeith.co.uk

34 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 35 Call for careful use of antibiotics Crowds flock to The Woolly

By Sara Gregson, analysis was carried out and discussions contributor held on how to treat the antibiotic Roadshow 2017 Results from ‘hotspots’ of lameness, abortion and research carried out on 207 sheep neonatal diseases. In March 2016, as a result of their and British wool. We need the public to farms has shown that most producers Sheep producer Alex Thorneycroft- experience with the Wool Ride that understand what we are producing and are using low levels of antibiotics, Taylor hosted Miss Gascoigne’s was organised by the Campaign for its qualities. All the wool on our trailer is compared to cross-industry targets for antibiotic benchmarking meeting at the Wool in October 2014, Derbyshire- British, we have long wools, lustre wools, other sectors, such as dairy. But there Sydling Estate, near Dorchester. He is based woollen mill owners David and downs breeds, crosses and primitives. is wide variation and there is still work making great strides in reducing the use Karen Griffiths launched ‘The Woolly There are lots of different textures for to be done of neonatal antibiotics by concentrating Roadshow’. people to feel and colours to see.” A new survey carried out by several on hygiene in the lambing shed, This 5.5-metre display trailer, towed After months of planning, The vets looking at antibiotic usage in particularly in his autumn-lambing flock by a Land Rover, is an educational Woolly Roadshow Wool Week Tour – sheep has highlighted that on average PCU target set for all livestock sectors in of Poll Dorset ewes. promotion of British wool, British sheep supported by Griffiths’ Mill, British sheep producers are using 11mg per the UK. “We bed up the lambing pens with and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. It Wool, NSA, RBST, SHB Hire and NFU population correction unit (PCU). This is However, there is no room for fresh straw three times a week and use incorporates a display of woollen yarn, Mutual (Uttoxeter & Burton) – started relatively low compared to the 50mg/ complacency. In total, 80% of use a human baby-bottle steriliser to clean carded fibres, knitwear, woven items and on Monday 9th October 2017 in Castle The Woolly Roadshow at Caernarfon occurred in the 39% of flocks where per all the feeding bottles and tubes,” he other products made from wool. There Square, Caernarfon. “We chose each animal usage was more than 9mg/PCU. Producer SWOT analysis says. is also an audio video display showing of the venues for a specific purpose. East Anglia due to increased taxation on “I work with my sheep customers to lambing, shearing and wool processing. Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward wool from England. So the Wednesday on antibiotic use review how we use antibiotics and our Colostrum quality The Woolly Roadshow is also supported I with taxes he imposed on the wool saw the team outside The Forum in attitudes towards them,” explains sheep Strengths of current practice: “We also concentrate on making sure by the National Sheep Association, merchants. It was also the location for Norwich, where they were joined by vet Emily Gascoigne, from Dorset-based • Critically important antibiotics in that the ewes are in the best condition British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB), the Investiture of HRH The Prince of Dameon Layt with some of his Norfolk Synergy Farm Health. humans are not routinely used in for lambing, so they can produce large Lister Shearing, Burgon & Ball, Ty-Mawr Wales in 1969. His Royal Highness is Horns. “Each time we administer one it is Synergy Farm Health sheep flocks amounts of high quality colostrum. They Lime, Woolcool, Solidwool, and Rappa. Patron of the Campaign for Wool, RBST, On Thursday Exeter Cathedral hosted considered an investment. We need to • Extensive systems – few periods of are fed home-grown hay and a sheep the Badger Face Welsh Mountain Sheep The Woolly Roadshow on Cathedral ensure a rapid return to health for the intense housing nut, and just before lambing we switch to Major demand Society, the Lleyn Sheep Society, and the Green. Historically the city was the affected animal, but equally consider • Controlled/low levels used with silage. This ensures that we have plenty David and Karen Griffiths opened North Country Cheviot Sheep Society,” centre for the wool trade in the south- how we might minimise ongoing use. Vet producers working with Synergy Farm of colostrum for the newborn lambs and their woollen mill – Griffiths’ Mill – in explains David. “We were also supported west and, at its height, it had at least and producer collaboration is essential Health we don’t use oral antibiotic any more.” 2009. And within 12 months they by local sheep breeders around the three purpose-built cloth markets. The for this. • Effective and cost-effective vaccines Alan Derryman, another of Miss had established a major demand for country. In Caernarfon, Mike Parry-Jones first market opened in 1538 by Henry available for, for example, footrot and Gascoigne’s clients, runs 900 New their services from smallholders and brought along some of his Llanwenogs Hamlyn, the Mayor who established chlamydial abortion Discussion group Zealand Romney ewes on his farm in crafters requiring small batches of fleece for the day.” a weekly market for fleece, yarn and • Detailed health monitoring and flock “We have been actively benchmarking Sidbury, Devon. He lambs outdoors in processing. By 2015 they were even kersey (a type of coarse cloth). plans already in place for flocks our antibiotic use in our commercial April and manages the flock on a low- selling their own range of carded fibres Commuter comments working with the practice flocks during the past 12 months, and cost, forage-based system. and yarns to customers throughout the On the Tuesday the venue was Buchanan Busiest day offer specially designed ‘Safe Use of “I think we have to be careful with UK and overseas, including Australia. Street, a pedestrianised area in the Weaknesses/vulnerabilities of current In a successful bid to beat London Medicines’ courses for sheep producers. antibiotics and only use them when They are extremely passionate middle of Glasgow and the second practice: traffic, The Woolly Roadshow rolled into Flock health planning is also an appropriate,” he says. “I don’t treat about British Wool and wanted to do largest shopping area in Britain. The • A lot of sheep movements within Green Park, London, at 5.00am on the essential part of building a strategy of every lamb that is born and only use more to promote it. So, at a meeting Woolly Roadshow was joined by RBST the industry – biosecurity can be a Friday morning. The team was joined low antibiotic dependency,” she adds. the right product to solve a particular in October 2016 with BWMB’s Joe Caledonian Support Group members challenge by Tom Davis, from Mudchute Park In May Miss Gascoigne ran a problem. One example was when we had Farren and RBST’s Tom Beeston, David Donna and Dougie, as well as Castlemilk • Indoor lambing can concentrate Farm, with Oxford Down and Southdown discussion group meeting with 20 an outbreak of CODD in a batch of ewe and Karen put forward the idea of a Moorit, Shetland and Hebridean sheep. infectious disease if sheds are sheep. “This was by far our busiest day,” clients, asking them what their lambs. If you don’t hit diseases like that UK tour to promote British wool for UK “It was great to see the morning overstocked says Karen. “The number and variety perceptions were about their current hard, you won’t get rid of them – so then Wool Week 2017. “We were fed up commuters stop dead in their tracks and • Antibiotic resistance seen in relation of people who came to talk to us was antibiotic usage on farm. A SWOT it is worthwhile to use antibiotics.” with seeing Merino, primarily from the smile when they saw the sheep,” says to joint-ill and watery mouth amazing and included commuters, local southern hemisphere, being promoted Karen. “So many people said ‘this has residents, students, and tourists from Opportunities for the future: during UK Wool Week,” says Karen. “We made my day’, ‘thank you for supporting the UK and around the world.” • Electronic identification to help record understand that the Campaign for Wool British farmers’, and ‘I’ve never seen On the Saturday and Sunday the team repeat offenders for diseases such is promoting all Commonwealth wool, but a real sheep – I’ve only seen them on were at the Bakewell Wool Gathering, at as lameness and mastitis here in Britain we have more breeds of television’.” the Agricultural Business Centre. “This • Benchmarking – to spot usage trends sheep than anywhere else in the world She adds that dozens of people just show is very well attended and attracts • New vaccines against, for example, and we have a wool suitable for every stood with their mobile phones taking wool enthusiasts from across the CODD, E coli and joint ill purpose. photos of, and selfies with, the sheep. country. We were greeted by many old • Novel therapies “It’s about time we made a stand in During the Hundred Years’ War, many friends and made lots of new ones. They • Brexit? this country for British sheep producers weavers relocated from the continent to were amazed at the area we had visited • Ewe nutrition – can this be improved? in a week,” says David. The Woolly Roadshow attends numerous events around the UK throughout the “Overall, we had a lot of interest Threats to be aware of: year and the schedule for next year is already being planned. One event already throughout the tour,” adds Karen. • Brexit and evolving legislation confirmed is the third British Wool Fashion Show at the Royal Three Counties Show. “We’ve had fantastic support from • Developing bacterial resistance in the This runs from the 15th to 17th June 2018. This event brings together clothing many individuals, organisations and future made in Britain by skilled crafters and professionals from 100% British grown and companies. All believe in British wool, • No or slow development of new processed wool. For further details on the British Wool Fashion Show, or to discuss British sheep producers, and British antibiotics other events or sponsorship, please contact David on 07970 820815 or email manufacturing. We’ve also learned a few • New and emerging diseases [email protected] lessons for next time.”

36 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 37 British Berrichon Blackface DORSET The HARDY, Sheep Breeders’ EASY LAMBING, Association EASY CARE sheep Information on the breed and sale dates DOWN British Wool takes its Contact Sue Powell for information available on our web site or from:- FAST FINISHING LAMBS OFF GRASS 01989 770071 / 07974 360807 NSAAileen Large McFadzean, Block Tel/Fax: Charollais 01738 6340182017_Layout Dorset 1Down Sheep Breeders’ Association [email protected] Havett Farm, Dobwalls, Liskeard, PL14 6HB Email [email protected] 01579 320273 [email protected] T: 015395 67973 www.beltex.co.uk www.berrichonsociety.com www.scottish-blackface.co.uk www.dorsetdownsheep.org.uk natural-fibre story to consumers C H A R O L L A I S Southdown Cambridge Great on ewe lambs British Wool has been A Chop Ahead Now providing genotyped rams Details from the secretary active during the past of known prolificacy potential of the Rest Mrs Gail Sprake few months promoting Details from Alun Davies 01986 782251 Cambridge Sheep Society Secretary secretary@southdownsheep society.co.uk the benefits of using 01513 275699 wool in both interior [email protected] www.southdownsheepsociety.co.uk

www.cambridge-sheep.org.uk The breed that makes ends meat design and fashion to a wide range of consumers. Be the smarter investor, Charmoise ILE DE FRANCE “While wool producers are aware of The breed to meat use a Border Leicester Hill Sheep your grades the huge versatility wool has in a range See what it can do for your flock! For 3Ls It’s as easy as ABC... • HARDY Hill Sheep of situations, many consumers are use an Ile de France • Add SHAPE to your prime lambs Added conformation Lean, Liveweight largely unaware of what • EASY Lambing Printed from: Serif PagePlus 17,0,3,28 Copyright © 1991-2013 Serif (Europe) Ltd. All Rights Reserved Built to last and Lively lambs • Terminal Sire suitable for Printed on: 30/06/2017 11:07:14 Secretary Edward Adamson can be done with wool,” Cross it with any breed tupping EWE LAMBS www.charollaissheep.com 07711 071290 Publication name: Sheep Farmer advert update July 2017 LLEYN, Page: 1 says British Wool’s Head of Contact: Katie Keiley, Secretary 01556 660155. 07920 855440 Please contact David Trow Tel: 01686 688234 01953 603335 www.borderleicesters.co.uk www.iledefrancesheep.com Marketing Graham Clark. www.charmoisesheep.co.uk offi[email protected] “Attendance at key P BREED MANX LOAGHTAN consumer events, such EE ER H S LLEYN Low input producer of gourmet S ’ Sheep Society as Grand Designs held in quality lamb and mutton October, are central to this Secretary Less work and more profit Fine, naturally coloured wool 01758 730366 promotion that saw British AS N Above: The British Wool stand at Grand Designs 2017. SOCIATIO Est. 1892 The fully performance recorded woolshedding Promotions Officer Ideal conservation grazer Wool working with a number Left: Richard Wilson. breed, selected for resistance to worms. 079666 99930 strength in versatility Tel 01985 845063 / 01647 252549 Breed Secretary, Kim Everett, 01580 852691 of leading manufacturers. [email protected] www.sig.uk.com www.manxloaghtansheep.org

This was an excellent authentic, natural British product.” ideal choice for flooring material. British opportunity to raise awareness on the Featured producer Richard Wilson is wool is also highly versatile and can be HAMPSHIRE SWALEDALE benefits of British wool and to work the fourth generation of his family to used for other interior items, such as DOWN SHEEP collaboratively with manufacturers and farm at Beckwithshaw, near Harrogate, upholstery,” says Mr Clark. The UK native terminal BREEDERS retailers. where runs a 1,300-strong flock of He adds that a new short film has sire for naturally fast- ASSOCIATION “It was also an invaluable way of Dalesbred ewes. He also shears 20,000 recently been launched that takes Tel: 01305 262126 finishing lambs off forage England’s Premier Hill Breed. collating market intelligence. The event sheep each year, with fellow shearer viewers through the fascinating story of e-mail: [email protected] Contact Janet Hill on 01700 831652 Ewes are supreme for breeding [email protected] was incredibly busy and there was Dion Jones. British wool, from the sheep to the point www.dorsetsheep.org.uk www.lleynsheep.com Mule Lambs. considerable interest in our stand. It Mr Wilson says that the opportunity of delivery. www.hampshiredown.org.uk Rams are ideal for crossing with other Hill Breeds for was a great way to start educating to work with British Wool to help “Focusing on harvesting the wool, the NEMSA: North increased lamb production consumers on the many benefits of promote the values of wool is an exciting film shows viewers the actual process of England on the hill. buying British wool-based products,” opportunity. “Wool is one of the most of on-farm flock management, sheep Secretary: Mule Sheep John Stephenson adds Mr Clark. versatile natural products around. And shearing and the fleece collection Association Barnley View, Town Head, A focus on retail promotion has seen I’m proud to be producing it. Many process. It also looks at the grading of For details of your local breeders call The leading domestic Eggleston, Barnard Castle, British Wool feature North Yorkshire- people aren’t aware of how many the wool at a depot – a vital process for Tel: 01904 448675 SIMPLY THE BEST! Co. Durham DL12 0DE based producer and contract shearer benefits there are in choosing a wool British Wool, which has the most varied Terminal Sire Breed www.meatlinc.co.uk The success of the North of Tel: 01833 650516 Richard Wilson in a range of point-of-sale product and I’m honoured to be working wool clip in the world. England Mule has assured its suffolksheep.org promotional materials. with British Wool to explain this to “Finally, we see the wool being NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT place through the country’s The ideal The ideal email SHROPSHIRE SHEEP Featuring a range of key marketing consumers. sold at the fully computerised auction, leading commercial flocks. Why crossing ewe for [email protected] The versatile, messages, the promotion focuses on the The new marketing materials, which in Bradford, which sells 30 million sire for producing have mutton when you can lamb? telephone adaptability and hard-wearing qualities of are available to retailers, include full kilogrammes of wool every year.” all hill mules and tree-friendly breed ewes half-breds www.nemsa.co.uk 028 2563 2342 wool as a flooring material. store feature displays, show cards, This three-minute film shows the Profit from Quality Store Lambs “The objective is to catch the eye of banners and labels. And they all feature journey of wool and the many people Visit www.nc-cheviot.co.uk Details from Marion Hope Contact 07834817710 or 01387 371777 Contact Claire Jakeman consumers and build a story around the five key messages about British wool. involved in harvesting the fibre. But it [email protected] [email protected] 07766 238346 theme on the benefits of wool. We want “Wool is fire resistant, hard also highlights the important work of consumers to look for our crook-mark wearing, easy care, sustainable and British Wool in supporting producers to BRITISH ROUGE SHEEP GEORGE MUDGE SHEARING EASY CARE symbol and know that they are buying an hypoallergenic. These make wool an maximise the value of their wool. The easy lambing terminal sire New and second hand LOW MAINTENANCE 2018 Events producing quick growing lambs with mains and 12V machines. EasyCare NO SHEARING excellent meat to bone ratio Full range of spares. NSA Eastern Region Winter EXCELLENT MOTHERS Secretary: Patricia Imlah All requisites for shearers. HARDY Fair 9th Feb, Melton Mowbray [email protected] NZ Super Crook for only £25 Market 01651 862920 Contact 01822 615456 or Take the stress 07803 897419 out of shepherding NSA Scot Sheep 30th May, [email protected] www.georgemudgeshearing.co.uk www.easycaresheep.com Kings Arms Farm, Ballantrae, www.rouge-society.co.uk [email protected] NSA Sheep Event 18th July, Cymdeithas Gwella Defaid Mynydd Three Counties Show Ground Cymreig Adran Bedigri NSA South Sheep 8th Sept, Improved WELSH MOUNTAIN SHEEP SOCIETY PEDIGREE SECTION South of England Show

Established 1905 Ground

Tel: 01745 730949 More details at Richard Wilson is the face of British sheep producers secretary@welshmountain www.nationalsheep.org.uk/ sheepsociety.com in the new short film – ‘The British Wool Story’. www.welshmountainsheepsociety.com events 38 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 39

Successful NSA event inspires the next generation

More than 100 young people with an new entrants looking to get a foot in Richard Taylor, markets and his own spit roast service interest in the sheep industry joined the door, through to those wanting to among his outlets. NSA for its annual Next Generation expand an enterprise or take on more Wiltshire “I run my entire flock by offering event in November. Held this year responsibility in a long-established Building your conservation grazing and grassland at Welshpool Livestock Market, the business – the day provided an ideal own sheep management to a number of clients, excellent location attracted a strong platform for information sharing. enterprise so I don’t pay a penny for grazing. It’s crowd from both sides of the border Building constantly challenging, but so rewarding and it was fantastic to see individuals, Workshops a sheep when I look back to see how far my as well as agricultural colleges, turn A series of interactive workshops and enterprise from flock has developed during the past few out to enjoy what the day had to offer. sessions made up the bulk of the day, scratch is no years,” he says. Supporting the sheep industry’s with attendees choosing to attend small task, next generation is a major area of four out of seven on offer during the but it’s one Caryl Hughes, work for NSA, which involves a huge afternoon. These followed a series of that Richard range of activities including training introductory talks from young sheep Taylor has Wrexham and scholarship signposting, Next producers, each working within a embraced since Taking on more Generation Shepherd competitions, different farming set-up, as well as establishing his responsibility job and work experience advertising, Powys-based sheep producer, Rhidian brand, Lanhill Lamb. Starting with less on the family as well as the NSA Next Generation Glyn, welcomed the crowd by sharing his than an acre of land and eight lambs, he farm Ambassador group. experiences of building his enterprise has built his flock up to more than 70 The road to With the aim to attract everyone with and recently securing an FBT. breeding ewes and counts lamb boxes, becoming a passion for sheep farming – from local pubs and restaurants, farmers a partner alongside her Four young producers took to the stage Matt says it Think you have what it takes to be a parents in the to welcome attendees, each having is a unique 2018 Next Generation Ambassador? family’s sheep taken a different path into sheep role. “Working Held as part of the NSA Next and beef enterprise, based in Llangollen farming. alongside all Generation project, the Next Generation near Wrexham, has seen Caryl Hughes other sectors Event also saw applications open – for grasp many opportunities along the Matt Haydon, can present a one-month period – for the 2018 NSA way. She spent several years working its staffing Next Generation Ambassador group. away from home in the local area, as Staffordshire challenges, The group is made up of 12 well as travelling to New Zealand and Working as an employed shepherd so you’ve got individuals from England, Wales, managing a 243-hectare (600-acre) The opportunity, three years ago, to to be able to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Snowdonia hill farm for 12 months take on a shepherd’s role at JCB farms, communicate Successful applicants will be selected with the National Trust and Wales YFC producing lamb for the Daylesford as a team,” he to take part in a mixture of five in 2013/14 (as part of the Llyndy Isaf Organic brand, is one that Matt Haydon says. “We’ve got control of the whole technical and personal development Scholarship Scheme). “Don’t feel forced says he could not turn down. With a supply chain here, and are constantly sessions throughout the year. to head straight home if it isn’t the right flock comprising 2,400 Lleyn and Lleyn faced with the challenge of improving Find details of delivery sessions in decision for you,” says Caryl. “I’m at a cross ewes, 800 Gimmer lambs and efficiencies. And this is what we are previous years and an online application point now where I’ve got the experience 240 performance-recorded Lleyn ewes, striving to do.” at www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk. to take home, and I’m enjoying working alongside my parents. I recommend that everyone should take the opportunities given to you before feeling forced to make any decisions.” Lisa Adams, Suffolk bio-security risks and, at times, my flock on much larger set-ups than I would be Working as a has to come second. But it does give doing on my own. self-employed me the chance to experience working “Moving to a new area was daunting, shepherd with but you have to get out and put yourself your own flock out there. Just knocking on doors and Recognising asking for grass-keep is a great way to the challenges meet the neighbours.” that sheep farming posed in the area she grew up in, Lisa Adams moved to Suffolk, in January 2013, and took on a full-time shepherding job. She says: “It’s always a balancing act to manage my own flock while being employed elsewhere. I’m very aware of

40 SHEEP FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 41 Crystalyx EHE A4+bleed Dec15.indd 1 21/12/2015 16:17