Sheep FarmerMAY/JUNE 2013 THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL SHEEP ASSOCIATION

ONE-YEAR ON SINCE NSA’S SHEEP WORRYING SURVEY

LAUNCH OF NEW EVENT FOR YOUNG ENTRANTS

THE LEGACY OF A SNOWY SPRING

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22850_Thistlex Ad_Sheep Farmer_AW.indd 1 19/03/2013 11:50 CONTENTS Sheep Phil Stocker Writes...... 2 News in Brief ...... 3 Farmer Regional Reports ...... 4 Vol. 32, No 3 SW Ram Sale Secretary Steps Down after 20 years ...... 6 May/June 2013 Royal Winner for George Hedley Award ...... 7 ISSN 0141-2434 Healthy Sheep, Healthy Profits ...... 7 A Shepherd Publication Perfect Location for Biennial Event ...... 8 Published by NSA Summer 2013 Events ...... 9 Shepherd Publishing Ltd The Sheep Centre, Malvern, Young People in the Sheep Sector ...... 10 Worcestershire WR13 6PH The Youthful Sheep Event ...... 10 Tel: 01684 565533 Fax: 01684 565577 Sheep Worrying a Growing Problem ...... 12 e-mail: [email protected] The Legacy of the Snow ...... 14 Editor: A 1980s ‘New Entrant’ Shares His Farming Story ...... 16 Joanne Pugh Greening of the CAP ...... 18 Consultant Editor: Phil Stocker, NSA CEO Sheepdog Showcase at Stoneleigh ...... 20 Designer: Nematodirus & Fly Strike Warnings ...... 22 Hannah Thorley BA (Hons) Stamp Out Scab Update ...... 23 Publisher: Howard Venters A Cautionary Fluke Tale ...... 23 Keeping Records Simple & Meaningful ...... 24 Getting to Grips with Scab ...... 26 Wool Update ...... 28 Making Money from Wool ...... 29

An independent body representing the Breed Society Directory ...... 30 interests of UK sheep producers. Classifieds ...... 31 Chairman John Geldard FRAgS Sheep Farmer

Chief Executive Phil Stocker Front cover THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL SHEEP ASSOCIAMAY/JUNE 2013

NSA, The Sheep Centre, Malvern, TION Photograph taken by Jan Wilson of Cheshire on the Keld- Worcs WR13 6PH. Tel: 01684 892661 Fax: 01684 892663 to-Kirkby Stephen road in Cumbria. e-mail: [email protected] website: www.nationalsheep.org.uk Jan is a semi-professional photographer looking for North of England farmers willing to allow her to A Company Limited by Guarantee. take photographs of sheep. She has spent lots of Registered in England No. 37818. ONE-YEAR ON SINCE NSA’S SHEEP WORRYING SURVEY times on farms, will come at a time that suits you LAUNCH OF NEW EVENT FOR YOUNG ENTRANTS Registered Charity No: 249255 THE LEGACY OF A SNOWY SPRING Charity registered in Scotland SC042853. and will not be intrusive in your daily work. If you can SHEEP SCAB UPDATE VAT No: 273 3469 44 accommodate Jan, email her on brackendalephoto@ Shepherd Publishing Ltd gives notice that no part aol.com. of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of the publishers. Every care is taken when compiling editorial and advertisements and the publishers can accept no responsibility for errors and omissions arising from publication. Views expressed and information contained in Sheep Farmer are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the National Sheep Association who cannot therefore be held responsible for any reason arising therefrom. Neither the Association, the Publisher nor the Editor endorses any services or products advertised in this issue. Paper is FSC® certified. It is sourced from responsibly managed forests.

MAY/JUNE 2013 1 ROUNDUP

Board Chairman John Geldard FRAgS The Sheep Centre Malvern Worcestershire WR13 6PH Tel: 01684 892661 Phil Stocker Writes... Fax: 01684 892663

Central region Chairman Bob Payne - Sheffield Tel: 01142 883241 Membership Matters [email protected]. co.uk like to use as many column inches our hugely valuable ethnic market. As Secretary Anne Payne - Sheffield of Sheep Farmer as possible to talk farmers we also benefit from the choice Tel: 01142 883241 [email protected] Iabout things we can affect, with the of selling in live markets or deadweight, weather being something sheep farmers and of working together via independent Cymru Wales region Chairman David Pittendreigh mainly have to deal with. However this producer groups. Carmarthenshire issue cannot go by without mention of the Our main competition in lamb is NZ Tel: 01559 395372 horrendous conditions that all our sheep but, with export demand for our UK [email protected] farmers have experienced recently, with product strong, if it’s done right NZ and Secretary Mrs Helen Davies - Powys those that have suffered losses through UK lamb can sit alongside each other Tel/Fax: 01938 590535 [email protected] heavy and prolonged snow drifts being and compliment the offer to consumers. particularly badly hit. If it’s done wrong, as it was last autumn Eastern region The snow-related losses hit the media and over the winter months, it can have Chairman Andrew Foulds - Norfolk Tel: 01842 890828 headlines with some farmers losing catastrophic effects on our domestic [email protected] hundreds of ewes and, in some cases, prices, which does not benefit anyone

Secretary Jonathan Barber - Norfolk over 50% of their breeding stock. Less long term. Tel: 01953 607860 worthy of media attention has been the Then there was the horsemeat scandal. [email protected] serious impact delivered by a record- Will the promises of Tesco and other Marches region breaking wet summer, autumn and winter, supermarkets to work more closely with Chairman Nick Davies followed by chilling winds that killed producers change the way retailers source Tel: 07818 096647 [email protected] new born lambs and burnt off any grass their lamb? Do they see opportunities, or during a critical period. The result of all even necessities, to shorten or localise Secretary Angela Weston - Gloucestershire this is high losses, high feed costs, poor supply chains? Is this an opportunity for Tel: 01454 260220 [email protected] milk yields, difficult to manage parasite UK sheep farmers, a catalyst that will control and compromised sheep health. result in greater stability and security and Northern region Chairman Adam Watson The NSA has been heavily influential a move away from troughs and peaks of Tel: 01434 381243/07766 720423 in securing the support that has been supply and price? Or will this prove to be [email protected] announced by all devolved national another false dawn? Secretary Mrs Julie A Sedgewick - Co. Durham Government for individual hardship Only time will tell, but today there is still Tel: 01325 314650 cases and helping with fallen stock a shocking lack of understanding with Mob: 07836 773888 [email protected] costs. On the farm, attention to detail most supermarkets believing British lamb and careful planning and management goes ‘out of season’ during our winter Northern Ireland region will be essential to pull back from where months. The diversity of production we Chairman Maurice McHenry Tel: 02820 762093 we find ourselves. have means there should never be a [email protected] On a more positive note, lamb prices month when British lamb is not available,

Secretary Edward Adamson - Co.Antrim climbed rapidly in March and April after and with proper incentives and a bit of Tel/Fax: 028 9336 6225 several winter months of alarmingly low strategic thinking, producers could easily [email protected] returns, which were the result of three respond to a more constant demand. Scottish region main things coming together. One was But if larger retailers showed an Chairman Jim Sinclair - Midlothian poor grass growth and little sunshine increased interest in committed and Tel: 01875 835232 [email protected] delaying and concentrating lamb sales, continual UK sourcing, it would throw an with many farmers off-loading stores out interesting challenge our way, in terms Secretary George Milne - Fife of necessity rather than choice. Another of whether we as producers would be Tel: 01334 472403 Fax: 01334 475406 was the value of the pound adversely prepared to show commitment and affecting exports. And thirdly, the volume supply those markets preferentially. Some South East region Chairman Andrew Barr of NZ lamb coming in was abnormally may well do, as long as supermarket Tel: 01273 858544 high this autumn and was increasingly prices reflect those available elsewhere. Mob: 07768 867124 made up of legs and loins rather than And this is where our well-balanced [email protected] whole carcase cuts, and to make things market structure comes in, to provide Secretary Bob Blanden worse, some supermarkets used NZ legs competition, natural market value and Tel: 01666 860308 Mob: 07860689391 as a loss leader to attract people into resulting security. [email protected] store. For lamb, for all of Tesco’s statements, But looking forward, at least we have this will not and cannot be the end of NZ South West region Chairman Robert Jordan the well-balanced basket of markets for imports – and the issue of ensuring a fair Tel: 01647 433912 UK sheepmeat that I have mentioned and reasonable return for sheep farmers [email protected] many times before – supermarkets, is one we have to tackle as a global Secretary Sue Martyn - Cornwall independent butchers, farm shops, direct farming community. Tel: 01409 271385 retail, export markets and domestic [email protected] catering markets, and within all this Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive

2 SHEEP FARMER NEWS IN BRIEF

NSA Sheep Event Quick Guide • Welsh Sheep • Tuesday 21st May Show Season is Here! at Beili Ficer Farm, Llansawel, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 7JT. SA is looking forward to can be found within the magazine. • Highland Sheep • Thursday 30th May welcoming members to the five NSA will have a stand at each of the at Dingwall Mart, Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 Nregional sheep events planned events and we look forward to speaking 9TP. for this summer – kicking off this month with members from all over the UK. • North Sheep • Wednesday 5th June with NSA Welsh Sheep and culminating We will also be promoting our Rappa at Crimple Head Farm, Beckwithshaw, in July with NSA Sheep NI. membership recruitment campaign at Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QT. Many of you will receive a NSA Welsh each of the events, which may well be • Sheep South West • Tuesday 11th Sheep programme and/or NSA North the ideal opportunity for you to sign-up June at Moortown Barton, Knowstone, South Sheep Programme with this copy of a friend or neighbour to NSA and be Molton, Devon, EX36 4RZ. Sheep Farmer magazine. If your poly- entered into the prize draw. envelope did not include these and you The membership recruitment campaign • Sheep Northern Ireland • Monday 1st would like to see a programme ahead of has been running since February and is July at Ballymena Market, Woodside Road, the event, please contact Helen Davies already proving very popular. To remind Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 4HX. (07976 803066 or helen@nationalsheep. you how it works, anyone who signs up org.uk) for NSA Welsh Sheep or Julie to NSA as a new member automatically when someone you recommend signs Sedgewick (07836 773888 or jas@ gets entered into a free prize draw to win up to NSA. The more recommendations nationalsheep.org.uk) for NSA North a Rappa 10ft mobile sheep yard. But as you make the more chances you have of Sheep. Details of the other three events an existing NSA member you can also winning, so make sure anyone signing benefit from this membership recruitment up puts your details on their NSA campaign and be entered into the draw membership form. As always, there is a membership form in the back of this magazine. If you need call NSA on 01684 892661 or visit www.nationalsheep.org. uk/rappadraw. Full terms and conditions for the Rappa membership recruitment campaign can also be found on the website. q Date Confirmed for NSA AGM otice is hereby given that the 120th NAnnual General Meeting of the National Sheep Association will be held One lucky NSA member will win this Rappa 10ft mobile sheep yard as part of our 2013 at Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, membership recruitment campaign. Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland EH26 0PZ at 10am on Thursday 22nd August 2013. Not Too Late to Fill in New Chairman for Scotland Members are entitled to appoint a the 2012/13 Lambing Survey SA Scotland welcomed their first proxy to vote on their behalf at the AGM ever female chairman at their and the Proxy Notice will be available lease visit www.surveymonkey. N AGM in March. Sybil MacPherson of at www.nationalsheep.org.uk ahead com/s/WWHBNC5 to fill in the P Argyllshire will be ably assisted by Ian of the meeting. Any member wishing 2012/13 lambing survey, which Hepburn as Vice Chairman, with George to have a copy of the Annual Report is aimed at collecting information Milne and Caroline Orr continuing in and Accounts for the year ended 31st particularly about Schmallenberg. We their roles as Regional Development December 2012 please contact NSA appreciate the later lambing flocks Office and Secretary respectively. q Head Office at Malvern. q had far bigger issues to worry about than Schmallenberg but it is important that the industry collects data on this emerging disease and we do urge Overseas Shearers Given members to complete the survey even the Go-ahead if they did not see any Schmallenberg he National Association of Agricultural cases at all.If you do not have internet TContractors (NAAC) has received access please feel free to contact the confirmation from the Home Office NSA Head Office at Malvern and answer that the concessional arrangements the questions over the phone. Please for overseas shearers entering the UK have you membership number handy. for short-term employment will remain A full list of the questions asked in the the same for this season. A letter from 2012/13 lambing survey can be found the Home Office to NAAC says the in the previous (March/April) edition of concession will be in place from 1st Sheep Farmer. q April to 30th June 2013. q

MAY/JUNE 2013 3 grateful of offers of help to man it, even 21st May at Beili Ficer farm, Llansawel, if just for an hour or two. In exchange we SA19 7JT are now complete and the can provide an entrance ticket. region is looking forward to another great NSA Sheep South West is being held event. Many thanks to all the hard work on June 11th and is a date every member put in by hosts and the local farming should put in their diary. This is being community. The event guide can be held at Moortown Barton, Knowstone, found in this issue of the Sheep Farmer South Molton by kind permission of and if for some reason it is not included Michael and David Snell and family. The and you would like to a copy please REGIONAL event will have 140 trade and breed contact NSA Malvern on 01684 893661 society stands, so whatever your need or who will arrange for a copy to be sent REPORTS interest, it will be catered for. This year, out to you. Alternatively all information instead of the Open Question forum, we can be found on the event website www. have arranged a programme of seminars. welshsheep.org.uk. South West The farm tour will prove to be a popular Helen Davies, Secretary. e held the regional AGM in attraction. Sheepdog demonstrations WFebruary, which was well attended have been arranged along with the Eastern and, with no changes in officers this year, sheepdog sale. There will be various egional officers have been was a fairly speedy affair! Robert Jordan competitions, those that need to be Rbusy working away on arrangements announced that I will be giving up as entered before are carcass, fleece and for a new and exciting event taking Regional Secretary at the AGM in 2013, Shepherd of the Future, so let me know place on 8th June – the Youthful Sheep so we will be looking for a replacement if you’re interested (see contact details Event – kindly hosted by the Darley Stud and will advertise in the Sheep Farmer on page 2); programmes will be mailed Management Co Ltd, at the Rutland and on the NSA website later in the out to all members in early June. Yard, Newmarket. This is an event year. Sue Martyn, Secretary for young people in the sheep sector Once again we found an extremely (more details on page 10) but there will talented young speaker in Chris Berry, Cymru/Wales also be a BBQ and social event in the who was the Novartis scholarship n the last few months NSA Cymru/ evening, which we hope many members winner in 2012. His presentation on his IWales has held two Roadshows in of the Eastern region will join us for. For trip to New Zealand was informative and conjunction with British Wool Marketing catering reasons, please let the Eastern interesting. If you get the chance to hear Board and Dunbia. The one in Llanrwst, Region office (contact details on page 2) it, please do so, as it is well worthwhile. although poorly supported, provoked a know in advance. Phil Stocker followed and updated us lively discussion. The lack of attendance We also have a member of the NSA with the activities of the NSA and the was put down to the first (and what we Eastern Region Committee completely a sheep industry in general. As expected, assumed would be the last) snow of the heroic feat for charity this summer. Dan there were a lot of questions and much year – how wrong we were. Phipps, who also happens to be our host discussion. Our thoughts are with those farmers for the Youthful Sheep Event in June, will As I write this in mid-April hopefully the who have lost stock and suffered be completely the ‘London 100’ (the 100 worst of the weather is finally behind us hardship during this hard winter, which mile Olympic cycle route) on 4th August. and we can start to look forward towards as affected us all in some way. As I write He is raising money for the children’s summer. We are planning events for the this report it is the warmest day since last charity Scope and NSA members coming months and will try to spread September and I hope we have many are invited to sponsor him at http:// them throughout the region. more of them to boost urgently needed uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser- The Royal Cornwall Show is on June grass and other crops. web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.ac 6th-8th. We have secured a prime We have been heavily involved with tion?userUrl=DanPhipps2&faId=292400 position opposite the sheep marquee RDP and CAP consultations and will be &isTeam=false. for our stand and, as usual we would be pressing hard for the Welsh Government Jonathan Barber, Secretary to embrace NSA’s Animal Health Scheme within the RDP. Also in Wales, the Sheep Scotland Scab Task and Finish Group, which NSA et’s hope that by the time you are was involved in, will present its final Lreading this we have green grass to report to the Health and Welfare Steering look at. Never have fields and hillsides Group in May. Our recommendation is looked as barren and starved, or so to strengthening the current controls by many areas of Scotland struggled from making sheep scab a notifiable disease a complete lack of vegetation for sheep in Wales. to graze and roam across. The legacy of Progress on the Working Smarter the snow will last a long time. report, the Welsh Government-initiated The atrocious spring weather came on The terrible spring weather and a project to find ways to reduce red tape, the back of a wet summer and autumn, desperate need for financial support is ongoing and NSA has been invited, and another big problem on a lot of farms from the Government saw NSA and other along with other key players, to put an has been liver fluke. I was hit personally stakeholder groups invite David Heath, industry proposal together to review the on my own farm, having never seen Minister of State for Environment, Food six-day standstill rule. This proposal is fluke here before, and NSA Scotland and Rural Affairs, to Cumbria to see undergoing a risk assessment, along has initiated a number of meetings with the devastating extent of the problem with the Welsh Government proposal, Moredun and our Chief Veterinary Officer, for himself. Here John Geldard, NSA and we will keep you updated on the Sheila Voss, to encourage more to be Chairman (right), explains the need for progress of this. done in this area. The problem really financial assistance to Mr Heath (left). Plans for NSA Welsh Sheep on Tuesday cannot be over-emphasised enough, as

4 SHEEP FARMER it is making farming a real challenge for moved them to market the department many. would generate an ‘inferred movement’ Also on the animal health front, myself and sale could go ahead. As this is seen NSA Corporate Sponsors and our new Chairman Sybil MacPherson as a break in traceability it will not be NSA is very grateful to its Corporate met with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC, allowed after 1st June 2013. Sponsors. The support of these formerly SAC) to talk about flock health At the end of April Joanne Pugh, companies if invaluable in the work accreditation schems and MV, Jaagsiekte NSA Senior Communications Officer, NSA does on behalf of the sheep (OPA), Borders disease, Johne’s, LCA and I spent an enjoyable evening with sector. and Schmallenberg, as well as liver fluke the members of Strangford Down Ltd, (see picture). a co-operative that markets sheep and Gold Sponsors lamb in Northern Ireland, where we had an exchange of thoughts on a variety of subjects. We are looking forward to the NSA Sheep Centre, our new venture at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s Balmoral Show in May. We are grateful to all have offered their support and volunteered their time at the show, including Charlotte Underwood from George Milne (far left) with SRUC’s Brian NSA HQ, who is travelling across to join Hosie (left), Sybil MacPherson (centre), us. a lab technical (right) and SRUC’s Ian NSA Sheep NI is on course to be an Pritchard (far right). array of sheep related exhibits, displays Amongst the continuing CAP meetings and information not to be missed. We and negotiations, all aimed at keeping look forward to seeing all our friends, Scottish farmers in business in the old and new, on Monday 1st July in future, NSA Scotland is really looking Ballymena Livestock Market. forward to NSA Highland Sheep, our Edward Adamson brand new event for 2013, being held at NSA NI Regional Manager Corporate Sponsors Dingwall Mart on 30th May. By hosting • Agropharm an event further north than ScotSheep, South East we hope we will see a lot of our members t the time of writing this report in • Bimeda from the Highlands and islands. Lady Amid-April we are hearing very mixed • Euro Quality Lambs Clare MacDonald will open the event and reports for lambing flocks in the South • Hook Norton Vet Group Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead will East region, but one thing that is certain • Trident give a keynote address, so we hope to is that we are weeks behind in grass see lots of your there. production. Many farmers are having to • Welshpool Livestock With preparations also underway supplementary feed, which is going to • Wessex Animal Health for the NSA Sheep Centre at the Royal add a lot of extra cost. Let’s hope these Highland Show, where all NSA members costs are covered by better market prices Corporate Sponsors/ will receive a warm welcome, there’s an throughout the year. exciting summer to look forward to as Three members from our region, Marie Sheep Event Sponsors we turn our backs on a long winter and Prebble, Susie Parish and Kate Kershaw, • Bayer plc a cold spring. went to help at the Campaign for Wool • British Wool Marketing Board and George Milne, Development Officer event that transformed Somerset House Campaign for Wool in London into ‘Wool House’ in Northern Ireland March. The event was a • Caltech Crystalyx any of you will know that Northern great success and • David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd MIreland was one of the worst-hit enjoyed by many. • Eblex areas when the snow came this spring, Please make and NSA played its role in securing a a note in your • HSBC Agriculture support package from the Northern diary for a farm • Innovis Genetics Ltd Ireland Agricultural Committee with walk hosted by • JG Animal Health John Blaney, NSA NI Vice Chairman Andrew Barr, our • Marks & Spencer John Blaney, and his brother hosting Regional Chairman, on Permanent Secretary Noel Lavery on Thursday 13th • MSD Animal Health their farms to see the extent of the June. We will • Novartis Animal Health devastation caused by snowstorms. be meeting • Pfizer (Zoetis) Animal Health After a horrendous year the last thing • Randall Parker Food we needed was a late spring but these things are out of our control. • Rumenco A reminder to all NSA NI members that • SAI Global Assurance from 1st June all bought-in sheep moved Services Ltd to market must be in the flock keepers’ • Shearwell flock. Until now, if a farmer moved sheep • Tornado Wire to another farmer and forgot to send DARD a movement notification, and then continued on page 6

MAY/JUNE 2013 5 NSA Ram Sale Quick Guide SW Ram Sale Secretary • Eastern Region Sale of mixed breed pedigree shearling rams: Monday 19th August at Rugby Farmers Mart. (To be Steps Down after 20 Years confirmed) And SW Ram Sale celebrates 25 years • Wales & Border Early Ram Sale: Monday 5th August at the Royal Welsh t the NSA SW Ram Sale AGM the rest of the committee too. Vendors Showground. Peter Farnsworth stepped down and purchasers knew Peter as a person

as Secretary, with Sue Martyn they trusted and respected. Peter has • South West Region Ram Sale: A Wednesday 14th August at Exeter Livestock taking his place. Peter held the role for been a major influence on our ram sale Centre. 20 years, having been the first person and we thank him for his dedication and ever appointed to the job when Messrs support. We shall miss you Peter.” • Eastern Region Ram Sale: Friday Rendells auctioneers decided in 1993, This year the NSA South West Ram 20th September at Melton Mowbray. after five years of providing various Sale celebrates 25 years. The sale first • Wales & Border Main Ram Sale: clerks, that a proper secretary was started off at the old Devon County Monday 23rd September at the Royal Welsh needed. Showground on the outskirts of Exeter, Showground. David Darke, NSA SW Ram Sale before moving to Westpoint, adjacent to Chairman, says: “Peter has been the M5. The sale moved with Westpoint an outstanding secretary, providing and stayed there until the rent got too the sale with a very efficient and prohibitive. The sale then moved to professional service. Nothing was ever Exeter Livestock Centre, where it has too much trouble for him. Whether it been ever since – and where it will be was arranging our committee meetings, celebrating 25 years this August. q the ballot for the sale or the sale itself, they were always extremely well organised, without too much fuss. He made my life as chairman much easier, and was extremely well thought of by continued from page 5 at 2pm at Place Farm, Firle, Lewes, Kinder Scout, roads in hill area and he’d was trying to get a derogation on the East Sussex, BN8 6LP. Andrew has an rural lanes being impassable for days, rule there should be no chain harrowing early lambing flock of 140 Charollais/ and moor and hillsides inaccessible beyond 31st March (to avoid damage to Mule and Suffolk/Mule ewes that are to farmers trying to find and feed their ground nesting birds) given conditions homebred, and an April lambing flock of sheep, the heavy snow and extensive have made it impossible to follow any 400 mainly Scotch Mules. He also runs drifting affected our region for quite some normal farming timetable. Sussex cross and Angus cross suckler time. And as though this wasn’t bad Throughout all of this there have been cows along with a Welsh Section A and enough, there have been some reports of requests for interviews from the media, Shetland Pony Stud. Altogether this dog worrying in the Peak District where and though we haven’t had as bad a requires tight grassland management sheep have been too weak to run away time as many others, we do feel a certain and we will be able to see what he does and have been found alive but ripped to responsibility to act as a ‘mouth-piece’ to rejuvenate and lift his swards. It is pieces. for those who have and ‘put the record always useful to know how many people Everywhere the consumption of straight’ on behalf of our members – will be attending, so please let me know additional concentrates and blocks is especially in response to listeners of the (my contact details are on page two). common and supplies of straw and Radio 2 Jeremy Vine Show saying they The Region’s Committee will have met bedding are reaching crisis point. For the had ‘no sympathy with farmers, who by the time you read this, when we will be older generation, they cannot remember shouldn’t be allowed to keep sheep if discussing next year’s NSA South Sheep things being this hard since 1963. For they don’t have enough buildings to put Event. We have several possible sites the (slightly) younger generation, they them in during bad weather’! to consider and the event will almost are totally focussed on trying to deal with A telephone interview Bob gave certainly be held in East Sussex. After the challenges of lambing with limited to the Sheffield Telegraph, where he the slightly disappointing attendance resources and no grass. explained a good deal of the difficulties, figures for our 2012 South Sheep Event, The constraints of some stewardship merely acted as a lesson in dealing with we will also be considering holding the schemes mean some farmers have the press. All that was reported was next event on a Saturday instead of mid- been faced with other dilemmas about his final up-beat remark that ‘farmers week. Any thoughts that you may have their upland flocks. One farmer whose are a resilient bunch and they have on the subject, please contact me or sheep were due to be gathered ready for encountered difficulties before and they your local Regional Committee Member. lambing said they had dug out gateways will largely come through this’, which did Bob Blanden, Secretary but the drifts were so bad they needed limit the picture somewhat. However, to use a JCB to clear a track – but if they did also include his suggestion that Central they did that they would be in danger of ‘if you want to help, eat British lamb’. ith farmers digging sheep and losing their subsidies, since they are not Let’s hope some of the Great British Wlambs out of 15-foot snow drifts, supposed to use vehicles on the moor public do just that! an army helicopter dropping hay onto as it damages the heather. Another said Anne Payne, Secretary/Manager q

6 SHEEP FARMER Royal Winner for George Hedley Award HRH The Prince of Wales named as 2012 recipient

SA has announced His Royal there as a helping hand in times of crisis Highness (HRH) The Prince of but equally encouraged the sector to NWales as the winner of the 2012 look forward and innovate to ensure its George Hedley Memorial Award, which future viability.” is presented annually to recognise The winner of the George Hedley an individual for their outstanding Memorial Award is voted for annually contribution to the sheep sector. by NSA representatives, following John Geldard, NSA Chairman, says: nominations from a number of “We are absolutely delighted to name committees, organisations, breed and HRH The Prince of Wales as a deserving show societies involved in the sheep recipient of this prestigious award. In sector. HRH will be presented with his its 52-year history the George Hedley The Prince of Wales officially opening award in the summer, recognising him as Memorial Award has recognised a NSA Scot Sheep last year the 2012 winner, and nominations for the wealth of great people who have made 2013 award will be invited later this year. incredible contributions to the industry, his passion for the sector and upland The award is given to honour the and it is a pleasure to add a member of sheep farming in particular is abundantly memory of George Hedley, a highly the royal family to that list for the first clear. Through all his initiatives he has respected farmer from the Scottish time. sought to add value to our meat and wool borders who was involved with the “No other individual can be said to ensure better returns, but also raise NSA (then the National Sheep Breeders to have such a holistic approach to the profile of our sector and demonstrate Association) for many years. It was while supporting the sheep sector as the Prince the environmental and wider benefits of he was Chairman of NSBA, travelling to of Wales. Be it his patronage of the Rare sheep farming to the rural economy. a Council meeting in London on 26th Breeds Survival Trust, various breed “The Prince of Wales’ support of January 1960, that he was tragically killed societies and industry organisations, his both rare breeds and young people in a car accident. The NSA presented an instigation of the Mutton Renaissance shows he values the need to protect award in his name that same year, and Campaign, forming the Campaign for traditional ways of sheep farming but every year since. Wool or championing young people also strengthening our industry for the through the Prince’s Countryside Fund, years to come. Similarly, he has been q Healthy Sheep, Healthy Profits Preview of NSA Sheep NI 2013

etails are now being finalised by of the Year, open and YFC stockjudging NSA Northern Ireland to hold its and a wool fleece competition. Dthird major sheep extravaganza Sheep NI For other members of the family, there on Monday 1st July 2013 at Ballymena Monday 1st July will be a major food and crafts section, Livestock Mart, Woodside Road – and Ballymena Mart, 1 Woodside Rd, as well as a cooking demonstration, with a theme of ‘Healthy Sheep, Healthy Ballymena, a display of traditional crafts by the Profits’ the plan is for a showcase of the Women’s Institute, and an animal farm entire sheep industry. Co Antrim, BT42 4HX with a variety of farm animals. The NSA NI Committee, under the Details from Edward Adamson on Mr McHenry says: “Sheep farmers leadership of Maurice McHenry, aim to 07711 071290 or play the crucial role of custodians of the provide an entertaining and educational [email protected] countryside in managing diverse and day for sheep farmers, their families and The biggest sheep event on the rare habitats that are to be found both anyone with an interest in sheep and the in hill and lowland areas. This event will rural community. island of Ireland in 2013! allow for an exchange of views as well as They say it will be a bigger and better an input from the professionals. event to that which was held in 2011, already been booked, as well as a range “The event has already received a which attracted an audience of almost of different sheep breed societies. In line boost in the form of major sponsorship 2,000 people. In July an even larger with the event’s theme, there will be a deals with Autoline Farm Insurance, ABO crowd is expected, as news of the sheep health area, as well as technical Wind Power, McCaughan Animal Health, success of the 2011 Sheep event has seminars. The sheepdog sale will go Novartis Animal Health, Shearwell, spread amongst the farming community. ahead too. A number of competitions Caltech Crystalyx and Ulster Bank.” Many commercial trade stands have will be held, including Young Shepherd q

MAY/JUNE 2013 7 Perfect Location for Biennial Event Meet the hosts of NSA Sheep SW 2013

ichael Snell put down the a Texel cross Charollais ram has been At scanning trebles are kept in; the rest phone and told his wife Mary used successfully to produce lambs with of the flock is housed at the beginning he had arranged a big party thicker skins and good growth rates. of February. When lambing Martin is very Mfor her birthday – NSA Sheep Alongside the sheep, 100 12-month- successful at wet fostering any treble South West. old Charolais cross and Simmental onto a single and using adopters. After Regardless of his wife’s surprise, cross store cattle are procured from 24 hours groups of six stay in a larger Moortown Barton, just off the Mid Devon either Exeter or Sedgemoor markets in pen for another day – except this year Link Road at Knowstone, is a perfect late spring. During the winter they are when they have been housed for as location for this event on 11thJune. housed on 4.5kg (10lb) a day of milled long as possible. This ensures mothers It is both situated in the heart of the barley, wheat and protein mix and ad are well settled with lambs prior to turn South West’s sheep country and easily lib silage. Some are ready to sell the out. Again, high energy feed blocks with accessible. following spring and the rest finished fish oil are introduced, but no cake. Salt At 274m (900ft), this exposed wet at grass by autumn. The ground is too and zinc blocks are also available in an 121ha (300-acre) farm is not easy to heavy to support a suckler herd. attempt to keep orf at bay. manage. However, following the flock’s Up to 300 Poll Dorset ewe lambs are “The plan is to turn out so grass grows regular 200% lambing percentage scan, sold in the autumn either privately or at with the lambs,” explains son David. these ewes have eventually turned out Exeter. This enterprise helps cash flow. “The farm is down to permanent pasture, not far off that prediction. There is no shortage of buyers for these which is annually dressed with urea and The flock consists of 500 North strong lambs to go into early-lambing Grasstrac, which has definitely perked Country Mules lambing down to Suffolk flocks. up stale pasture.” and Poll Dorset rams from 20th March, Once weaned, at the beginning of Five years ago lambing percentage and 450 Suffolk crossed Mules tupped August, the rest of the lambs are stored. started to drop off so Michael and by Texel and Charollais rams. This year They are creep-fed in batches from David decided to invest in improving November onwards and some are moved pasture. First they started liming Farm Facts to dairy farms to finish off grass. and, again, immediately noticed an • Michael and Mary Snell moved here “We don’t push to sell in the autumn improved, sweeter sward. Now, they are 30 years ago. David (35) farms in because trade drops with a glut of concentrating on stitching in grass and partnership and is married to Vicky, lambs,” says Martin. “I am a liveweight clover mixes. younger son Peter marries Louise at man, proud of what we do, and I like to Fields shut up at the end of May are the end of May and daughter Julia be in the pen with the lambs when they cut for silage in the last week of July, with married to Philip Slade, mixed farmer are all sold at South Molton Market. Most 32ha (80 acres) producing 700 tonnes for outside Tiverton. are 45kg; some heavier.” the clamp. Weather permitting, 8ha (20 • 121ha (300 acres) of permanent Attention to detail is the key to a acres) is also cut for haylage and the pasture on culm clay at 274m (900ft), successful lambing at Moortown Barton, same for hay. Dung is then applied and plus 81ha (300 acres) grass keep. he says: “It all starts when we keep the aftermath grazed by weaned lambs. • 500 North Country Mules put to Suffolk back the best fields – which have been Right now the Snells are praying for and Poll Dorset rams, and 450 Suffolk fertilised – to flush ewes. They go in three good weather – both for the event and to Mules put to Texel and Charollais. weeks prior to tupping (50 ewes to a ram) give them time to catch up preparing for Poll Dorset ewe lambs sold in autumn which gets them shining. And we always it. Mary, however, has already received and everything else finished from give them energy blocks with added fish her birthday present – the house has Christmas and marketed liveweight at oil.” been painted and she has been promised South Molton. Cull ewes fattened and The result is 970 ewes lambing in three the windows will also receive the same sold at South Molton. weeks, which Martin describes as 17 treatment before the middle of June! to 18 ‘quite busy’ days. This year, after Farm tours will be one of the attractions NSA Sheep SW Highlights three weeks, just over 30 ewes were left at NSA Sheep South West. See advert • Shepherd of the Future (£1000 prize to lamb. on facing page for more information. q money sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers) • Student Shepherd of the Future (£500 prize fund sponsored by Eblex) • Seminars: Defra report on EID and new sheep database; advice on avoiding blowfly strike; British Wool Marketing Board report • Fleece and prime lamb competition • Sheepdog sale • Back fat scanning and butchery demonstrations • 150 trade and breed society stands • Farm tour

8 SHEEP FARMER NSA NORTH SHEEP 2013 Organised by the National Sheep Association

NSA North Sheep 2013 will be held at Crimple Head Farm, Beckwithshaw Harrogate HG3 1QT on Wednesday 5th June By kind permission of J M Wilson & Sons

Trade and Sheep Breed Stands Seminars Farm Tour • Stockjudging Educational & Working Farm Demonstrations

www.northsheep.org.uk Further information please contact Julie Sedgewick Organiser: Helen Davies The Meadows, Arddleen, Llanymynech, Powys SY22 6RX Tel/Fax: 01938 590535 · Mobile: 07976 803066 · Email: [email protected] Tel: 01325 314650 A company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. Registration No 37818. Registered charity in England and Wales (249255) and in Scotland (SC042853). Email: [email protected]

National Sheep Association is an organisation which represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. your business your future NSA is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry.

Sheep South West 2013 S n o o Organised by NSA South West Region ut gi h West Re Tuesday 11th June 10am - 5pm By kind invitation of Michael & David Snell & family, Moortown Barton, Knowstone, South Molton. EX36 4RZ.

I Farm Tour I Trade & Breed Society Stands I Competitions I Carcass Competition I Seminars I Sheepdog Demonstrations & Sale I Demonstrations I Fleece Competitions I Shepherd of the Future - £1,000 prize fund I Student Shepherd of the Future - £500 prize fund Organiser: Helen Davies No Dogs on Site exceptThe Meadows,Assistsance Arddleen, dogs Llanymynech, Powys SY22 6RX & those entered in theTel/Fax: sale. 01938 590535 · Mobile: 07976 803066 · Email: [email protected] A company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. Registration No 37818. Admission - £12 Non NSA Members.Registered charity in England and Wales (249255) and in Scotland (SC042853). £6 NSA Members with current card & subject to conditions. YFC members/Students £6 with current card. Under 16 - Free. Major Sponsors National Sheep Association is an organisation which represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. your business your future Further information from SueNSA isMartyn. funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry. Tel: 01409 271385. Mob: 07967 512660. Email: [email protected] Registered Charity in England & Wales (249255) and in Scotland (SCO42853).

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 9 Young People in the Sheep Sector NSA provides encouragement and support

ith the agriculture sector in World Final supports the Welsh students at Harper the UK needing in excess In 2011 the regional winners were Adams whilst they in turn promote NSA of 60,000 new entrants in rewarded with a trip as part of a UK where they can. Wthe next 10 years to remain team (facilitated by NSA and Eblex) to Many NSA regions sponsor a young sustainable, NSA can be depended upon the first ever World Young Shepherds person from their region to attend the to do its bit to help the next generation Championships in New Zealand – a biennial Sheep Breeders Round Table of sheep producers get their feet on the wonderful experience with England Conference where they can hear first- ladder. returning victorious with Philip Derryman hand speakers of the highest calibre, In fact much more than that, NSA (a winner from NSA South West Sheep) often from around the world, discuss leads the way in providing help and taking the overall individual world title. the very latest technical innovation for support for new entrants in the sheep Clearly our young shepherds can hold the sheep sector and its practical and sector, providing encouragement and their own on the world stage, something commercial implications on farm. NSA opportunities for the future leaders, we should be very proud of. Northern Region supports young people shepherds and innovators within our Aside of the practical competitive from their region attending the Oxford industry. element of NSA’s activities for aspiring Farming Conference, providing an eye- NSA has a long history of encouraging young shepherds, there is a plethora opening experience into the world of keen young shepherds; the regional and of expertise and knowledge available agri-politics and an invaluable networking national Young Shepherds competitions to youngsters that join regional opportunity. held across the UK at the NSA Sheep committees. Many regional committees Events have been taking place for many actively encourage representation from Mentoring years. These events, where competition YFC groups and younger members Each year NSA Cymru/Wales Region is fiercely fought amongst competitors up onto their committee – for example, celebrates a young person by the giving to the age of 26, place great emphasise NSA Cyrmu/Wales has forged a close of an award at the Welsh Winter Fair on best practice, ensuring the very best association with the Harper Cymru group to a young person who has made an stockmanship is rewarded. via a sponsorship arrangement which outstanding contribution to the Welsh

his brand new event will take place on Saturday 8th June at the Rutland The Youthful Sheep Event TYard, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 9RF, by kind permission of the Darley Stud Management Co. Ltd. The event will provide a ‘meet and greet’ opportunity for young people to be able to discuss their needs and ideas with those who have knowledge and experience to impart; it will provide help and moral support from the region, give access to information and contacts for young people who wish to ‘get a foot on the ladder’ and advance within the industry. A key element of the event will be an Open Discussion Forum – a designated area within the event where young people can come and hear, first-hand, stories of how others have succeeded within the sheep sector and how they got started. There will be the opportunity to chat to representatives from a variety of situations within the sector, who all got started in very different ways. Alongside this will be practical demonstrations, some hands-on training, the Eastern Region Young Shepherd of the Year Competition, and a BBQ and social evening. The event will be officially Darley Stud, the host farm, lambs more than 1,000 ewes each year. opened by Sir Jim and Lady Paice.

10 SHEEP FARMER sheep industry, and is also currently investigating the possibility of putting forward NSA members to act as mentors on the YESS (Young Entrants Support Scheme) in Wales. NSA Scotland hosts 1,000s of school children as part of their presence at the Royal Highland Show each year while NSA Central Region hosts an inter- schools shepherding and schools wool challenge at their event, to try to connect with the younger potential shepherds in the region. This list of examples is by no means exhaustive but gives a flavour of some of the many activities that NSA regions are delivering for young people. New Event The list of activities and opportunities available for young people via NSA is constantly evolving in response to The first ever World Young Shepherds Championship saw a whole UKteam demand – but one of the most valuable compete. things NSA is able to offer is a willing ear to listen, and advice from those that have says: “Adding this exciting new event “All the NSA regions and committees done it all before. The opportunity to talk to the mix of activities NSA undertakes are 100% behind efforts in this area, some to people who have learned through for young people has highlighted the even volunteering funding already, as we experience is also a key feature of a new need for us to bring everything under also investigate potential partnerships event – the Youthful Sheep Event – which one umbrella and really show the extent with those outside of NSA to increase is being organised by the NSA Eastern of our work. It is also important to our ability to provide tangible benefits Region, specifically for young entrants – emphasise everything NSA does as we for young people wanting a future in the see panel below. look for funding to grow our activity and sheep sector.” Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, offer even more in the future. q

Andrew Foulds, NSA Eastern Jonathan Barber, NSA Eastern Dan Phipps, Youthful Sheep Sir Jim Paice, who will be Region Chairman Region Manager Event host farmer opening the event

The venue has fantastic facilities and is The aim of the Darley flock is to farm will be the first of many similar occasions. managed by a team that believes in the a commercial and profitable flock whilst The importance of getting the right young importance of helping the next generation fulfilling an important role in the grassland people involved in our industry cannot of sheep producers. Darley lambs a flock management. This is done in conjunction be underestimated and we must all do of 1,000 females, alongside 350 ewes for with what is the primary business of our bit. We are very grateful to the Darley a sister company. The flocks are lambed breeding thoroughbred racehorses. Stud Management Co Ltd for hosting the in four groups, with roughly 450 lambing Lambs are marketed primarily through event and hope that many of you will join in January, 450 in late February/March, Randall Parker Foods via the Mayhill us on the 8th June.” 350 in late March/April and 100 in May. producer group. The sheep flock is The Youthful Sheep Event is being The January lambing is split between managed by Dan Phipps, who is a organised by NSA Eastern Region Mule Suffolk cross ewes and North member of the NSA English Committee for anyone looking to get started in Country Mules, which also make up and NSA UK Policy and Technical the sheep sector, regardless of where the remainder of the flocks. In addition, Committee they are in the UK. To register your 320 Mule ewe lambs are purchased and Andrew Foulds, NSA Eastern Region attendance, or for any enquiries, please 100 home-bred ewe lambs kept and Chairman, says: “We are very excited email [email protected]. wintered. about holding this event and hope that it uk. q

MAY/JUNE 2013 11 Sheep Worrying a Growing Problem NSA pledges to continue efforts in this area

t is just over 12 months since the NSA launched its sheep worrying questionnaire, collecting information Ifrom sheep farmers directly affected by dog attacks – and the information collected is startling, suggesting more than half (57%) of attacks happened in private, enclosed fields with no footpath and, therefore, no permitted access to dog walkers. The data also shows some farmers had up to 72 sheep injured during a single attack, while some had 30 killed. This provides an average of 3.2 sheep injured per attack and four sheep killed, with costs ranging from £60-£17,000 and providing (what NSA considers to be a very conservative) average of £1,580 per incident. It is very clear that more needs to be done to raise the importance of dogs being kept on leads at all times around livestock, and also to ensure dog owners do not leave their dogs out-of-doors for long periods of time to ‘entertain Dog attacks have received variable responses in local media themselves’. This latter scenario certainly not present. NSA is therefore embarking on a seems to be a serious problem, as in 45% The message that any dog can sustained period of activity to raise the of cases reported to NSA, the owner was become a killer when it ‘gets it blood up’ issue with regional and local media, is something that particularly needs to as well as countryside magazines and be emphasised, as many owners seem publications aimed at dog owners. The Gillian Herbert to think their own dog is not capable of data we have collected over the last 12 Linley Green, Herefordshire such behaviour. Data collected by NSA months will be vital to this, as well as “When a pack of small dogs, mostly suggests 52% of cases involve just one case studies of NSA members who have Jack Russells, ran our lambs ragged I dog, suggesting it doesn’t take a ‘ring- been affected. did some sums. We run a closed flock leader’ to initiate an attack. Occasionally We are also in the process of engaging and have culled hard over the years two dogs (35% of cases) and involved by with more than 50 police forces around to be left with breeding stock that has more than two dogs is rarer (13%). the UK, as one clear message that our twins, lambs easily, makes good, milky questionnaire revealed was incredible mothers and produce an average of variation in the way police forces and nine crops of lambs. On this basis, Kevin Harrison individual officers respond to sheep assuming first lambing at the age of two, North Stoke, Gloucestershire worrying reports. twins every year and a 50:50 ewe:ram “Our land goes around Bath racecourse For every questionnaire response telling lamb split with ewe lambs retained for and near a golf course, which is very us the local police force, community breeding, after 10 years the loss of one popular with dog walkers. The main support officer or dog warden was ewe would lead to the loss of 133 ram problem is people walking on the golf helpful, we had another saying the police and 133 ewe lambs. Assuming 10% course do not have a clue where their were simply just not interested. In fact, of the ram lambs were suitable to sell dogs are. Once a golfer chased a dog one NSA member told us a policeman for breeding and the rest were sold at off because it had hold of a sheep’s had asked him what steps he had taken around the breed society prices then neck, but the dog started circling them to keep dogs out of his fields. While the the loss would be well into five figures both. The next day I went to check on dogs involved on that occasion were per ewe killed. the ewes and there another two dogs lurchers and could probably clear an “I put this to a dog owner, who had in there. I feel like I’m banging my head average fence with comparative ease, previously suggested it my fault for not against a brick wall. it is incredibly concerning that such filling in the hole under the fence where “If I go and say something I look like ignorance about sheep farming (and the fox comes through, and told him that the grumpy old farmer, but if the police indeed the law) appears to be in out if it happened again I would be shooting go and say something and increase there. the dog and taking him to court for patrols, as they have done over four To be clear, while sheep farmers have reimbursement of lost income. The dog weekends, it seems to get the message a legal obligation to stop their sheep was always on a lead after that.” across.” straying, the responsibility to keep dogs

12 SHEEP FARMER Not just dog walkers NSA has received very worrying ad-hoc out lies absolutely with the dog owner. For this a recent investigation by Farmers reports of sheep worrying as a ‘sport’, There are two pieces of legislation linked Guardian newspaper is useful, as they with participants targeting enclosed to this:- used information from NSA data but also fields of sheep with teams of dogs to • The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) sent requests to all 51 police forces in inflict as much damage as possible. This Act 1953, which allows a fine of up to the UK (excluding the City of London) does not appear to be widespread as £1,000 to be issued if a dog is found under the Freedom of Information Act to yet, but it is vital to report any suspicions attacking or chasing livestock or at request information on the number dog to the police so they are aware of large, not on a lead or under control, attacks involving sheep. Results from the the issue. NSA will assist members in a field or enclosure containing 28 police forces who responded showed wherever possible to emphasise the livestock. 739 attacks in 2012, compared to 691 in seriousness of such activity. Footage of • The Animals Act 1971, which states 2011, although NSA thinks this masks such incidents is incredibly difficult to the keeper of a dog caught damaging some serious under-reporting. obtain but can make a big difference, by killing or injuring livestock is liable Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, even if it’s just filmed used your mobile for the damage (i.e can be sued for says: “There is very little consistency in phone. compensation). police forces throughout the UK about Another problem NSA members Many readers will be aware farmers how they record the information, how report to us is sheep getting caught have the right to shoot a dog found they respond to calls and how they deal in the cross-fire during lamping attacking or worrying livestock, but NSA with incidences afterwards. No one expeditions for rabbit and deer. This would urge caution, as this is the last knows what the police are prepared to is also incredibly difficult to tackle, but resort if there are ‘no other reasonable do, so they don’t bother reporting it. talking to your neighbours may help means of ending or preventing the “This year, where there have been identify local culprits. worrying’ and it is not unheard of for so many losses from Schmallenberg, farmers to be taken to court as a result. liver fluke and the weather, on top of more information from affected farmers Therefore, documenting all incidences feed shortages, farmers are not in the – so please contact us if you have an on your farm and recording evidence right frame of mind to deal with another attack and encourage others to do the where possible (even if it is just using the added pressure. It also means some same. q camera on your mobile phone) is always ewes are not in the condition they should NSA is in the process of getting more advisable. be and will be less robust, making them plastic “Keep your dog on a lead” signs While the NSA questionnaire results an easier target for dogs.” made; email joanne@nationalsheep. provide some really useful information on This is why NSA will continue to work org.uk to register interest. You can specific attacks, it by no means provides in this area, promoting the issue to the also download a poster at www. an overview of the scale of the problem. non-farming public and also gathering farmersguardian.com/sheepworrying.

Dog Worrying Statistics reported was abortion in early farm. Of those, the number of previous NSA has recorded 101 separate dog pregnancy, but other issues included incidents ranged from 1-30 with an worrying incidents in 35 counties in the prolapses in later pregnancy, injuries average of 3.8 previous attacks. UK and found the following results:- causing lambing difficulties, mis- • Attacks happen throughout the day • 75% of attacks were witnessed by mothering of young lambs, broken and night, although slightly more somebody, even if it was not the fences caused by fleeing sheep, blood (39%) occurred in the morning than farmer. causing flystrike, fat lambs suffering the afternoon (15%), evening (30%) or • The majority of attacks reported (57%) a check to daily liveweight gain, and overnight (20%). occurred in private, enclosed field with injuries preventing fat lambs being • Nearly half of all attacks reported no footpath and no permitted access sent to market. occurred in winter, with attacks for dog walkers; 29% of attacks were • When a farmer was aware of the occurring in other months spread in private fields with a footpath and attack, the owner was present in just evenly between spring, summer and the rest were on common/access under half (45%) of cases. Usually autumn. land (9.5%) and country parks/nature (97%) the owner was local rather than • Very mixed reports of police being very reserves (4.5%). a visitor. helpful or completely disinterested, • When a farmer was aware of the • Where a farmer was aware of what depending on the police force and number of dogs involved, they usually happened to the dog(s) afterwards, individual responding. Local dog reported just one dog attacking (52% 29% were reported as destroyed, wardens are sometimes of more help, of cases). Occasionally it was two 62% of those shot by the farmer. but this is also variable. dogs (35% of cases) but more than • Of the cases reported, 77% were not • Only six cases reported to NSA have two dogs was rare (13%). the first incident experienced on the been taken further and prosecution • 89 reports to NSA stated how many considered. The outcome of four of Place of attack Time of attack sheep were injured/killed. This showed these is known, with two dog owners (81 responses) (101 responses) a range of 0-72 for injuries and 0-30 ordered to pay costs/compensation for mortalities (including sheep and another two dog owners given a euthanised for extreme injuries. On formal police caution. average, each attack saw 3.2 sheep • Private settlements were pursued in injured and four sheep killed. 13 cases (some successfully) and • 34 farmers were willing to give an an insurance claim made in another approximate cost of the attack to NSA Field with footpath Morning (7am - noon) 14 cases, but not all farmers are and these ranged from £60-£17,000, Common/access land Afternoon (noon-6pm) insured for dog worrying and others giving an average of £1,580 per Country park Evening (6pm -10pm) have concerns about high excess attack. nature reserve Overnight (10pm-7am) charges (£750 in one case) or hikes in • The most common additional problem Enclosed private field Not known premiums.

MAY/JUNE 2013 13 The Legacy of the Snow Managing grassland after the terrible weather

he snow may have long melted, but it has left a terrible legacy Grass MOT check-list in its wake, including serious Soil:- financial implications for farming • Soil tests T • Compaction businesses that lost a lot of stock and maybe buildings too. As Sheep Farmer • Worms went to press we were still waiting for the • Root depth finer details of how assistance would be • Colour delivered to affected sheep enterprises in • Smell England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (see panel) and we continue to Grass:- think of those who were hardest hit. Ground cover Thoughts now will be turning to the • Broad-leaved weed cover future and getting grassland to perform • Clover content and make up some of the season lost so • Weed grasses far. Given a lot of grassland entered 2013 • Sward heights in an awful state, struggling with a wet summer, autumn and winter, the snow Find the full Eblex Grass MOT document, has made a bad situation worse on many with a traffic light system to help identify farms. problem areas, at www.eblex.org.uk/ returns. Grass Damage Liz Genever, Eblex beef and sheep soil will be colder and uptake of nutrients scientist, recommends carrying out a will be poor.” grassland MOT to assess damage and Dr Genever also recommends doing a help prioritise action (see checklist). She soil test for pH, P, K and Mg every three says looking at the soil first is always to five years. “If the soil is significantly important, but ever more so this year off-target yields will be reduced,” she when many fields were water-logged says, offering a reminder that targets are last autumn and winter (with many even pH6.0-6.5, P2 (16-25 mg/l), K2- (121-180 suffering from standing water) before mg/l) and Mg2 (5-100 mg/l). “A recent having to cope with heavy snow and research project revealed that only nine considerable melt-water. per cent of fields were on target for pH, “There are many fields that have had P and K.” standing water over the winter and into spring,” Dr Genever says. “This may be Sward height the result of compaction or it could be Only after looking at the soil, should that the land has reached its capacity. attention be paid to the sward, she says: The only way to find out is to dig holes “Getting the sward height right is crucial once the land is drier to identify whether to good grazing management. If it is too compaction is the problem. low, intakes will be reduced, while if it “Dig a hole about 30cm deep and is too high quality will be lost. Animal examine the appearance, smell and performance will suffer either way. texture of the soil. If the soil is tight Address this by using a sward stick to through the profile then compaction is measure sward heights weekly to check an issue and action needs to be taken to whether heights are on target. Stocking improve the soil structure. Providing the numbers or fence lines may need to be compaction is in the top 10-15cm of the changed to get it back on target. soil, an aerator can be used. However, if “Low ground cover, the loss of sown it is deeper, it will require a sward lifter or species, low levels of clover and high a plough. levels of weed grasses are all signs that “Check how many worms you can the sward is under-performing. Always see; a low number of worms indicate check soil fertility and structure before problems that can relate to poor plant reaching for the bag of grass seed or growth. Soil that is rusty or grey mottled in nitrogen.” q appearance, or is foul smelling, indicates Right: The legacy of the terrible snow will poor drainage (temporary water-logging) be felt for some time. NSA Central Region and anaerobic (oxygen-starved) soils. member Kath Birkinshaw took this picture These factors lead to poor growth as the in the Derwent Valley, Derbyshire.

14 SHEEP FARMER Financial Help A quick guide England An announcement is expected from Defra early in May listing the postcode areas that claims will be accepted from to reimburse fallen stock disposal costs. With a pot of only £250,000, farmers may have to prove a certain number of losses to be eligible. There is hope that both NFSCo members and non- members will be able to claim and NSA recommends keeping all paperwork and/or receipts linked to fallen stock disposals in preparation. Wales The £500,000 package offered by the Welsh Government is being delivered by the three farming charities – see below for details – and we are still waiting for confirmation that the EU had given the green light for affected farmers in Wales to receive their Single Farm Payment in October instead of December. Scotland NFSCo members will receive reimbursements to the tune of £500,000 once NFSCo has confirmed its January figures to the Scottish Government. NSA understands Cabinet Secretary Mr Lochhead and officials are also considering additional support, including for non-NFSCo members. Northern Ireland Details of hardship payments are yet to emerge but it is thought that those farmers who benefited from free fallen stock collections will have that deducted from any payment given later. However, the situation is not clear at the moment on this or any element of how funding might be distributed. Farming Charities The three farming charities are accepting claims from farmers throughout the UK, as well as distributing the £500,000 of Welsh Government money. Call the Addington Fund on 01926 620135, RABI on 01865 727888 (0300 1114166 in Scotland) or Farm Crisis Network on 0845 367 9990. Find more information at www.farminghelp.org.uk.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 15 Handbank Texels • Sires used are a combination of home-bred rams and AI. • Ewes scanned in December and put A 1980s ‘New Entrant’ any empties back to the ram, meaning lambing stretches from February to April/May. 49 out of 50 ewes will be Shares His Farming Story lambed this year. • Around two dozen ram lambs identified each year for breeding and Joanne Pugh finds out more about NSA Central Region sold as shearlings; half privately and half through Skipton, the NSA Wales Chairman Bob Payne and Borders Main Ram Sale and local rom shovelling pig manure to “At the time hitching hiking around the marts. flipping hamburgers in New York world was all the rage,” remembers Bob. • Up to 30 ewe lambs retained each City; from working his passage “When I heard friends talk of sleeping year as replacements or to sell, either Fto Australia to helping abused on the beach in Morocco and visiting a privately or at Skipton. children in the cities of Birmingham and nudist colony in France I decided I didn’t • Some showing (and carcase Sheffield – Bob Payne says whatever job want to spend my whole life shovelling competitions) done over the years, but he’s done, he always had ‘an itch’ for pig manure! So I sold my van and bought not seen as a priority and nowadays farming. a one-way steamer ticket to New York.” more likely to be to encourage the He satisfied that itch in 1982 when Various jobs followed – checking granddaughters in young handlers he and wife Anne bought Carr Head (incorrectly!) passenger bookings for an competitions. Farm, Stocksbridge, on the outskirts airline, serving hamburgers and waffles • All stock housed over winter and of Sheffield and built up the Handbank to ‘hippies and dropouts in the grotty usually turned out in March, but this flock of pedigree Texels. They soon end of Greenwich Village’ and house year’s weather and lack of grass has became members of the NSA and, painting – before Bob decided America delaying things by a month. nowadays, many of us know Bob and wasn’t for him. • Any lambs not suitable for breeding Anne as the ‘dream team’ behind the “As soon as you were in the US finished and sold to a long-standing NSA Central Region, working side by for six months you had to register for of network of friends and colleagues side as Chairman and Secretary to keep the ‘draft’ and, with the Vietnam War wanting lamb for the freezer. Cull the region alive and running a highly going on around us, that wasn’t a risk ewes also sold from home, with value successful Winter Fair every other year. I wanted to take,” Bob says, adding added through the production of But far fewer of us know how Bob, who that his next move was working his burgers and sausages. made a career in social work, managed passage to Australia as a deckhand on a to progress from keeping a few chickens German freight ship. Having managed to “New York was the first city I’d ever as a kid to owning his own farm. smuggle a 150cc Lambretta motorcycle lived in, which isn’t bad for a boy from Bob was born and bred in Oxfordshire on-board the ship, once Bob reached rural Oxfordshire,” he says. “All those and says he spent every school holiday on Australia he had the means to travel to a people in one place made me interested the farms of friends and neighbours. He tiny place near Adelaide, where a friend in social problems so I trained as a social worked on a couple of farms when he left from Harper was working on a farm. Bob worker and went to live in Birmingham, school at the age of 17 and then went to quickly found a job on a sheep and beef which is when I met Anne.” Harper Adams to do a National Diploma station nearby and enjoyed experiencing Promotion and a move to Sheffield in Agriculture (NDA). After successfully agriculture on the other side of globe. then came – along with three sons Joe, completing his studies Bob worked for When he returned to the UK a few Tom and Daniel – but still Bob could not the Pig Improvement Company (PIC), months later, by working his passage in shake the feeling that he was born to which back in 1964 was simply a newly the engine room of a Norwegian ship, be a farmer. He says: “It’s when I took a formed syndicate of six farmers who Bob went to stay with another friend from few days leave and went to help a friend wanted to modernise the pig industry, Harper, who was running a sheep farm lambing that I thought, ‘This is an itch embrace the hybrid breeding approach on Anglesey, North Wales. But despite that I’ve got to scratch’.” and minimise disease. The ambition of quickly falling back into sheep work in Carr Head Farm, in close proximity to such a project meant that, as a lowly the UK, Bob decided he ‘had wandered Bob and Anne’s jobs in Sheffield, seemed herdsman, Bob simply had to cope enough’ and steady employment was Nine-week old lambs with their mothers, with the daily difficulties of ‘working in needed. the first to lamb at Carr Head. a building site’ as the business rapidly expanded.

16 SHEEP FARMER like the perfect opportunity for them, so to be working for Bob and Anne – they they were bitterly disappointed to be always get at least two rams in the top beaten by someone else to purchase it. 2% of recorded Texels each year, attract But luck was on their side and six weeks regular repeat buyers for their stock, and later the sale fell through, meaning Bob have several rams used extensively for and Anne became the proud owners AI. Highlights have been: the 2003-born of the farmhouse and 31 acres in July Handbank Jack the Lad, who was much 1982. decorated in the show ring and used The couple admit the 1970/80s housing extensively for AI, siring 450 progeny boom meant the sale of their suburban in the UK, as well as having progeny in home provided a ‘great dollop’ towards the US and Belgium; semen sold from purchasing the farm, but success only Handbank Prince Charming to Norway; came as the result of incredible hard Handbag Rob Roy exported to Holland work. Looking back at those early in 2012; and Handbank Supernova, who days, Anne remembers the hardship of with a ‘stonking great muscle EBV’ was the fifth highest recorded Texel as a ram starting a new business while Bob still Bob and Anne Payne at Carr Head Farm, lamb. worked full-time, she worked part-time near Sheffield. (also in social work), they had three Away from their success with elite young children to look after and both the market selling pedigree ram lambs and genetics, Bob and Anne finish all their farm and farmhouse were in a state of shearlings to commercial farmers. lambs not suitable for breeding and disrepair. A new roof for the family home “We soon learned there were a lot of sell them as ‘freezer lambs’ directly to took its place on a long list of jobs that Texel’s about and the likelihood of selling a network of loyal customers built up included repairing every fence and stone one at Lanark for £100,000 is vanishingly over the years. Anne explains: “Our wall on the place. small,” says Bob. “But there is demand jobs meant we had a ready market of “I thought I’d married a social worker!” for commercial shearling rams, and an probation officers, health visitors, social she jokes, suggesting she became a increasing demand for recorded rams.” workers and teachers. We thought we farmers’ wife purely by accident. “Over Bob and Anne were very early adopters would deliver the lamb in boxes but the years I saw him go full circle and of performance recording, weighing eight people didn’t want that – they wanted to get to the point when he was farming and 21-week-old lambs from a very early come to farm to collect it. Coming out again.” stage, later adding birth weights and CT to see some puppies or a lamb on the The biggest challenge for Bob and scanning as well as other parameters bottle became part of the deal.” Anne is the same as is still faced by new over time. The flock today totals 50 females, entrants today – getting enough land to “I’d worked for PIC so I was used to which is a reduction from a peak of 80 make the business viable. To this day they keeping records on individual animals,” about 10 years ago, and the result of have never been able to compete with Bob says. “They only had a very crude changing personal circumstances and a the surrounding dairy farms to acquire machine back in 1964 but they were realisation that chasing around the district any additional acreage, and so the true scanning for eye muscle depth and for rented land had its disadvantages. evidence of their success is making a back fat, so I did not see recording as a “Over the last 30 years we’ve taken business out of just 31 acres and ‘bit and deterrent with the Texels. And of course I land all over the place, but when bats’ of land rented around and about. had a career filling in forms with Sheffield someone phones to say your sheep This has been possible through a small Social Services!” out and they’re three miles away it’s a but dedicated pedigree flock, which has Bob and Anne were one of the first continued on page 18 always had Texels at its heart. members of Elite Texel Sires (ETS), Bob was an early enthusiast of the the recording wing of the Texel Sheep breed, having been drawn in by the talk Society (now known as Performance of incredible muscling and high lean Recorded Texels), but came to realise meat yield. He bought a part-share in a over time that success was based on ram lamb in 1981, when the breed was balancing figures with appearance. still relatively unknown, quickly followed “The more exalted pedigree names by a ‘graded up’ ewe, as pure-bred doing well at shows have got everything females were still very difficult to get hold to lose and nothing to gain by objective of at the time. Handbank Texels grew recording of growth and muscle,” says from there, with Bob and Anne quickly Bob. “But flocks who record do not identifying a place for themselves in the help themselves if they chose on figures alone. We’ve learn best through our back pocket. People do not want plain- looking Texels, regardless of how good their figures are. People want their bread buttered on both sides – males with good figures and EBVs that also look the part and have tight skin, white faces, black noses and good carcase quality. It’s taken a while for recording people to take on the message that buyers need a Bob says investing in decent handling bit of both.” One of Bob’s favourite lambs born equipment 25 years ago has paid for itself This balance of looks and figures this year, already earmarked as having many times over since. (although a work in progress) appears potential at eight weeks of age.

MAY/JUNE 2013 17 Greening of the CAP How easy might it be to get 30% of your Single Farm Payment?

o farmer in the UK can have It is unclear what the final version of the 75% permanent pasture exemption escaped the startling 30% proposal might look like, as the European mentioned above could help a lot of figure that the EU is linking to Parliament is also proposing a two-tier sheep farms meet their entire greening Nfuture greening requirements system where no diversification would requirement. The challenge is that the under the Common Agricultural Policy be needed on arable land up to 10ha (25 European Parliament would prefer to (CAP). With pressure already on budgets, acres), two crops would be required for limit the remaining 25% to only 50ha (124 an incredibly complex series of hoops 10-30ha (25-74 acres) and three crops acres). Again, it is impossible to predict to jump through to qualify for such a for more than 30ha (74 acres). what influence MEPs might have on the massive chunk of your Single Farm final version of the policy. However, there Payment (SFP) is a daunting prospect. Permanent Grassland does seem to be some optimism that the But with all the tweaks and additions The original proposal stated that final definition of permanent grassland being made in Europe to the original grassland more than five years old will be 10 years instead of five, as NSA proposal, how much of a challenge will it would be classed as permanent pasture is very certainly in the majority when it really be to meet the three criteria (crop from 2014 onwards and farmers could comes for pushing for this. diversification, retention of permanent convert only 5% of it (although it was pasture and ecological focus areas) or never clear if this was 5% per year or 5% Ecological Focus Area take up one of the alternatives? indefinitely). Opponents of ecological focus areas There was considerable concern over see them as nothing short of set-aside Crop Diversification this definition of five years, as many with no place under the first pillar of The original proposal stated that any farm grass leys are maintained for up to 10 CAP, which needs to be geared towards over 3ha (7.5 acres) with more than 15ha years or more before being replaced. It food production. On the flip-side, (37 acres) of arable land would have to was also difficult to see the logic behind supporters see it as a way to deliver have at least three arable crops. None the proposal, as 5-10-year-old-leys environmental benefits at the same time of those three crops should cover more are not considered to have significant as food production. In an era of growing than 70% or less than 5% of the area. biodiversity value compared to older populations and shrinking resources, The more recent version has raised permanent pasture, which also acts as NSA has serious concerns about taking the ceiling for the size of farms affected carbon storage. areas of land out of production and (it now applies to farms over 15ha (37 One positive tweak to the permanent thinks it is just one example of how acres)) and also provides an exemption grassland criteria is that the original the greening requirements are far too where 75% of the farm is permanent requirement for grasses or herbaceous complex to effectively implement. grassland. This is expected to help a large vegetation to dominate has been The original proposal states that 7% number of sheep farms that previously revised to include any land that can be of a farm (excluding areas of permanent would have been severely penalised if grazed, meaning upland pasture is now grassland) must be ecological focus they were growing a few forage or fodder included. areas but permanent grassland does not crops for home-use. With upland grazing included, the qualify. Again, given the biodiversity of continued from page 17 real pain, and even more so if you’re at and welcomed horses (a love for both work in Sheffield at the time,” says Bob, granddaughters) to the farm for the first adding that he went part-time just two time. years after taking on the farm, becoming “It’s been a bit of an adjustment, the first Sheffield Council employee in a especially given what ponies do to your managerial position to ‘job-share’ with grassland,” jokes Bob. “But life has to another person, and continuing with change.” this arrangement until his retirement in Not resisting change has clearly 2002. shaped Bob’s life over the years, be Having more time on the farm allowed it taking the opportunity to widen his Bob and Anne to build up to 70 pedigree horizons by travelling abroad, or never Texel females and 20 pedigree South giving up the hope of one day having Devon cows, but juggling rented land, his own farm. There is surely a lot to buying in straw and corn to intensively be learnt from a man who was a ‘new finish bulls, and Bob ‘knocking on for entrant’ long before we used that phrase 60’ meant they dispersed the suckler and, as Chairman and Secretary of a herd between 2000 and 2002. Now NSA region that strongly supports young they just rent land near the farm and a people in the sheep industry, Bob and A lamb born towards the end of the mixture of summer lets and a FBT with Anne have at least two qualities they lambing window, at three weeks of age. Yorkshire Water gives them an extra 20 can share – determination to get started acres. Immediately after the cows went, conversion, gave the original farmhouse and dedication to make a business work sheep numbers rose to 80, but five years over to their older son Joe, his wife within the physical constraints placed ago Bob and Anne completed a barn Alex and their daughters Ella and Clara, upon it. q

18 SHEEP FARMER older pasture, there’s a lack of logic here. of double-funding, as it is possible the NSA’s proposed animal health scheme. There is considerable pressure to allow Commission will not look favourably on This would broaden the remit of Pillar Two individual EU Member States to decide farmers using agri-environment to gain to bring it more in line with today’s social what qualifies as an ecological focus 30% of their SFP and still get paid for it needs, and facilitate access to funds in a area, and certainly some parts of the under Pillar Two. This is one of the most way that gets money right into farmers’ UK (i.e. some devolved nations) would important things awaiting clarification, as pockets, providing tangible on-farm include permanent pasture. It also looks if it were deemed to be double-funding benefits and delivering ‘public goods’ likely, as with crop diversification, that we would essentially see the most basic such as improved resource efficiency ecological focus areas would not apply agri-environment schemes moved to and tackling climate change. where more than 75% of the farm was Pillar One and become a mandatory part permanent grassland. of the SFP. Heath scheme Currently under negotiation is a Our proposal is for a scheme that works gradual transition of 3% in the first year Pillar Two in a similar way to agri-environment, and 5% in the second, before moving to Under no circumstances would NSA like in that farmers would collect points to the required 7% . And indeed there is still to see agri-environment schemes come qualify for an annual payment. Points negotiation about the top figure of 7%, under Pillar One instead of Pillar Two, might be on offer for farm health planning, with no foregone conclusion that this but it does further support our argument advisory visits by the vet, involvement high threshold will make the final version that Pillar Two is a vital area of activity in monitoring and health schemes, of the policy. for agricultural stakeholder groups. Yes, biosecurity measures, quarantine the priority has to be arguing against procedures and attending registered Alternatives modulation of funds from Pillar One to meetings/training courses. Instead of farms having to meet the Pillar Two and pushing for a less complex NSA has worked hard to progress this three criteria for crop diversification, approach to greening, but that does not idea in England, Wales and Northern permanent grassland and ecological mean Pillar Two should be neglected. Ireland (a different approach is needed focus areas, two alternatives are now Whatever your opinion about agri- in Scotland, where a similar scheme being discussed in Europe. These environment schemes, at least they are a was available under Land Management are agri-environment schemes (more part of the Pillar Two Rural Development Options). We are meeting with real below) and ‘environmental certification Programme (RDP) that means Pillar Two enthusiasm in some quarters and will schemes’. The latter would be a new funds are essentially ‘ring-fenced’ for continue to speak to Ministers and civil certification scheme that might include farmers and land managers – i.e. you servants as Rural Develop Programmes nutrient management, energy efficiency, cannot access that money unless you are are discussed in more detail. biodiversity actions, water management, farming or managing land and can prove NSA and others will fight tooth and nail soil cover and pest management plans. you are providing public goods. This is to prevent agri-environment schemes Considerably more interest has been important when you consider the broad moving under Pillar One, now or in the shown in the second alternative, which range of rural issues covered by RDP future, but the very fact it is being talked is that participants in agri-environment (housing, transport, employment and about shows how vital it is that structures schemes would automatically be seen community projects etc) and how much are in place to help Pillar Two money get as fulfilling their greening criteria. money is soaked up by project managers to farmers – and that those structures However, there is no suggestion that all and consultants. Agri-environment has are in place as soon as possible. agri-environment schemes would qualify become an important part of the viability and each would have to be assessed by of many upland and lowland farms, and it q the EU first. So, as a purely hypothetic has to be said they have also incentivised By Joanne Pugh, NSA Senior example, it might be that Glastir in Wales environmental improvements and Communications Officer. For more qualifies but not the Entry Level Scheme increased understanding. information on NSA’s CAP activity or in England. Regular readers of Sheep Farmer and proposed animal health scheme, email But of even more concern is the issue the Weekly Email Update will be aware of [email protected].

What looms on the horizon for sheep farmers as the 2014-2020 CAP package continues to be developed?

MAY/JUNE 2013 19 Sheepdog Showcase at Stoneleigh Judith Sheen gives a preview of the International Sheepdog Trials

heepdog competitions (or trials) selected from each of the four nations. Arabia, New Zealand and Australia. A are one way the International In total the trials bring together 72 special guest at the event was ISDS SSheep Dog Society (ISDS) fulfils competitors. Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. Her its mission of promoting and fostering The first two days of competition Royal Highness attended on the morning the breeding, training and improvement at the international competition are of the first day of competition and, besides of the shepherd’s dog. qualifying trials. Each of the 60 dogs, 15 meeting society officials, competitors ISDS registered itself as a charity representing each nation, runs a course and members, spent time sitting in the in Scotland in July 1906 and the first of the same size and number of sheep grandstand enjoying watching the runs. international sheepdog trial was help as is used for the nationals. The runs are The 2013 international trial will be in August that year, with handlers scored by four judges, one representing held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from Scotland and northern England each nation, and the highest placed 15 from Friday 6th September to Sunday competing. Today the society organises competitors, irrespective of nation, go 8th September. This is the first time four national sheep dog trials in the UK forward to the third day to compete for the international trial has been held at and hosts the international and the world supreme championship. Stoneleigh and preparations are well Trials. On the third day, for the supreme under way for three exciting days of In the ‘home’ nations of England, champion competition, the course is competition. The society is also delighted Ireland (including the Isle of Man), lengthened to around 800yds and the to announce that this year’s event is being Scotland and Wales, a maximum of 150 dog has to fetch one packet of sheep supported by very generous sponsorship handlers per nation compete annually and then go back for a second – making from JCB Ltd. in their respective national sheepdog a total of 20 sheep to be guided around The team from BBC Alba/MNE TV have trial. To be eligible to enter a national the course. The runs are scored by the confirmed that they will be attending and sheepdog trial the dog must be entered same four judges, and in addition merit filming throughout the competition. This in ISDS’s stud book before 1st June in points are awarded by taking the ranking will be the 6th international trial that they the year of that trial and have attained of competitors by each judge, with the have filmed and the 6th series of the each nation’s minimum qualifying points. coveted title of supreme champion being popular Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach. The 15 highest placed competitors from awarded to the highest scoring dog. The ISDS has extended an invitation to each of these four national trials then greatest achievement! all NSA members to the International meet together in competition at the The 2012 supreme champion was Sheepdog Trial on 6th-8th September. International Trial for the very desirable Boredale Gus handled by Ian Brownlie. For more information on this and the four supreme champion award. Ian from Alloa, Scotland, joins a small national trials, visit www.isds.org.uk or The top two brace handlers at each exclusive group of handlers who won call 01234 352672. national trial also go forward to represent their national trial in the same season as their nation in the international brace the International. q competition, along with a dog selected Over 13,000 visits were made to the –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– from each national team to compete in 2012 international trial at Bonvilston, near Judith Sheen is the Chief Executive of the international driving competition. In Cardiff. Not only were visitors and tourists the ISDS and has extended an invitation addition, to encourage and foster the attending from Wales and the local area, for all NSA members to join ISDS at development of youngsters, a young but the event attracted a selection of the International Sheepdog Trial on handler competition, for those aged 19 international visitors, from USA, Canada, 6th-8th September. For information on years and under, is staged during the Switzerland, Finland, Holland, Belgium, international or national trials, visit www. international trial, with a representative Austria, Germany, South Africa, Saudi isds.org.uk or call 01234 352672.

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Zoetis Startect Farmer Ad A4.indd 1 26/04/2013 14:52 Nematodirus & Fly Strike Warnings Two new warning systems now in place

ow the weather is predictions. (finally) warming up, SAC Consulting (part of the new SCOPS is warning of Scottish Rural College (SRUC) formerly Na mass, synchronised SAC) had created the website. John hatch of nematodirus larvae Vipond of SAC Consulting and a real threat to lambs. says: “The late spring will Therefore, the SCOPS website delay the occurrence of fly now includes regional warnings strike. Compare this with – see www.scops.org.uk/news- last year when March which detail.php?NewsID=21. was exceptionally warm and The website hosts an it makes a nonsense of any interactive map marked fixed-date based preventative with red areas (high risk; programmes for fly strike. consider action), amber areas Conventional wisdom says the (significant hatch expected) flystrike season is 16 weeks, and specific sites where outbreaks have yet I met a farmer in England been reported. It is based on work being whose lambs were struck in undertaken by Bristol and Liverpool April, while some ewes were universities together with information caught out unexpectedly in for Eblex (soil temperatures), AHVLA, that are not producing eggs, so faecal November. That’s double the accepted SRUC and ABFNI (lab reports) and case egg counts (FECs) are also not reliable. time.” reports from vets around the country. Farmers must act quickly on the basis of It is very simple to report a challenge NSA members can also feed in their own risk assessment and advice on the level from flies on your own farm, simply by information via the website’s ‘contact us’ of challenge in their area.” going to www.flystrikealert.co.uk and box. filling in the form with your postcode, Risk factors age of sheep affected and the severity Be on guard The main risk factors to consider are:- of the attack. Lesley Stubbings, independent sheep • A sudden, late cold snap followed by a consultant and SCOPS co-ordinator period of warm weather Protect not treat says: “Sheep farmers must be on their • Lambs grazing pasture that carried Mr Vipond says: “We would all much guard against nematodirus now that the lambs last spring prefer to protect our sheep than have weather has warmed up. Such a sudden • Lambs that are old enough to be eating to treat them, hence the decision to change from cold days and frosty nights significant amounts of grass (generally create this map-based website to inform is when nematodirus is at its most 6-12 weeks old but this year may be farmers when there has been a problem dangerous with a mass hatch of over- younger with ewes struggling to milk) in their area. Starting from this year it will wintered parasites forecast. Farmers • Groups where there is also likely to be build up a database showing the pattern are urged to consider the risk factors, a challenge from Coccidiosis of fly strike in the UK from season to consult their vet or adviser with regard • Lambs that are under other stresses season. We are asking farmers to report to local risks and treat lambs that are at e.g. triplets, fostered, on young or their own cases of flystrike and, while risk.” older ewes. you are asked to use the first four digits Nematodirosis is a particularly nasty If farmers feel their lambs are at risk of your post code, your entries will be disease in lambs, causing a high number and they need to treat for nematodirus, anonymous. of mortalities and stunting the growth of SCOPS recommends a white (1- “The more effectively farmers treat many others. It can strike very quickly in BZ) drench, but warns that it may be their ewes for flystrike the fewer flies certain climatic conditions, with little or necessary to treat lambs more than will be about. The insecticide treatments no warning, as the nematodirus battus once depending on the spread of ages available are powerful and very effective, worm has a different life-cycle to other in a group and subsequent weather but they should be used in a targeted sheep worms. Development to infective conditions manner to avoid fly larvae developing larvae takes place within the egg and resistance and to limit any adverse infection passes from one lamb crop to Fly strike environmental effects.” the next year’s crop. Cold weather delays A similar web-based system is also in hatching, so a sudden change in trigger place for fly strike, although this regional q a mass hatch. warning system is reliant on farmers Find the nematodirus website at Ms Stubbings says: “Because this inputting information if they see a fly www.scops.org.uk/news-detail. disease strikes so quickly we can’t strike challenge on their own farm. NSA php?NewsID=21 and the fly strike website afford to have a ‘wait and see’ policy is urging members to contribute to this at www.flystrikealert.co.uk. Links for both with nematodirus. The damage is done service, as changing weather patterns can also be found at www.nationalsheep. by large numbers of immature larvae are disrupting age-old date-based org.uk.

22 SHEEP FARMER weather, as when the snow receded a have come to the conclusion that during A Cautionary Fluke Tale cold easterly wind made the hill more the week that we dosed our sheep in By NSA Scotland member Hamish Waugh reminiscent of a desert than a South of January the gun developed a fault, as e dosed all our sheep (around 800 Scotland grassy hill farm. the first three hefts seem fine when Win all) for fluke during the third week Having concentrated on the problem taking the weather into consideration, of January. We used a closantel-based directly in front of us we looked a little and it is only among the last 260 sheep product, because the cold weather led wider and it then became apparent that where we are suffering losses. us to assume snail activity would be nil the problem was localised to the two The moral of the story? Keep checking and we would only need to kill mature hefts we dosed on the last day of our the efficiency of your dosing gun on a fluke in our sheep. dosing programme. We decided not to regular basis by recalibrating it at least Despite the treatment I could see take any chances and dose the whole after dosing every 100 ewes. This now condition dropping off ewes on two of flock again. leaves us worried that perhaps we may five hefts towards the end of February It was at this stage we discovered the have created a situation where fluke may and in early March, and then we started root cause of our problem. To my horror, develop a resistance to closantel – only to lose the odd one on the same two although the dosing gun was set to time will tell on that front. hefts. At first we put it down to the severe 12ml, it was only spitting out 8ml. So we q

scanners, hauliers, auctioneers, field Meetings for farmers, vets and SQPs will Stamp Out Scab Update officers for markets and abattoirs, follow in June/July onwards. s part of its commitment to engage assurance scheme inspectors, Trading Aeveryone in the English Stamp Standards, AHVLA and RPA officers, Welsh Update Out Scab campaign, Adas has been pharmaceutical representatives and NSA has been involved in the Sheep running a series of meetings for farm others. Scab Task and Finish Group, which was service providers since April. There are The Stamp Out Scab project is being commissioned by the Chief Veterinary still some meetings to be held, so go to delivered in England throughout 2013 Officer for Wales to find the best way www.nationalsheep.org.uk/events or call by Adas consultants and veterinary forward to control to disease. The group 01432 820444 for more information. surgeons on behalf of Eblex (AHDB), has made its recommendations, which To give the initiative the best possible as a result of funding from the Rural include making scab a notifiable disease, chance of success it is vital that everyone Development Programme for England and costings are now being more fully involved in the sheep sector is involved (RDPE), for which Defra is the Managing investigated. in the project, not just farmers, so NSA Authority, part funded by the European Find advice on getting to grips with is keen to spread the word to shearers, Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. scab on page 26. q Premier Lamb Drench Get your lambs off to a flying start this year by drenching them with the number 1 high specification mineral supplement Not all mineral drenches are the same

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MAY/JUNE 2013 23 Keeping Records Simple & Meaningful Iain Richards, XLVets

or a lot of NSA members lambing as important. Too much information will now be over for another year. becomes clutter; too little information For many the sigh of relief will be and it is difficult to pinpoint crucial Flarger than usual, as it has been moments. a challenging time to say the least, with The Eblex Sheep Better Return potentially poor forage from last year’s Programme Manual 14, “Reducing Lamb rain sodden summer and the bitterly Losses for Better Returns” contains cold weather that arrived at the end of a very useful guide to five points in March. the lamb production cycle where the Compared to the latter, the effects recording of straight forward figures of Schmallenberg virus seem relatively can give powerful information. The five benign, although some farms have points are ewes tupped, lambs scanned, undoubtedly been hit very hard. One lambing percentage, lambs turned out of the unanswered questions about the and rearing percentage. virus is the likely duration of immunity and if affected ewes be immune next An example year? Let’s work through an example. A flock of Recording the number of sheep put to Late spring and early summer is a 200 upland Mule ewes reared 280 lambs the ram and the number of lambs they good point in the sheep year to look (140%). The farm normally rears about scan for are both useful exercises, but forward – and to start by looking back. 145% so, with the bad weather, they only if figures later in the cycle are also That may seem a contradiction but the assume that this is normal. However, they recorded. information contained in your records, had scanned this year and the scanning be they high-tech and computerised or is the whole point of keeping records – percentage was 160%. They had also the little notebook in the top pocket of using the information. employed a student for lambing time the jacket, is very useful in planning the Records are no more than a series of who, as part of her university project, coming year. It is worth remembering figures that are the last thing you want to recorded the number of lambs born as that tupping is only between four and six be bothering with during a busy lambing 290 (145%). months away. time. However, the information within You can see from the above example those figures can make your life easier that the losses from birth to reared Correct targets in the future. lambs were small and may indeed have Targets can be useful in assessing the been due to bad weather. However, performance of your flock and shortfalls What to record the recorded figures have shown a big should be regarded as a cause for To get the best from your figures you have difference between the scanned number concern. However, you have to be careful to know exactly what those figures mean. of lambs and the number of lambs to use the correct target and this is where For instance what do you understand by born. The student was sensible and had benchmarking is useful. For example, a ‘lambing percentage’? I’ve seen lambs recorded all lambs born (alive or dead), hill flock should only compare itself to born, lambs surviving to 48 hours, lambs so the loss has to have occurred during other hill flocks, not to a highly intensive marked, and lambs sold, all used to pregnancy and at some time between lowland system. The levy bodies (Eblex define this crucial figure. scanning and birth. The flock had very and others) produce some good guidance What to record (and when) is just few abortions, so this again moves the to approximate figures and these can be time the losses were occurring to early used as a starting point. pregnancy. The risk of using figures as targets is the old ‘lies, damned lies and statistics’ How to use the information phrase, as simple figures can be The next step in the process is to sit down meaningless. So, if you achieve a lambing with your vet and go through the figures percentage of 120% but normally get to try and work out what has caused the 150% something has obviously gone losses. Laboratory work can be used in wrong – but what? some of these cases, although sampling If we take the last year as an example, a ewe potentially five months after the it would be all too easy to blame bad event may not be helpful. weather and Schmallenberg for the poor This is where understanding the farm results. However, if there is an underlying history can be helpful. If, for example, problem such as enzootic abortion, this the above farm had a few more abortions will be missed and, more importantly, than usual last year, but without diagnosis, will still be present the following lambing So many variables can cause performance and now they are recording early foetal time. This is where looking at your to increase or fall that a history of the death, something like toxoplasmosis previous records can help pin down farm and changes to ewe management, would be high up on the list of potential when these losses occurred. In fact, this are vital. causes.

24 SHEEP FARMER Variations come to realise the value of Exceptions occur in every this information, which is why situation, but while some we see the value in recording can be ignored, others are and analysing the information more important. Therefore and recommend it to our farm it is advisable to look at the clients. q exception and ask the question –––––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘why’? For instance, most vets XL Vets is a group of farm would regard greater than 2% animal-committed vet abortion rate as a trigger for practices that work together, investigation. However, if your alongside commercial research abortions all occur in a short and manufacturing companies. space of time (a cluster) that is They aim to share best practice also a reason to investigate. advice and disease-prevention initiatives. The KISS Principle! To obtain the Eblex Sheep Record keeping, data analysis, BRP Manual 14 mentioned in benchmarking, audit and Many losses occur inside the lambing shed and careful record this article call Eblex on 08702 statistics can be desperately keeping can reveal a great deal. 418829 or download it at www. dull and futile, or incredible eblex.org.uk/returns/Better- powerful and useful. Almost The Eblex suggestions are just that – returns-sheep.aspx. all businesses record information, the five recordings that are easily performed successful ones use that information to and give a valuable insight into the make their lives easier. For a system to health of the flock. It’s worth noting that work, is has to be straightforward and vets are similar to farmers in a dislike uncomplicated (Keep It Simple, Stupid!). of figures. However, many of us have

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Sheep Farmer 134x182mm S3.indd 1 18/02/2013 16:52 MAY/JUNE 2013 25 Getting to Grips with Scab Quarantine essentials for sheep scab control

heep scab, or psoroptic mange, the irritation by scratching and rubbing If sheep scab is suspected then the is an allergic skin condition on fence posts, trees, bushes, farm sheep should be examined by a vet who caused by infestation of the equipment etc, these can also be a will professionally identify the parasite Sskin surface with the scab mite. source of infection. Scab can also be and advise on the correct course of Sheep scab has been identified as one introduced from neighbouring flocks, treatment. of the five most important diseases for the introduction of new stock, animals sheep farmers from both financial and returning from wintering or from shows, Treatment options welfare perspectives and is considered and this has implications for treatment, For effective treatment of sheep scab, to be the most contagious endemic quarantine and biosecurity. only injectables and plunge dippers ectoparasitic disease of sheep in the UK, Studies have shown that one of the can be used. Organophosphate (OP) costing the industry in excess of £8m biggest risk factors for the introduction dips based on diazinon and injectable per year, including costs associated with of sheep scab is the use of common macrocyclic lactones (endectocides, lost performance, preventative measures grazing, which increases the likelihood MLs) are the only remaining practical and treatment. of a flock contracting sheep scab nearly treatments. In terms of product selection, The economic losses associated with 10-fold. The two other major risk factors this should be discussed with your vet lost performance are the result of ewe are having neighbouring farms with and/or licensed animal health distributor condition, lamb growth rate, reduced sheep scab and having a high frequency or SQP to ensure effectiveness, economic quality of sheepskins and wool damage. of contact with neighbouring sheep. usage and also adherence to legislative Untreated infestations of sheep scab guidelines. can, in some cases, be fatal. Sheep Quarantine matters scab used to be thought of as a disease Ultimately, it is wise to assume that all Integrated measures of autumn and winter, and although the sheep being brought onto the farm One important consideration when majority of outbreaks still occur between from whatever source (be it purchase, using injectable MLs is the integration September and March, it is now however returning from away-wintering or summer of the treatment with parasitic nematode common throughout the year. grazing, stragglers etc) are infested and control (worms). The MLs are broad should be treated (see below) and held in spectrum anthelmintics as well as being Transmission a secure area for quarantine for at least highly effective against sheep scab mites, The sheep scab mite is usually two weeks before mixing with the main allowing scab mite control and worming transmitted by direct contact between flock. to be integrated but also providing a sheep. However, because mites can During quarantine observe for signs of means of the acceleration of selection exist off the sheep for up to 16 days infestation (nibbling, rubbing, scratching, for anthelmintic resistance in parasitic and infested animals seek relief from deranged wool, areas of wool loss etc). nematodes if the compounds are routinely used for scab control. It should be noted that while ML oral drenches are highly effective anthelmintics, they are less than 50% effective against scab when administered by this route. The advantages of using ML injections over plunge dipping with an OP, (i.e. safety, ease of use, less stress on the animal, reduced need for specialist facilities and reduced environmental impact) must be weighed against their disadvantages. q –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Dr Al Nisbet is a principal scientist at the Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh. Moredun runs a membership scheme to keep farmers, vets and SQPs up to date with developments in animal health research. If you would like a free factsheet on sheep scab or are interested in becoming a Moredun member, contact the Moredun Communications Team on Nibbling, rubbing, scratching, deranged wool and areas of wool loss are all signs of 01314 455111 or visit www.moredun. sheep scab. org.uk.

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MAY/JUNE 2013 27 Wool Update Tough wool market conditions are easing

difficult 12 months in the season. wool market means producer Mr Powell says: “This undoubtedly payments from the British Wool had an impact on the early season sales, AMarketing Board (BWMB) will as we were having to market more wool be lower than in 2012. But recent sales than usual and this resulted in lower have seen significant improvements in prices. However, this wool has been trading conditions and, crucially, stronger cleared from the stock and BWMB is now clearance rates, explains BWMB Chief in a strong position, having sold both the Operating Officer Mark Powell. backlog and an increased weight of the He says: “Selling conditions were current season’s clip than at the same difficult for a large part of 2012 but an time last year.” increase in demand in late 2012 and early 2013 has resulted in improved Wool Promotion clearances.” Stimulating demand is, as always, The reasons behind the dip in demand hard work when times are tough and in 2012 are many fold, but largely relate household budgets are tight, but BWMB to reduced consumer spending and, continues to be at the forefront of wool therefore, lower sales of wool products. marketing and through its involvement with the Campaign for Wool (CfW) is Carpet sales helping to stimulate wool demand both Mr Powell says: “The ongoing global domestically and internationally. financial troubles, and in particular the Ian Hartley, BWMB Chief Executive, Campaign for Wool’s work focuses on top Euro-zone crisis, have meant consumers says: “The continued work of Campaign quality interiors, showing a wide range of have been making fewer significant for Wool is vital to increasing global products wool can be used for, in addition home improvement purchases, such as demand for wool products, and recent to carpets. new carpets. With about 70% of British activities have helped highlight wool’s wool going in to carpet manufacture this remarkable versatility and adaptability.” is helping drive demand for wool. reduction in carpet sales has had an For farmers wanting to understand “Because so much of CfW’s work is obvious impact on demand for wool at more about the wool market and the role consumer-facing many wool producers BWMB sales. The likelihood is that 2013 of CfW in the global wool market there might not have seen much of its activity. producer payments will on average be will be several opportunities this summer These events provide the perfect 40p/kg lower than in 2012.” with BWMB and CfW sponsoring a opportunity for them to learn more and It is yet to be seen what the impact number of key sheep events across the take the time to speak with BWMB staff on the market will be from the recent UK. and representatives. administration of Axminster Carpets, but “Activities at the events will also include there is every reason to suspect it will NSA Sheep Events a fleece competition at NSA South West have some impact on the wool market Mr Hartley says: “BWMB and CfW are Sheep and a BWMB seminar at NSA and anything which removes a buyer supporting NSA Highland Sheep, North Welsh Sheep, so farmers will have plenty from the market is obviously a concern Sheep, South West Sheep and Welsh of opportunity to interact with BWMB for a marketing organisation such as Sheep in 2013, and the presence of this year and gain a better understanding BWMB. Additionally, at the start of the both organisations at these events will of the modern wool market.” 2012 selling season, BWMB had a 6m kg provide an ideal opportunity for farmers carryover of wool from the 2011 selling to come and learn more about how CfW q

British Wool Marketing Board auctions have cleared a six-million tonne backlog and sold more of the current wool clip than this time last year.

28 SHEEP FARMER Making Money from Wool Lesley Prior, farmer & artisan advisor to Campaign for Wool

here was a time when the wool sprays are not easily washed out and and now produce top quality Merino wool cheque paid the farm rent – or any fleeces heavily covered in spray will in the range 14 to 18 microns. This is so we are told. Wool and meat go into a ‘stains bin’. Keep spray to a much in demand by the fashion industry Tweighed much the same in the minimum. in the UK and the whole clip is sold each balance of farm income, and farmers year on a regular contract to a high end valued and were proud of both. ‘Special’ sheep surf-wear company. Times have changed. The world For those who want to go further, Obsession with quality and detailed discovered synthetic fibres and the farm keeping a few ‘special’ sheep can understanding of wool science is income balance shifted more and more work. Local breeds, well known for their required to make this kind of system towards meat. Today, despite increasing wool quality, are found all over the UK. work, but even here there is scope for wool prices over the last couple of years, Everything from Llanwenog to Teeswater collaboration with less wool-orientated partly due to the work of The Campaign produces a wool that hand-spinners and farmers. Wether flocks of Bowmont for Wool, most farmers regard wool as other craft workers will be eager to buy. Merinos are run on two other farms and a by-product, or even a waste product. The BWMB is quite happy for farmers the wool is bought back by the central Shearing is done for welfare reasons with small numbers of speciality sheep farm each year at an excellent price. rather than in hope of making real to sell their fleeces outside the system, Extra value from wool without extra effort money. but a derogation must be obtained so is the name of this game. Does it have to be this way? No one in the Board can keep wool merchants British wool is a valuable and valued their right mind would suggest we could informed of any reduction in volume of commodity and 60% of it is suitable for return to an equal balance between meat certain types of wool. Simply contact fabrics of one form or another, rather than and wool income on all sheep farms, but Mark Powell at markpowell@britishwool. just being fit for carpets. Manufacturers is there a way of making more from what org to organise this. and designers are increasingly looking to we’ve got? By selling privately to local hand- what we can produce for them right here spinners each fleece can fetch many on their doorstep and are coming up Taking care times more than it would by going with new and exciting ideas using British At its simplest there is much we can do through the auction system. Keeping wools in all their variety. by just taking a little more care. With 20 ‘specials’ could add considerably to Prices are improving, but we need increasing clip prices from the BWMB your clip value. Some breeds are already to make the most of what we have by over the last couple of years, it makes in plentiful supply, particularly Jacob and taking more care during shearing and, if sense to present wool as cleanly as the other small native breeds, but many appropriate, thinking about other breeds possible to the depot. Many farmers others are hard to find and will attract a and options. It’s time we were proud of have no idea how their wool has graded premium price. One phone call to a Guild our wool again! q and only look at the bottom line figure Secretary is often all that is required to Lesley Prior can be contacted at lesley@ they are getting. But by not looking at get customers flooding to the farm gate. devonfinefibres.co.uk for help and those gradings you could be missing Spinners will travel remarkable advice. (She thanks Tim Booth and out. A brief look at the table provided distances to find quality rare wools. Or Stephen Spencer at BWMB the British shows the massive difference in value fleeces can be sold at special Fleece Fair Wool Marketing Board for their help between clean and contaminated fleece days held at local Guild centres. Help with compiling facts.) of the same grade (in this instance grade choosing your breed and with contacting 430, typically a Mule fleece). local crafting organisations can come via Avoiding straw and other detritus can Tim Booth at BWMB (email timbooth@ make a big difference to the value of a Grade 430: Cross ewe 2011/12 britishwool.org.uk) or myself, as Artisan fleece. and wether Clip Value 430 - Top grade 150p/kg Advisor to Campaign for Wool. 434 V - Vegetable matter 50p/kg For some farmers, wool has become 434 H - Excess paint marks 27p/Kg their passion. With the right breed, good 434 F - Water/fly strike damage 27p/kg marketing skills and understanding of the 434 T - Dip coloured 33p/kg wool processing chain, a few have made wool their primary source of income, At a fleece weight of up to 4kg, losing turning fleece into finished product. This £1 or more per kg is very significant is certainly not an option for many but over a flock and is largely avoidable. the potential is there. Baler twine and wire cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to processing My Merinos machinery and every effort is made to For some farmers, like myself, wool has reject contaminated fleece to make sure become a passion. I run the Superfine customers still want to buy British wool. Merino flock in Devon. Based on the old Rolling fleeces as recommended by Macaulay Institute Bowmont flock, the the Board is good, but rolling them on a sheep have been refined and developed filthy floor covered in straw and dung is further by the importation of more not. Whatever it says on the tin, marker genetics from Australia and New Zealand

MAY/JUNE 2013 29 THE BREED SOCIETY DIRECTORYad - sheep farmer3x4.5cm:Layout

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SWALEDALE CAMBRIDGE British Berrichon NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT “The HARDY, The Ideal The Ideal SHEEP QUANTITY WITH QUALITY Crossing Ewe for BREEDERS CROSSBREDS OF DISTINCTION EASY LAMBING, Sire producing EASY CARE Sheep” Details from: Alun Davies, Pharm House, for all Hill Mules & ASSOCIATION Ewes Half-Breds England’s Premier Hill Breed. Willaston, Neston CH64 2TL For information please contact Ewes are supreme for breeding Tel: 0151 327 5699 Sue Powell 01989 770071/07974 360807 Profit from Quality Store Lambs Email: [email protected] www.berrichonsociety.com — Short or Long Keep Mule Lambs. www.cambridge-sheep.org.uk Rams are ideal for crossing email: [email protected] Tel: 01461 600673 for sales details with other Hill Breeds for increased lamb production on the hill. HAMPSHIRE DOWN Scotch Mule Secretary: for details contact: Association John Stephenson Contact: George Allan Supreme quality from the Southern hills. Richard Davis Mules by Bluefaced Leicesters out of Barnley View, Town Head, Tel: 01292 591821 01 494 488 388 Swaledale or Scotch Blackface ewes. Eggleston, Barnard Castle, Website: www.scotchmule.co.uk Co. Durham DL12 0DE [email protected] Tel: 01837 52275 email: email: [email protected] Tel: 01833 650516 www.hampshiredown.org.uk [email protected] www.southwestmulegroup.co.uk

NSA Sheep NI Monday 1st July 2013 To advertise in

Dorper sheep are hardy, prolific Ballymena Mart, 1 Woodside Rd, Classifieds or BSD milkers that shed their wool, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT42 4HX. can breed all year round, contact producing fast growing lambs and succulent meat. They are Details from Edward Adamson on Jill Smith on Lleyn Sheep Society renowned around the world 07711 071290 Gwenda Roberts - Secretary for quality carcasses and or [email protected]. Tel: 01684 565533 conformation. Excellent terminal sires. Fax: 01684 565577 Heather01758 Stoney 730366 - Promotions Contact details at The biggest sheep event [email protected] www.dorpersheepsociety.co.uk on the island of Ireland in 2013! or call Nicky 07710 352793 www.lleynsheep.com079666 99930 [email protected]

30 SHEEP FARMER

Advert to run in the NSA SHEEP FARMER MAGAZINE Breed Society section

Contact; Heather Stoney 01423 712820 079666 99930 [email protected]

Please can you advise of the price. Regards CLASSIFIED

Fax your classified ads to 01684 565577 or send by post to: Shepherd Publishing, Sheep Centre, Malvern, Worcs WR13 6PH. EQUIPMENT FARM ANIMALS

Need a Shearing machine? Thats easy to use? Its the The best mobile sheep handling system on the market Longhorn 12 volt. Recommended now by Aluminium - Durable, Lightweight, Easy to Use, Versatile & Cost Effective 6,000 farmers in the UK. Buy DIRECT from the FREE demo or more info Call Chris Byrne 07766 252983 manufacturers, Horner Shearing. Tel 01200 427419. Available for immediate collection or prompt delivery Or online at See The Alligator in action at www.hornershearing.com www.youtube.com/coxagri

What’s new in Sheep shearing machines? www.coxagri.com

Buy on line at www. hornershearing.com, or phone. “Zipper” from £145 EQUIPMENT complete. Rambo Shearers, Sheep Shearing Machines 240 volt £299 complete. portable battery £425. 10 specialists. New and S/H combs £77, 10 cutters £25. mains and 12 volt machines Grinders £540. Spares:- in stock. A full range of spares Heavy duty drives for Lister and all requisites for the machines. Repairs to most shearer in stock. Expert advice machines. Buy online at and prompt attention given to www.hornershearing.com. all enquiries. Free catalogue Or phone Willie Horner, at available on request. George Horner Shearing. Mudge & Co 01822 615456. Tel 01200 427419 . e-mail: [email protected]

For your free subscription contact Jill Smith at Do you receive... Shepherd Publishing Limited The Sheep Centre, Malvern, Worcs WR13 6PH Tel: 01684 565533 Fax: 01684 565577 [email protected] Cattle Breeder

An exciting development in support of the British Cattle Breeders Club.

Formerly a six page newsletter, we and BCBC’s Council jointly made the decision to elevate the title to a high quality A4 publication, targeted at the higher end of both dairy and beef sectors. It focuses on all breeding technologies, including nutrition, health and welfare and will look at the breeding side of cattle production, plus promoting the BCBC and its annual conference to a wider audience. Published quarterly, issues will be Spring (March), Summer (June), Autumn (September) and Winter (December).

MAY/JUNE 2013 29 WIN this sheep handling system worth £6,800

THE NATIONAL SHEEP ASSOCIATION

ALREADY A NOT A NSA NSA MEMBER? MEMBER? Refer a new member Sign up overleaf for for a chance to win. The more members you refer, the more a chance to WIN entries you have in the free prize draw

To win this Rappa 10ft Standard Mobile Sheep Yard, NSA must receive your entry by 23rd September 2013. This NSA free prize draw is open to all new and existing members aged 16 or over and excluding employees of NSA and Rappa, their families, agents and anyone else connected to this promotion. By entering the prize draw, entrants agree to be bound by the terms & conditions, which can be found at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/rappadraw.

10356NSA~A4leaflet.indd 1 10/12/2012 15:25 Membership Application Form

Individual Subscription - £50 Instruction to your Bank/Building Under 27’s Subscription - £25 Society to Pay Direct Debits Please complete Part 1 to 5 to instruct your branch (Please supply copy of photo ID e.g. passport, to make payments directly from your account. driving licence, YFC/student card) Then return the form to the address below. 20% discount if paid by Direct Debit NSA OFFICE USE Originators Identification Number Eire, Europe & Overseas - £55 (UK £) Paying by Direct Debit triggers a 20% discount in your first 9 5 6 8 8 9 year (excluding Eire, Europe & Overseas members). If you would prefer to pay the full amount by cheque, please send a cheque made payable to ‘NSA’ with this application form. 1. Name and full address of Name: your Bank/Building Society:

Address: The Manager of: Bank/Building Society

Address:

Postcode:

Postcode: Tel:

Email*: 2. Name of account:

*Supplying your email address will allow us to send you the 3: Account number: (8 digits) Members’ Weekly Update, packed full of news and information. 4: Sort code: (6 digits) DOB: (if applying for Under 27 membership): 5. Instruction to your Bank/building Society. NSA OFFICE USE: Proof of age seen? Please pay National Sheep Association Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the Where did you pick up this leaflet? safeguards assured by The Direct Debit Guarantee.

Signature Date

Rappa Competition. Did a friend recommend you to Please use Gift Aid to make your subscription worth become a NSA member? n more to NSA. For every pound you give us, we could Name: ...... …...... earn an extra 25p from the Inland Revenue. NSA Membership Number*: ...... To qualify for Gift Aid what you pay in income tax or capital gains must at least equal the amount we shall claim in a tax year. Or address and postcode: ...... …...... Gift Aid Declaration: *a correct membership number or address is needed for a valid entry. I want the National Sheep Association to treat all I do not want my contact details passed to Rappa n donations I make from the date of this declaration The referring NSA members does not their contact details passed to Rappa n until I notify you otherwise as Gift Aid donation. Return this form to The National Sheep Association To Gift Aid The Sheep Centre • Malvern • Worcestershire WR13 6PH please tick here Tel: 01684 892 661 • Fax: 01684 892 663 Email: [email protected] www.nationalsheep.org.uk

10356NSA~A4leaflet.indd 2 18/12/2012 14:56 A good start deserves a good finish

Their mothers’ protection gave them a great start in life. Make sure you continue to protect them against pasteurella and clostridia – these two proven killers are on your farm right now.

Use medicines responsibly. For more information visit www.noah.co.uk/responsible Ovivac-P Plus is only available via your animal prescriber or veterinary surgeon from whom advice should be sought. ®Registered trademark. Ovivac-P Plus contains antigens from four clostridial species and antigens from the most important serotypes of Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica and Bibersteinia (Pasteurella) trehalosi. Legal category POM-VPS Ovivac-P Plus is the property of Intervet International B.V. or affiliated companies or licensors and is protected by copyrights, trademark and other intellectual property laws. Copyright © 2013 Intervet International B.V. All rights reserved. Further information is available from: MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ Tel: 01908 685 685 • [email protected] • www.msd-animal-health.co.uk