As Scottish farmers once again face spiralling costs from factors outside of their control, maximising margins on every lamb sold is critically important.
That means ensuring every lamb that leaves the farm is meeting market specification and has been produced as efficiently as possible. Quick growing lambs with good conformation are the order of the day and Texel delivers that repeatedly no matter the farming system or environment.
Ahead of this year’s ScotSheep Event, taking place at Wedderlie Farm, Gordon, on 10th June, Texel Sheep Society chief executive John Yates said that for every farming system there is a Texel to suit.
“For early lambing and systems focused on days to slaughter, there are rams with exceptional growth and muscling. For those retaining females, there are longer, plainer rams with figures to back maternal performance. The depth of the breed means farmers can match the ram to their system.”
And, importantly, thanks to the Texel Sheep Society’s continued investment in genetic improvement services, there are many opportunities to buy Texel rams backed by performance data. This means buying the right ram is even easier and their performance is more predictable.
For example, selecting a top 5% Texel ram, with high % accuracy, has the potential to add more than £690 to the value of his progeny over a three-year working life. When margins are tight, that kind of difference matters.
Mr Yates said the breed was uniquely positioned within the UK sheep industry to provide genetic solutions to farmers. “Texels are proven to perform in every part of the UK industry and have the potential to add value no matter the system”
As well as providing genetic solutions for today’s sheep farmers, the Texel Sheep Society is also backing the next generation of the industry, once again sponsoring the ScotSheep NSA Next Generation Young Shepherd’s competition.
Having backed this competition for more than 10 years, the Society values the opportunity it provides for young people in the industry to challenge themselves, learn new skills and develop their talent.
“The standard in these competitions continues to improve year on year, with exceptional young talent being showcased, demonstrating the high skill levels which exist in the Scottish sheep industry.
“The Society’s support of this competition is one of a number of activities the Texel Society undertakes to support the younger generation. The enthusiasm these young people have for sheep farming must be supported and nurtured to ensure we retain the best talent available within the UK sheep sector as the industry evolves in the coming years,” he added.
“The genetic potential offered by Texels combined with the skills and enthusiasm the next generation have means the UK sheep industry is well placed for future challenges.”