The last weekend in June saw a group from the Shropshire and Borders Texel Club leave the sizzling temperatures in the Midlands to head to the sunny, but slighter cooler North, with visits either side of the Scottish Border.
After an overnight stop at Dumfries on the Friday evening, their first stop was the Rascarrel flock at Castle Douglas. Thank you to Ewan McTaggert and family for a full morning’s visit. Not only did the touring party see the family’s impressive Texel flock, they were also shown the robotic milking system and holiday lodge enterprise, with stunning views across the Solway.
Next stop was Jack Austin’s Woodcroft flock at New Abbey, with more great sheep and another fantastic milking set up to see, a wonderful lunch was then provided.
Final stop, on the Saturday was the Bradley-Farmers’ Meonside flock at Parkgate, Dumfries. Again, some great Texels to see, but also a pleasure to see their fabulous beef enterprise out at pasture.
Sunday morning, everyone headed back South, over the border with the first stop being Messrs Ridley’s Haltcliffe flock at Wigton. Another full morning looking at both sheep and beef. It was a real treat to see their superb Limousin herd.
A short drive then took the group to the Wilkinson’s Arkle and Ellen Valley flocks at Aspatria. It was a real pleasure to see some great Texels here.
Roy and Liz Campbell’s Cowal flock at Cockermouth was the final stop. Another great flock with plenty of sheep to see.
A great time was had by all and a massive thank you to all the wonderful hosts for welcoming us onto your farms and providing lunches and refreshments.