With early tup sales seeing strong demand for the best of the rams on offer, buyers are being reminded of the added value Texel sires can add to their progeny.
Texel Sheep Society chief executive John Yates says Texels offer a proven ability to add value to any sheep flock. “Recent market prices from across the UK support this, with Texel-sired prime lambs regularly earning prices of up to 100p/kg higher than market averages.
“In addition, Texel cross breeding sheep are also highly sought after, with the recent season opening Thame Sheep Fair seeing a ready demand for Texel cross ewes out of a variety of dams.”
At Thame, the best Texel x Cheviots sold to a top of £238, with a section average of £211.42, while Texel x Scotch Mules peaked at £196 and levelled at £185. Texel x Mules, meanwhile, hit a high of £212 and averaged £185.94, said Mr Yates.
“This strong demand for both Texel cross prime lambs and Texel-sired breeding sheep shows the durability and versatility the breed offers UK sheep farmers.”
Importantly, those ram buyers seeking out animals with higher texelplus breeding values also have an extra opportunity to add value, with a top 5% texelplus recorded ram adding more than £1500 to his progeny over a three-year working life.
“This is a benefit ram buyers should actively remember when seeking out new sires at this year’s ram sales,” he adds.
“Making best use of available genetics is the surest and simplest and most cost-effective way to add value to a sheep business. Of course, knowing which genetics will add value isn’t always straight forward.
“Taking the time to research and source the best genetics available is the most important task of your sheep farming year, so it makes sense to use all of the information available in your decision-making process. Importantly, the Texel breed has significant information available to support buyers both in printed catalogues and via the itexel.uk database,” says Mr Yates.
The Society’s National Sales kick off with the Scottish National Sale on Wednesday and Thursday 23rd and 24 August, followed, in quick succession by the Welsh, English and Northern Irish Nationals, with Club sales then taking place across the UK throughout September and early October.
To find sales near you and to view sale catalogues see www.texel.uk/sales