The British Texel Society is delighted to extend its congratulations to Ross-Shire sheep farmer John Scott and family for their triumph in the Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year 2014.
Mr Scott’s 4000-ewe flock is heavily influenced by top quality Texel genetics, with the farm running a 135-ewe pedigree Texel flock producing Texel rams for both their own use and for sale to other sheep producers, explained British Texel Sheep Society chief executive John Yates.
“John Scott is an excellent sheep producer, using high quality Texels to drive his business forward and focusing on producing high genetic merit Texel rams for his customers.
“He has also innovated in his marketing strategy, hosting his own on-farm ram sale for the past three years and focusing on producing rams fit for purpose from a forage diet,” he said.
Mr Yates said it was a great credit to the entire Scott family that they had won the 2014 Sheep Farmer of the Year title among some strong competition.
“This is a true family farm with daily involvement from all family members helping to keep the flocks running efficiently. John continues to innovate in his flock management, improving grassland management to maximise production from forage at the same time as reducing reliance on bought-in feeds,” explained Mr Yates.
“His use of performance recording to manage and improve the flock is also exemplary and has seen the flock improve its average terminal sire index from 128 15 years ago to 376.64 this year. This is a result of John’s drive to produce better rams for both himself and his customers and the use of the best genetics available to drive the flock forward.”
According to the award judges John was a clear winner due to his focus on maximising grass use and improving genetics in tandem. “This clearly demonstrates an understanding of the drivers of profitability for his business.”
Alongside Mr Scott in the final three was Warwickshire commercial producer Martin Greenfield who runs 1000 Texel cross ewes all served by Texel tups.
Mr Greenfield’s 1000-ewe flock is based around top quality Texel genetics, consisting entirely of Texel x Mule and ¾ Texel ewes all put to Texel sires to produce prime lambs for retailing through farmers markets, a local butchers shop and selling at local livestock markets, explained Mr Yates.
“Martin Greenfield exemplifies everything that is great about modern sheep production. Paying close attention to sourcing the best genetics possible Martin is focused on producing the right product for his customers.
“His experience of selling direct to the public has helped Martin drive his business forward and boost profitability at the same time as ensuring he produces exactly the type of lamb needed by the retail market.”
Concluding Mr Yates said Mr Scott’s win backed up the Texel breed’s continued success in the UK in the Society’s 40th anniversary year. “Texels are at the core of the UK sheep industry, having a 29% share of the terminal sire market, and Texel breeders continue to innovate and improve the breed to suit the needs of commercial sheep producers such as John.”
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