Dorset Horn and Poll Sheep: the only sheep breed that can breed all year round - ideal for controlling your lambing times.

MAY FAIR – SHOW & SALE 2013

DORSET RAMS PEAK AT 4,800GNS BOOSTING CONFIDENCE AT EARLY SALE

The annual Dorset May Fair in Exeter Livestock Centre on Wednesday (May 8) on behalf of the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Association provided a positive early barometer for the year’s sheep trade with six rams making 2,000gns and more to a top of 4,800gns, and averages well above the sale two years ago.

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Sheep and Beef Conferences

Tuesday 21st May - Trethorne Leisure Centre, Highland Suite, Launceston, PL15 8QE - 10.00am - 4.00pm (Bacon bap on arrival at 10am)

Or Wednesday 22nd May – Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Quantock Suite, Somerset, TA6 6DF 10.00am - 4.00pm (Bacon bap on arrival at 10am)

Key speakers in farm animal veterinary practice and other industry specialists. Hear focus farmers' views and how the project has had a positive impact on their businesses, talk to proactive vets, discuss with other farmers and browse sponsor stands. Carvery lunch included. Free to attend.

To confirm your booking please contact: Healthy Livestock on 0845 458 7485 or rbs@duchy.ac.uk

EBLEX BRP Improved Flock Awards 2013 - Hall Lane Flock

Dorset sheep flock wins top award for genetic progress

The Dorset sheep winner of the EBLEX Improved Flock Awards for 2013 is the Hall Lane Flock, owned by Edwin and Jenny Pocock at Totley Hall Farm, near Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Organised through the Sheep Better Returns Programme, this award is presented to the English performance recorded flock that has shown the most impressive improvement in genetic merit over a 12-month period, within the breed.

Edwin and Jenny Pocock established the pedigree flock ten years ago with 50 ewes and the tup, Blackhill Champion. They have since built numbers up to more than 175 Poll Dorset ewes with 125 of these lambing in November and December. There is also a commercial flock of Texel ewes which lamb in March and April.

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THINKING OF SHOWING

Why not come to the Royal Bath and West on 29th May - 1st June. They are celebrating 150 years and it is open to both M.V and non.

The Dorset horn was one of the breeds that were shown from the very first show. What an advert for our breed, so it would be great to see as many horns and poll`s this year.

Rob and i have been showing there for some 20 years and make it our busmans holiday, so if you can`t spare 4 days "DON`T WORRY".

If you bring your sheep and show them on show day (Wednesday). Rob and i would be very happy to look after them until they can go home on the Friday morning.

Look forward to seeing as many members as possible.

Nicky Jesse | 07950886563 | 01725552340

CARLISLE SALE REPORT, 2012

The first entry of the ram lambs secured the top price of 1,100 gns at the annual show and sale for the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Society

Reserve Supreme & Male Champion L/R – Andrew Cowan (Fearing – sponsor), Thomas Wright, Brenda Wear (Judge), Tom Stevenson (Natural Stockcare – sponsor)

Northern Ireland Breeder Thomas Wright of the Ballytaggart flock based at County Antrim took the leading price tag of 1,100 gns for his November, 2011, born entry, Ballytaggart Saxon.  His full brother sold at Ballymena Premier Sale held in July this year and a full sister is retained in the flock.  Saxon is a son of Ballytaggart Premium and out of one of the best ewes in the flock.  He was successfully purchased by Sam Driver of Glossop, Derbyshire.
The Male and Reserve Supreme Champion entry from Thomas Wright of Northern Ireland followed next in the price listing selling for 600 gns.  Ballytaggart S114, a December 2011 born ram lamb is sired by Downkillybegs Nitehawk and goes back to Downkillybegs Jethro on his mother’s side.  This lamb now travels to Cornwall for V P, M & A Care of Helston

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CHELFORD SHOW Report - Good weather, good stock, and good prices at Chelford

Sam Driver’s Breed and Male Champion	Sam Driver’s Female Champion

The Northern Dorset Breeders Club held its inaugural show and sale at Chelford market on Saturday 11th August, with 9 vendors exhibiting 62 sheep between them. The good haymaking and harvesting weather kept some potential purchasers away, but those who did attend were prepared to pay good money to secure their chosen stock. Once again females were in great demand but trade was very selective when it came to the male section, although, here again, some rams sold very well. >>more