BLACKFACE SHEEP BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION
Woodhead of Mailer, Perth, PH2 0QA
Secretary: Aileen McFadzean
Tel: 01738 534018 | Mob: 07768 820405
Email: aileen@scottish-blackface.co.uk
The Blackface Breed is the most numerous breed in Britain accounting for over 2.0 million ewes, representing 11% of the British Pure-bred Ewe Flock. The vast majority are found in Scotland. The outstanding qualities of the breed are Survivability, Adaptability and Versatility, with the ability to fit into any farming situation. They are one of the hardiest sheep breeds in the country and are the backbone of the Scottish sheep industry.The history of the breed is lost in the midst of time but there are monastery records going back to the 12th Century that make reference to a Blackface breed of sheep.
All Blackfaces are horned, with black or black and white face and legs. The fleece should be free of black fibre and can vary from short, fine wool used for carpets and tweeds to strong coarse wool, which is mainly sold for the Italian mattress trade.
The breed was developed to utilise to best advantage the hill and mountain grazings in Scotland and can now also be found in North of England, Devon and Northern Ireland. This has lead to the development of distinct types within the breed:
• The North (Perth) type which is found mainly in East Scotland and Northern Ireland;
• The South (Lanark) type, which integrated with the Newton Stewart type, benefiting both milking ability and hardiness is dominant in much of Scotland and areas of Ireland is of medium size, with shorter wool than the Perth type.
The North of England type are larger framed with more wool than the other two types.
This breed provides a reservoir of lambs which can be finished or go on to produce breeding females that are themselves crossed with many other types of sire to produce quality prime lambs or store lambs. Blackfaces can produce finished carcase weights of 15 to 19 Kg as well as lighter weight lambs. The Blackface ewe is the mother of the famous Scotch and North of England Mule.
NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT SHEEP SOCIETY
Secretary: Corinna Cowin
Tel: 07834 817710 / 017683 62893 | Email: secretary@nc-cheviot.co.uk
The North Country Cheviot – a long-established native breed which thrives in all parts of the UK – is the complete all-rounder and has truly stood the test of time. An extremely versatile sheep, it continues to play a leading role in the UK’s sheep industry because of its carcase qualities and its versatility – it can be used successfully in a wide range of breeding programmes.The popularity of the breed continues to grow – a testament to its proven track record of producing what the market demands – quality and value without compromise. The North Country Cheviot can be bred pure or crossed to advantage with many other breeds to produce top quality prime lambs.
The ‘Northie’ is used more extensively and to greater effect in crossing programmes than any other hill breed, particularly in hills and uplands. In both store and prime markets North Country Cheviot and North Country Cheviot cross lambs constantly gain higher prices than other hill breeds. As a result of this premium more and more producers are using North Country Cheviot rams on their hill ewes to increase returns.
On lower ground many prime lamb producers are finding that using breeding ewes such as the North Country. Cheviot Mule and Texel X North Country Cheviot ewe adds extra quality to the finished lamb – superior conformation and all-round finish. North Country Cheviot ewes are being crossed successfully with terminal sires such as the Texel, Beltex, Suffolk and Charollais to produce top-class, fast growing prime lambs. Producers are finding these lambs to be particularly vigorous from birth, requiring little intervention and finishing earlier than other breed, therefore costing less and increasing profit.
SUFFOLK SHEEP SOCIETY
CEO & Breed Secretary: Barrie Turner
62 Fenaghy Road, Galgorm, Ballymena, Co Antrim, N Ireland, BT42 1FL
Tel: 028 2563 2342 | Email: enquiries@suffolksheep.org
Facebook: Suffolk Sheep Society Ltd | Instagram: Suffolk sheep society ltd
The Suffolk remains No 1 for growth rate as proven by numerous independent studies. Fast growth rate means Suffolk lambs are ready for market earlier resulting in reduced cost and low GHG emissions.
Because the breed has high milk output, mastitis and disease resistance and its wide pelvic dimensions for easy lambing, introducing Suffolk genetics to a commercial ewe flock as a cross bred female is an excellent option.
Whether you would like to get involved in breeding, pedigree sheep, or you are looking for a terminal sire delivering consistent prime sheep, disappointment is avoided if you switch to Suffolk.