Breeders of our Time - Alastair Gault

He spoke with The Scottish Farmer about his successful career in the world of pedigree sheep breeding and his choice of best breeders.

What’s your background?

I was born and raised on the family farm near Ballyclare, in Co.Antrim and I’m still farming at home today, as well as my wife’s family farm and a neighbouring farm totalling approximately 250 acres.

I started off working with Suffolk sheep in 1986 before moving into the Texels around 1996, having worked with them at Sweetwall Farms – a large estate in Co.Antrim where I was employed at the time. 

The estate was sold in 2000 and at that time, I came home to farm as well as working part time on a neighbours farm. I have been working full time at home since around 2010, and the Limousin cattle have always played a part in my working life, as well as during my time at Sweetwall, Ballyhone and within my own small herd.

What got you into breeding your choice of breed?

Suffolks were the main terminal sires when I first got into pedigree sheep and when I founded my own flock in 1986. The late Hugh Rankin and our current Northern Irish chairman, Alastair Barkley, were early advisers and always willing to help younger breeders along the way.

I bought my own Texels after working with them at Sweetwall Farms. I liked their characteristics and decided to get a few of my own.

What qualities do you like about the breeds that you work with over others?

Both the Suffolks and the Texels have the ability to cross with many other breeds to produce a quality finished prime lamb but also both can produce females that are sought after in the maternal side of production.

First big breed sale or show?

Probably my first big sale was the Suffolk Premier Sale in the old Balmoral show grounds. It was a two-day event with over 500 sheep back then.

My first big show would have been Balmoral showing Suffolks. It was a learning experience and given that I can’t remember how I got on in the ring, I couldn’t have done that well!

Which was the best animal that you’ve ever bred?

It would probably be a Texel – Forkins Rocksolid – which was sold to top the Lanark sale at 65,000gns. 

Among the Suffolks, I had retained a female – N19 – which was probably one the best I’ve bred. She just had everything I was looking for in the breed and was a good representation of what I wanted to be breeding.

But what was the best animal that you’ve ever seen? 

In the Texels I would have to go for the Castlecairn Keltic Star-sired Glenside Lulu, which was a massive ewe that stood champion at the Royal Highland Show many times – she just stood out in the ring by a mile and it was hard to look past her.

Within the Suffolks I would say a Baileys gimmer – f60 – that also won the Royal Highland Show. She was what I wanted in a female – clean, silky hair and muscle – just everything they should be.

Best animal you’ve been out-bidded on or lost?

In the Suffolks, a Baileys gimmer – f54 – was one we missed out on having sold to Gary Beacom’s Lakeview flock for 4000gns and bred so many of his top sheep.

A ram within the Texels called Clarks Bolt was purchased privately as a young lamb but unfortunately died before we got much use out of him, however, he did breed some outstanding females with daughters selling for 26k and 8k – every cloud as they say!

You’re most abiding memory?

I would say having been asked to judge the Texels at the Royal Highland Show, in 2015, which was a real honour. Another would be the Balmoral kist parties, the Beechys never disappoint!!

Biggest disappointment in your career?

I don’t tend to dwell on disappointment – you’ve just to get over it and get on with it.

Most influential person in your career?

I would have to say my late father, Hugh, as he gave me my drive and determination to succeed. Others that have left their mark on my career would be the likes of Alastair Barkley and Pat Greaney who are always helpful with advice.

What’s been you’re favourite sale over the years and why?

It has to be the annual Lanark Texel sale, which is always the big highlight of the year within the breed – dreams are made and shattered that day!

Your choice of best breeder ever?

In the show ring, John Forsyth of Glenside and Gary Beacom at Lakeview are both virtually unbeatable when they turn up at any event – their stock are just outstanding.

Also in terms of breeders; Jimmy Douglas, Kenny Mair, Keith Jamison and Brian McTaggart, and this side of water, Roger Strawbridge are all honourable mentions. They have all achieved so much in their own breeds and have been at the top for quite a while.

Best and worse advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice would be to not give up. Also I’ve always been told to keep the basics right – tops, ends, skin and legs – if you have that you can add that extra flash. 

Worst piece of advice would be anything that Pat Greaney tells me!

Biggest achievement?

I would have to say winning inter-breed at Balmoral with a Texel gimmer, in 2012. Another would be topping the Lanark Texel sale – both memorable achievements in my career.

Any hobbies or interests out with farming? 

I love a bit of rugby, supporting both Ulster and Ireland, as well as watching Liverpool football club play.

What’s the future of the breed in your opinion? 

The future of both breeds is looking very similar. Too many people are fixated about heads but breeders have to remember why both the Texel and the Suffolk are so successful as a terminal sire. No other breeds can compete with the Suffolks growth and the Texels carcass qualities and it is those aspects that we need to concentrate on more.