Texel Sheep Society Journal, 2015

JOURNAL

2015 The Journal of the Texel Sheep Society

Quality

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Performance

#addtexeladdvalue

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Service

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Success

www.texel.co.uk

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Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

In Touch With Texel To keep up to date with all the latest Texel news In touch with Texel

@twitter.com/britishtexel Our Twitter page continues to grow now with over 1,500 followers.

#addtexeladdvalue Our Facebook page has received over 3,800 likes to date

SEARCH TERMS Facebook: texel Twitter: britishtexel Google+: texel Youtube: britishtexel

#addtexeladdvalue Acknowledgment The Board of Directors and Chief Executive would like to thank our Members, Regional Clubs, Sponsors, Judges and staff at the Texel office for their continued support.

www.texel.co.uk

Articles Sam Boon Libby Clark Linsey Clark Debbie James Jonathan Long Catherine Nakielny

Photography MacGregor Photography Harrison & Hetherington Alfie Shaw Robert Smith Paul Clayden Special thanks to all Members that provide images

Design Ghost Design

Front cover Scrogtonhead U-Stoater - GLH1304107 - sold at Kelso 2014 for ÂŁ35,000 Pages 2-3 Group of Scrogtonhead Shearling Rams Kelso bound 2014.

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British Texel Sheep Society, 4th Street, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG Tel: 024 7669 6629 Fax: 024 7669 6472 Email: office@texel.co.uk Website: www.texel.co.uk

Contents Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Regional Clubs

Performance Recorded Texel

Sales

Shows

Features

09 33 47 73 111 144 169 Introduction & Society Matters

4 4 6 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 20 21 22 23 34 35 48 50 54 56 60 74 78 82 86 90 94 95 96 98 112 116 120 124 128 130 131 146 151 152 156 170 190 192 206 208

Youth Development Programme

In touch with Texel Acknowledgments Index of Advertisers Chairman’s Foreword Chief Executives Foreword Board Structure The Breed Genomics Technologies Sire of the Year 2014 AGM & the 40th Anniversary Weekend 2014 Society fees New Member application form Direct Debit form Texel Shop YDP Committee YDP 2014 update & 2015 programme Brian Cromie - Banbridge Farm Iwan Williams - Llyfni Texels James Cowe - Hoxa Texels The Hartwright Family - Whitehart Texels The Gray Family - Scrogtonhead Texels Royal Ulster Show 2014 Royal Highland Show 2014 Devon County Show 2014 Great Yorkshire Show 2014 Royal Welsh Show 2014 Show dates 2015 Texel Primestock Show Sponsorship 2015 Winterfair and Primestock Shows 2014 Show Judges 2015 Northern Ireland National Show & Sale 2014 Scottish National Show & Sale 2014 Welsh National Show & Sale 2014 English National Show & Sale 2014 National Show Judges 2015 National Show & Sale dates 2015 Regional Texel Club In-Lamb sale 2014/15 PRT Shield 2014 - Kelso - Ian Murray - Glenway Texels PRT Shield 2014 - Builth Wells - Cefin Pryce - Caereinion Texels Michael James - Dunhonw Texels Performance Recording paying dividends for Texels Regional Club Reports 2014 40th Anniversary National Flock Competition results 2014 Regional Club Flock Competition Results 2014 Regional Club Contact details Regional Club Sale dates

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy of information contained with the Texel Society Journal 2015, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions for any reliance on use of the information to readers. All prices and information correct at time of going to press

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MEMBERS

Index to Advertisers www.texel.co.uk 6

Members Name

Flock Code

Flock Prefix

Page

A MacGregor

XMM

Allanfauld

37

T & D Nesbitt

NTA

Alwent & Deneside

161

J & G Y Davies

XDN

Aman

64

D Unwin

UDA

Amersham

160

D Wilkinson & G Wilkinson

WGA & YGW

Arkle & Ellen Valley

44

A Blackwood

BYZ

Auldhouseburn

45

D Allen

ADK

Ballochneck

219

T & C Laird

LTC

Cambwell

25

J & H Clark & Messrs Clarks Farms CFT/CJN & DCX

Clarks, Garngour & Teiglum

71

P & A Johnson

JTC

Corriecravie

65

K, A & R Campbell

CKC

Cowal

223

M Ellis

EMK

Cressage

66

R J J Watkins &

WJJ & ESW

Cwmcerrig & Welsh

159

P & B O’Connor

OCP

Drumgoodland

162/163

G Gray

GGH

Ettrick

70

A Gault & B & J Gault

GAF & GCN

Forkins & Cherryvale

164

B T Goldie

GJG

Goldies

102

S G Barclay

BSA

Harestone

104

D MacNiven

MVP

Highcraigs

27

J Mellin

MJH

Hull House

28

I P Jones & H G & I E Williams

JLI & WHA

LLangwm & Llyfni

29

E W Quick

QEL

Loosebeare

107

G Jones

JXF

134

F Moffat & D Bradley-Farmer

DBF, FDT & FTD

R H Wilson

LYM

Meifod Meon Down, Meonside & Meon Springs Milnbank

B Hanthorn

HBN

Mullan

137

D J McKerrow

DMN

Nochnary

136

R E J Pierce

PRE

Oldford

138

P A & C Kermode

KAO

Orrisdale

36

R Bennett

BFE

Plasucha

139

Procters Farm Ltd

PFD & THF

Procters & Tatham Hall

42/43

A Hamilton

HLU

Smyllum

141

Messrs Barbour

BVG

Solwaybank

215

C Boden & Boden & Davies Ltd

BCM & BGS

Sportsman & Mellor Vale

166/167

P K Woof

WPS

Stainton

218

102 135

Usk Vale Poultry Ltd

UVP

Usk Vale

158

N Hartwright

HWN

Whitehart

160

S P & C P Williams

WSW

Wollascott

41

Page

0845 459 9772

222

Celtic Sheep Breeding Services

01970 612 526

64

Cumberland & Dumfries Farmers Mart

01387 279 495

26

Dan Fawcett Sheep Breeding Services

01768 890 935 or 01768 840 901

66

EBLEX Better Returns Programme / Signet

02476 478 829

214

H & H Insurance Brokers

01228 406 290

165

Harbro

01888 545 200

165

Irish Texels

00353 87 355 2992

40 105

JG Animal Health

01886 880 482 or 07866 607 466

Lawrie & Symington

01555 662 281

106

MacGregor Photography

07703 533 605 or 07584 241 678

108

McCartneys

01905 769 770

210

North East Irish Texel Club

00353 86 812 2485 or 00353 87 744 8481

26

Premium Sheep & Goat Health Schemes

01463 226 995

37

Roxan

01750 722 940

140

Show Winners

01833 650 569 or 07717 377 541

109

The Vale Veterinary Group

01884 32228

36

United auctions

01786 473 055

109

REGIONAL CLUBS Regional Texel Clubs

Page

Dutch Texel Members

68

Dyfed

67

Eastern

69

Gloucester & Borders

103

Midlands

211

North West England

30

Northern England

216/17

Northern Ireland

31

Ruthin

220/221

Shropshire & Borders

212/213

Solway & Tyne

142/143

South Wales

38/39

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Telephone Number

Argyll Holidays

Index to Advertisers

COMMERCIAL Commercial Advertisers

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Society Matters

www.texel.co.uk

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@twitter.com/britishtexel #addtexeladdvalue

In this section: Forewords Board Structure The Breed Genomic Technologies Sire of the Year 2014 AGM & 40th Anniversary Social Weekend Society fees New Member application form Direct Debit form Texel Shop

society matters

In touch with Texel

Chairman’s Foreword RITING this in the afterglow of a BBC TV Country File edition featuring the record breaking 145,000gns Texel ram Sid Vicious one cannot, but feel upbeat about the future of our nation’s premier terminal sheep sire.

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Chairman’s Foreword

What other breed could feature so prominently and in such a positive manner on prime time TV enjoyed by urban and rural dwellers alike? A breed that produces prime tups to sire the cream of commercial lamb crops on British farms from coast to coast.

Even more up lifting are my reflections on another year past of progress for your Society at every level UK wide. When it came to tup sales, numbers sold and the average prices were up. Female sales were equally buoyant thus demonstrating breeders’ confidence in the continuing predominance of the British Texel.

www.texel.co.uk

Moving into another year was also time to bid farewell to three hard working breeders, who made time to serve us all on the Society Board of Directors. To Aubrey Andrews, John Davies and Nick Tavernor, members owe a massive debt of thanks for all their time, energy and expertise put into making the Society a growing success.

Nick, for example, served on the Board of Directors, numerous sub committees and in higher office for 29 years. On a personal note thank you Nick for easing me into the chair gently.

As we stepped forward into the Society’s 41st year Peter Mitchell, Graham Hill and Adrian Windsor were elected to join the board of directors. A board that can only function so efficiently with the very

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professional support of our Chief Executive and staff.

Will Sawday was another new face joining Team Texel in recent months, funding having been acquired for research into traits linked to flock health. Will, with the co-operation of breeders, is managing a Genomic Project on a sample of Texel flocks across the UK. Science based research has a huge potential as regards keeping our breed in pole position when competing with other breeds in an increasingly technology based industry.

The sheep sector will always need those with a real eye for good livestock and high standards of flock management, but our role as pedigree breeders is to lead the way in offering British lamb producers the tools to produce quality meat competitively.

To do so means blending our traditional pedigree breeding skills with the use of scientific and technological innovations.

Hence the importance of Will’s work for the long term advance of our breed, our Society and our flocks.

With the breed continuing to grow I look forward to another season of shows, sales and social events nationwide. These provide a very enjoyable opportunity to hear your views and learn from your experiences as well as meet friends old and new across the Texel family. Not least the moral boosting rising generation of Texel breeders coming through the Youth Development Programme launched this past year. Their ability to blend science, technology and the best of livestock husbandry will guarantee a good future for British Texel Society.

Henry Gamble Society Chairman

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We have a clear vision on adding value to our services to support the development of our breed and our member’s flocks.

With continued investment by the Society across all areas of the breeds’ development, use of “next generation” technologies and continued professional marketing. And by focusing on exchanging knowledge on the added value that Texel provides to the commercial producer. Helping assist in the popularity of our breed and the benefits provided by membership to the Society.

Both the breed and the Society are now at their highest point for over a decade, bucking the trend experienced by many competitors.

Texel represents 29% of all rams used in the national flock, as well as also being the sire breed for 12.5% of the national ewe flock.

Society membership is now above the 2000 mark, these performances bench marks, offer a great indication that both the breeds’ commercial traits and Society services are delivering to industry and customer needs.

We live in an era of digitalisation, never before has so much data been available and this applies across all agricultural sectors.

Whether its data for the development of new science and technology or information for promotion and discussion through social networks. The flood of data impacts on all our everyday lives, however young or old we may be.

Due to our industry structure and the challenges of implementing mechanisation or utilising new technologies affordably, the livestock industry is often slow to adopt change. The dairy, pig and poultry sectors have often been first to benefit, with the beef and sheep sectors slower adopters.

However, our member’s progressive approach has put our breed at the forefront of testing and adopting new breeding tools for many decades, with the development of performance recording, artificial breeding techniques and now with the drive to create “next generation technologies and breeding values” utilising genomics to increase genetic improvement in our breed to benefit industry.

This exciting new technology will create breeding values for previously hard to measure traits, including important and commercially relevant health traits.

Through this ground breaking work the Society aims to help commercial producers improve flock productivity and profitability, with Texels firmly at the heart of the commercial sheep sector.

The Texel breed is proving itself as a valuable tool for producers from across a wide range of land types as they manage volatile markets.

Why wouldn’t you choose Texel to add value to your flock!

John John Yates Chief Executive

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

fter a tremendous year, with rising female sales and a flurry of new members, the start to 2015 has definitely been a very positive one.

Chief Executive’s Foreword

Chief Executive’s Foreword

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Board of Directors

1. North of Scotland 2. Central & West of Scotland 3. South East Scotland 4. South West of Scotland & Cumbria 5. North East of England 6. Northern England & Central North 7. East and South East of England 8. Central South 9. South West of England 10. North Wales & Borders 11. South Wales 12. Northern Ireland 13. Mid Wales & Borders

Roy Campbell

• Chairman Sales & Shows Committee

Tel: 01900 828914 Royel - CXR & Cowal - CKC Elected 2013 Term expires 2016

Graeme Knox

Steve Richardson

• Honorary Treasurer • Finance & Remuneration Committee

Tel: 01651 891264 Haddo – KWJ Elected 2011 Term expires 2015

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• Finance & Remuneration Committee

Tel: 01226 752359 Stonebridge - RSS Elected 2012 Term expires 2016

Andrew Barr

www.texel.co.uk

2

5 Jeff Aiken

• Sales & Show Committee

Tel: 01899 308062 Parkhouse - BAH Elected 2013 Term expires 2017

4

• Sales & Show Committee

Tel: 01200 446981 Procter’s - PFD Elected 2013 Term expires 2017

6

David McKerrow

• Vice Chairman & Vice President • Finance & Remuneration Committee • Directors Complaints & Registration Audit Committee • Staff Grievance / Disciplinary Committee

Tel: 01337 830457 Nochnary – DMN Elected 2012 Term expires 2016

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Nomination & Election in process during April/May 2015

• Breed Development Committee

Tel: 01994 241078 Fern - WAF Elected 2014 Term expires 2018

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Peter Mitchell

• Breed Development

Committee • Society representative on the PS&GHS Advisory Committee (MV scheme)

Tel: 01684 295177 Avon Vale - MQZ Elected 2014 Term expires 2018

Board of Directors

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Adrian Windsor

Henry Gamble

• Society Chairman &

Graham Hill

President • Finance & Remuneration Committee Chairman • Staff Grievance / Disciplinary Appeals Committee Chairman

• Breed Development Committee

Tel: 02891 270215 Springwell – GRS Elected 2014 Term expires 2018

Tel: 01395 568205 Rolle – HGF Elected 2014 Term expires 2018

9 Iolo Prys Jones

• Sales & Shows Committee

Tel: 01490 420087 Llangwm – JLI Elected 2013 Term expires 2017

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12 Roy Hughes

• Breed Development Committee

Tel: 01691 652370 Trefonnen – HRT Elected 2011 Term expires 2015

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

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The Breed he Texel sheep originates from the island of Texel, one of the northwestern islands off Holland where the ancient native sheep was known as Pielsteert (Pin-tail, because of its thin short tail). In an attempt to improve prolificacy, growth rate and size several English breeds such as Lincoln, Leicester and Wensleydale were introduced at the end of the nineteenth century. Rigorous selection resulted in the development of a large, prolific and well muscled sheep. 1909 saw the formation of the first Texel breed society in North Holland which in 1911 issued the first description of type.

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The breed

About 1933, the Texel was introduced to France and has since become established, particularly in the Northern provinces. In 1970, they were introduced to the United Kingdom with an importation organised by the Animal Breeding Research Organisation, who brought in four rams for experimental purposes. Another four followed in 1971 and ABRO initiated extensive trials to compare the Texel with other terminal sires.

www.texel.co.uk 14

The verdict was that the Texel excelled in carcass quality and in particular, in lean meat yield.

In 1973, thirteen Lanarkshire sheep breeders joined forces with ABRO to import twenty-seven Texel females and thirteen rams from France. Further importations were made throughout the 1970s, with the first direct import from the Netherlands at the end of that decade.

In the UK, the Texels have shown that they are capable of withstanding the rigors of the Scottish winter without any hardship and their progeny have proved to be as adaptable in our climate and altitude as the Flocks in Holland and France.

The Breed is well known in Europe and in the continents of Australia, Africa and South America as a provider of a high quality carcass that has a high killing out percentage. It is also well known in many countries as a breed that transmits its qualities to its progeny when used for crossing purposes.

breeding as well as in other important food sources like clams and oysters.

enomic technology offers major opportunities to Texel breeders and will become increasingly available. This could lead to a revolution in the number of traits that are selected for and the speed at which selection can occur.

And outside of commercial food production the Honey Bee genome is being studied to help understand social interactions between insects with many other examples in a range of organisms.

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Genomic tools are particularly useful for selecting for traits which are hard to measure. For example, disease resistance, ewe longevity, meat quality traits and even the selection of animals with lower greenhouse gas emissions.

A DNA test should not, however, be seen as a replacement for recording the performance of individual animals. Ironically, phenotypic records – that is to say records of animals’ physical performance and appearance - will become even more important in the genomic age.

In practice this means that individual records will still be needed, but the inclusion of genomic technology will mean increased accuracy and, for some traits, not all animals will need to be recorded so more breeders and commercial lamb producers will be able to access these improvements.

In the meantime continuing participation in performance recording will be vital for those who wish to access developing genomic technologies. With a balanced approach between estimated breeding values, genomic tools, structural soundness and general appearance, the UK sheep industry could see long-term benefits in the genetic merit of the national flock.

Genomics are being used globally in the sheep sector. It’s not just the livestock industry which is using genomics. The science is being used in fish and plant

The Society has successfully integrated DNA Profiling and Parentage Verification into its registration system. This technology also has a direct impact on the Society’s breed development strategies, and assists the Society in using new breeding tools to exploit the extensive and expanding knowledge we have of our breed.

Members are reminded that embryo (ET) born lambs will only be birth notified if all Donor ewes (OF ANY AGE) and Sires born 2013 onwards have a DNA profile.

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•

•

•

•

•

Simple to use DNA nasal sampling kits are available from the Society office.

Tel: 024 7669 6629 Sample donor ewes (OF ANY AGE) and sires born 2013 onwards on your AI or ET day, or earlier if suitable. DO NOT leave it too late to sample.

Only samples profiled and invoiced through the Society using our chosen provider “Geneseek” will be acceptable.

The cost of each DNA profile/sample will be charged by the Society at £22.50 + VAT No profiles – no birth notification.

Do not leave it too late Previously DNA profiled donors and sires do not need sampling again.

Check the Basco database for further information on an individual’s DNA profile status.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

What can genomics offer sheep breeders?

Genomic Technologies

Genomics

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First Season Sire of the Year 2014 1st Oberstown Usain Bolt 2nd Strathbogie Upping the Ante 3rd Springwell Ulsterboy

Sire of the Year Sire of the Year trophy being presented to Pat & Barry Farrell (Oberstown Texels) by Henry Gamble (BTSS Chairman) with Sinead Brophy (Southern Ireland Texel Secretary)

An overseas sire has claimed the British Texel Sheep Society’s Sire of the Year award for the first time. This year’s winner of the award which is presented to the breeder of the first season sire who’s best selling three sons record the highest average at the Society’s National Sales, was Eire bred Oberstown Usain Bolt.

www.texel.co.uk

Usain Bolt was bred by Pat and Barry Farrell of the Oberstown flock and was bought at the Irish Texel Sheep Society’s National Sale in August 2013 by Paul O’Connor for his Drumgooland flock, Seaforde, Co Down.

His three sons with the highest average were bred in two different flocks and sold at the Scottish National Sale, Lanark, and the Northern Irish National Sale, Ballymena.

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The highest selling son of the trio was Mullan Vivaldi, bred by Brian Hanthorn and sold for 52,000gns at Lanark. This lamb sold to Neil and Stuart Barclay, Harestone, Jim Innes, Strathbogie, and Graham Morrison, Deveronvale.

His second best selling son was another lamb bred by Brian Hanthorn, Mullan Van Gogh. This lamb was also sold at Lanark, this time making 3500gns to the Douganhill Farms and Caroline Hastings. And the final lamb in the top selling trio was Springwell Viera from Henry Gamble. This lamb sold for 3000gns at the Northern Irish National Sale, Ballymena, and was bought by Owen Donohoe for the Derryvore flock, Enniskillen.

The three lambs recorded an average price of 19,500gns (£20,475).

The 2014 first season Sire of the year winner was based on the highest aggregate reached for the top three ram lambs in the Sires first season sold at the Society’s four National Sales with any registered Dam. In 2015 to open the competition up the Sire of the Year will be based on the highest aggregate reached for the top three ram lambs in the Sires first season sold at the Society’s four National Sales with three DIFFERENT registered Dams.

Sire of the Year

Oberstown Usain Bolt

2014 1st Season Sire of the Year

First Season Sire of the year 2014 Sold for (Gns)

Average (Gns)

Mullan Vivaldi HBN1400934

52,000

19,500

Lanark

Mullan Van Gogh HBN1400937

3,500

GRS1100432

Ballymena

Springwell Viera GRS1401411

3,000

FPG1000069

Lanark

Glenside Valhalla FPG1400768

42,000

RHT1000083

Lanark

Haltcliffe Viceroy RHT1402435

450

FPG1000069

Lanark

Glenside Vavroom FPG1400769

6,300

CJN1201549

Lanark

Garngour Vintage CJN1403170

13,000

CJN1302202

Lanark

Garngour Vendetta CJN1403173

11,000

CJN1201605

Lanark

Garngour Vertigo CJN1403113

5,500

Position

Dam

Location

Qualifying Son

1st place Oberstown Usain Bolt E.PFI1300026

HBN1100316

Lanark

HBN1100316

2nd place Strathbogie Upping The Ante IJS1300205

3rd place Springwell Ulsterboy GRS1301235

16,250

9,833.33

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

1st - Oberstown Usain Bolt 2nd - Strathbogie Upping The Ante 3rd - Springwell Ulsterboy

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AGM & 40th Anniversary Social Weekend 2014 AGM & Social Weekend 2014

Carden Park Hotel, Chester 7th & 8th November If you missed it - you missed out!

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he AGM & Social weekend at Carden Park was an amazing event. Over 200 friends celebrated the Society’s 40th Anniversary in style. The programme included a casino night experience and of course the Texel challenge - never have so many laughed at.... so many With wellie wanging, haggis chucking, problem solving, duck herding, giant skiing and a Segway course the participants and spectators had a great time.

The winners of the challenge were the red team consisting of...

Henry Gamble, John Yates, Andy Barr, Roy Hughes, Peter Mitchell, Steve Smith, Helen Smith, Steve McLean, Aubrey Andrews and Rodney Blackhall, it is also worth pointing out they also received the award for the most disruptive, disobedient team of the day! Well done to all that took part.

www.texel.co.uk

We said goodbye to three long serving Directors and hello to three new ones, the winner of the Anniversary National Flock Competition was announced by Judge Brian MacTaggart and his lovely wife Janet, congratulations go to Northern Ireland representatives John Foster & family, Springhill Texels.

The Sire of the year trophy was presented to Pat & Barry Farrell, who came over

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from EIRE to receive the award in person Congratulations Pat & Barry and of course Oberstown Usain Bolt!

Thanks go to the sponsors of the 40th Anniversary wine receptions - BOCM Pauls Ltd, Carrs Billington, CCM Auctions, Geneseek Europe, Harrison & Hetherington, Lawrie & Symington, McCartneys, North West Texel Breeders Club, and Trouw Nutrition.

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Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

AGM & Social Weekend 2014

This Notice supersedes all previous notices of costs and overrides any printed material which you may have in your possession.

All fees take effect from January 1st 2015

2015 Male and Female Birth Notifications

Society Fees

Method Cheque/ DD

1st Jan 20th May in Year of Birth

21st May 31st Dec in Year of Birth

1st January following year of Birth Onwards

Online

Paper

Online

Paper

£1.80

£2.03

£10.00

£11.28

(£2.16 Inc VAT)

(£2.44 Inc VAT)

(£12.00 Inc VAT)

(£13.53 Inc VAT)

Method Cheque/ DD

Online

Tel/ Paper

16th June YOB - 31st October in year following YOB

Online

(£135.30 Inc VAT)

Method

te

www.texel.co.uk

Cheque/ DD

Tel/ Paper

Online

Tel/ Paper

£5.92

£5.70

£6.43

£8.50

£9.58

(£7.10 Inc VAT)

(£6.84 Inc VAT)

(£7.72 Inc VAT)

(£10.20 Inc VAT)

(£11.50 Inc VAT)

£29.60

Transfers (only fully registered sheep can be transferred) Method

Paper

Cheque/ DD

£11.28

(£35.52 Inc VAT)

Terms of Membership (Please note new members Adult fees will now only be accepted by Direct Debit payment) Adult Joining Fee - £60.00 (Inc VAT) Payable now Annual Subscription fee - £54.21 (Inc VAT) Payable now Junior (up to age 21) Joining Fee - Free Annual Subscription fee - £27.11 (inc VAT) Payable now

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1st November year following YOB onwards

£5.25

Tel/ Paper

NOTE

New Da

for Stand ard Birth No tification Deadlines

(£6.30 Inc VAT)

Male Registrations and Import Registrations (having previously been birth notified)

for online fees

Paper £112.75

Female Registrations and Import Registrations (having previously been birth notified) By 15th June in Year of Birth (YOB)

12.5% discount

In 2009 St andard Birth No tificatio cost £1.7 ns In 2015 th 9 e cost is still only £1.80

(£13.54 Inc VAT)

Submit your flock data online and save 12.5% (applies only to notifications/registrations) when compared to Tel/Paper fees. (Not including Membership & Subscription fees) The VAT Inclusive prices include VAT at 20% and may be adjusted at any time.

For purchased rams that require male registration, the Society requires “proof of purchase” in the form of a “ram docket” or a copy of the” invoice of sale”.

* ADULT / JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION TEXEL SHEEP SOCIETY LIMITED Name:....................................................................................................................................................................................................... ......

Address:................................................................................................................................................................................... ......................

Post Code:.....................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mobile Number:.................Email:...............................................................................................................................................................

Flock Prefix 1st choice:............................................................................................................................................................................ ..

2nd choice:....................................................................................................................................................................................................

The flock prefix is the name your flock will be known by.

Flock Number:..............................................................................................................................................................................................

CPH:................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Membership cannot be completed without the UK flock number Membership I wish to become an Annual Member of the Texel Sheep Society Limited and hereby agree to abide by the Articles, Bye-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Society until the termination of the year in which I withdraw my membership by notice in writing.

New Member Application Form

Telephone Number:.....................................................................................................................................................................................

I wish to pay by Direct Debit and return the form on the next page completed.

The Society has been registered with the Inland Revenue to participate in the Gift Aid Scheme. The Scheme allows the Society as a registered charity, to claim gift aid from the Inland Revenue on the members’ annual subscription (donation), subject to the member having paid an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax equal to the tax we reclaim on your donations in the tax year. You can cancel this declaration at any time in the future by notifying us in writing.

I confirm that I wish to treat all subscription payments to The Texel Sheep Society Limited, from date of joining as Gift Aid Donations.

BRITISH TEXEL SHEEP SOCIETY, is the data controller for the purpose of the Data Protection Act 1998. By proceeding to use our service you consent that we may process the personal data (including sensitive personal data) that we collect from you in accordance with our Privacy Policy. In particular, we may use information we hold about you for the purposes of compiling and publishing our breed registry/flock book and the promotion and development of the Texel Breed. Please address any questions, comments and requests regarding our data processing practices to office@texel.co.uk.

I confirm my consent that the Society can process my personal data.

Signature:....................................................................Date:..........................................

Terms of Membership: * ADULTS will be accepted as a Society member on the condition that they agree to make all payments to the Society by Direct Debit only.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

GIFT AID DECLARATION

* JUNIORS – Junior members must be under 21 years of age (Date of Birth: ..…./..…./..…. Required for all applicants) FEES AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE

FEB 2015

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Dircet Debit Mandate

www.texel.co.uk

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Texel Shop

2 Tone Fleece (Black/Grey)

£36.00

Result Extreme Fleece

£25.00

Body Warmer/soft shell

£33.60

Body Warmer/padded

£24.00

Polo Shirt

£12.00

Tie (Acrylic)

£15.00

Baseball Cap

£5.00

Texel Mug

£6.00

Show Coat

£36.00

Back Pack Bag Texel Pin Badge Golf Umbrella

£1.20 90p £15.00

A2 Trailer Sticker

£5.00

A3 Trailer Sticker

£4.00

Prefix per garment

£10.00

For more information visit:

www.texel.co.uk/saleroom/shop

Texel Shop

Price inclusive of VAT

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Product

Alternatively call the Society office on 02476 696629 or email office@texel.co.uk Prices correct at time of going to press.

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@twitter.com/britishtexel #addtexeladdvalue

In this section: YDP Committee YDP summary of 2014 YDP Programme 2015

Youth Development Programme

In touch with Texel

YDP Committee‌

YDP Committee

Kerr Jarvie Scotland

Duncan Mellin Chairman North England

David Bradley-Farmer South England

Anna Minnice-Hughes Secretary Wales

Adrian Ligget Northern Ireland

The Youth Development Committee assists with the Society promotions, progress and development of initiatives for the benefit of the Members.

www.texel.co.uk 34

Supported by the Board of Directors, the YDP & Society are delivering major benefits to the increasing number of new flocks and young Members in our Society. They represent five areas of Great Britain (as shown on the map).

The YDP Programme includes a variety of social and promotional events at Shows, Sales and agricultural events, raising the profile of the Society and fundraising for Charity.

• • •

The inaugural Young Handlers Class at the Royal Welsh Show Novice Flock classes at the Scottish, Welsh & English Nationals and the YDP & NITYB Young Handlers Class at the NI National.

Charity Stock Judging competition at the NSA Sheep Event held in Malvern £700 in proceeds donated to RABI Four Education awards to top performers at Agricultural Universities Grants for conference and event attendance

RWAS YDP Young Handlers Class - 16

RWAS YDP Young Handlers Class - 17

and under - 1st Harry P Jones

and over - 1st - Meg Watkins

2015 Programme • • • • • •

Teams invited to take part in the 5 Nations Challenge taking place in E.I.R.E Texel Education Awards offered to four top Agricultural Universities Conference and Event attendance grants YDP Young Handlers Class - RWAS YDP Novice Flock Classes at the Scottish, Welsh & English National Shows and Sales with NIYTB - YDP Young Handlers Class at NI National Attendance at the Industry’s Sheep Breeders Round table. Support will be available from the Society and Regional Clubs to nominated young Texel breeders.

If you want to get involved in any of the activities contact your Regional YDP representative at the Society office or check out the YDP page at www.texel.co.uk/node/26.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

• •

YDP in 2014 & YDP Programme 2015

The 2014 programme included...

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Features

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In touch with Texel @twitter.com/britishtexel

In this section: Brian Cromie Commercial Flock Iwan Williams Llyfni Texels James Cowe Hoxa Texels Nicola Hartwright Whitehart Texels The Gray Family Scrogtonhead Texels

features

#addtexeladdvalue

Brian Cromie Texels boosting margins on Banbridge Farm Brian Cromie - Commercial rian Cromie farms on the outskirts of Banbridge, Co Down, running beef and sheep enterprises alongside each other, with all the land in permanent pasture.

B

www.texel.co.uk

The sheep flock comprises of around 450 breeding ewes which are lambed in three batches beginning with an early group of 100 at New Year. These are followed by the main grouping in early March, and the ewe lambs are lambed in April. Dividing the flock like this creates maximum efficiency in terms of labour and housing, in addition to creating an extended cash flow for the business with lambs ready for marketing between Easter and Christmas.

The ewes within the flock comprise mostly of Texel x Suffolk which have been crossed with a number of breeds to produce a good quality hybrid female. These are served

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predominately with Texel rams, which is proving to be a tremendous combination producing consistent results.

All lambing takes place indoors with ewes turned out as soon as possible after. The Texel lambs are easily lambed, and quick to get to their feet and suckle. Lambs prosper well on grass, with meal only fed for a short period to the early lambs.

These January lambs are in demand for the buoyant Easter market, and are snapped up by butchers at weights of around 22.5 - 23 kilos.

All other lambs are sold either through the live rings at the local co op or direct for slaughter depending on what the returns are like when lambs are ready.

But it is not just the Texel sired lambs that impress Brian “We have also found the ewe that carries the Texel influence also to be highly successful. They will produce good strong lambs, have plenty of milk to rear them, and also they have great longevity remaining in the flock for many years�

Brian Cromie, daughter Rhianna and CAFRE student Kyle Weir are delighted with how Texel sired lambs are performing.

Brian Cromie - Commercial

New stock rams are usually selected at NI Texel Club events, with Brian placing a firm emphasis on how the ram handles and moves.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Good grassland management is essential on the Cromie farm to ensure that both the sheep and beef enterprises have a good supply in addition to producing good quality silage. A combination of reseeding, rotational grazing and good use of fertiliser ensures that this is the case. The ewes are split into groups depending on the number of lambs they are rearing, and also those being reared by ewe lambs. This allows better overall management.

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Iwan Williams - Llyfni Texels

Iwan Williams - Llyfni Texels Julie, Iwan, Math & Evie Mai

electing rams that have the potential to produce 45kg lambs at E and U grades is central to the breeding policy at Llyfni Texels.

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guineas at Worcester. “He has sired lambs to 32,000 guineas, namely Llangwm Rocky, and 14,000 guineas with Tullagh Saracen, as well as the majority of our current stock ewes.

The Williams family, who first used Texels in 1972, believes “You can only judge a ram from its offspring, not on what it looks like in the pen on sale day. I think you need to be aware that all the animals in a ram’s pedigree make a genetic contribution, good and bad,’’ insists Iwan Williams, who farms in Gwynedd with his wife, Julie, and parents, Huw and Ann.

This ram has been outstanding because he has very strong dominant traits. “He has excellent carcass conformation, fleece quality and good feet and legs with moderate bone,’’ says Iwan. He also has a very high estimated breeding value for weight at eight weeks and excellent early muscling in his lambs

“If you look back at sale reports over the years it becomes apparent that very few of the sale toppers and show champions have gone on to be top breeders themselves.’’

One of the family’s most influential rams has been Kelso Picasso, bought jointly for 4,500

Huw was practicing as a vet when he first used Texels on his flock of Lleyns. One of his clients had imported two Texel rams from the south of Ireland. “Those rams were top quality and pre-dated the formation of the Texel Society ’’ he recalls.

“You have to keep analysing your own flock and try to select a ram that complements these. If they are lacking in length, buy a long one, it’s a matter of criss-crossing all the time.’’

The most challenging task every year is selecting which sheep to sell and which to retain for breeding, mainly because Huw and Iwan differ in their views on this. “I want to get the best prices and Iwan wants to retain our best animals!’’ laughs Huw. But there is consensus on selection traits.

“We weed out the problematic ones and select the lines that consistently breed the best growth rates and shape,’’ says Iwan.

The Williams’ have 100 pure Texels and also run a commercial flock of 500 Lleyn-cross Texels. A principal reason for using Texels on the Lleyn is to control prolificacy and to increase carcass quality. On average, 80% of lambs achieve E and U grades.

The business makes full use of Society pedigree sales, including those at Lanark, Welshpool and Carlisle, for both sourcing and selling breeding stock.

Only one Texel ewe has been purchased in the last 30 years and there is a reason for this. While working as a vet, Huw saw firsthand the repercussions of not running a closed flock. “If you haven’t got disease in your flock you need to try and keep it out,’’ he says. “ Rearing our own females is the best way of keeping disease out, as a sheep’s

Brackenridge Undercover - NAB1300313

Kelso Picasso - MBZ09040

Iwan Williams - Llyfni Texels

“Since Texels are a terminal sire, it is very important that breeders and commercial customers view and select their purchases as lambs.

Early growth and carcass development are the most important traits. Rams that produce tall and lean lambs that only fill out after a second summer of feeding are no good to anyone.

In a typical year, about 25 ram lambs, 20 shearling rams and 15 gimmers are sold.

In 2013, their top priced lamb, Llyfni Usain Bolt, a grandson of Kelso Picasso, was sold to the Ettrick flock for 4,500 guineas at Lanark.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

His attention to detail and a passion for the breed has passed to the next generation.

Huw and Iwan have a shared vision of that the ideal Texel should be long with good muscle over the back and loin. We don’t want overly big heads or width in the shoulder. We also look for an animal that has a tight fleece. In a sale environment they need to catch the eye,’’ says Iwan.

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biggest enemy is another sheep.’’ Keeping a closed flock also enables the Williams’ to be aware of genetic weaknesses in their ewes.

Iwan Williams - Llyfni Texels

The pedigree Texels are run on land near to the family’s home at Arddol, Pontllyfni, while the commercial flock is based at Morfa Trwyn Glas, a 300 acre holding on the Lleyn Peninsula.

Artificial insemination is used on the Texels to maintain a tight lambing period in February. The commercial flock lambs the following month. This year the Texels scanned at 140% with very few triplets, and the commercials at 180%.

Ewes and lambs are turned out to graze as soon as lambs are dry and have suckled.

“It doesn’t matter what the weather is, it is healthier for the lambs to be outside,’’ says Huw.

www.texel.co.uk Llyfni Flock Ewes

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Three weeks before lambing twin-bearing ewes, are fed a 0.5kg ration of an 18% protein pellet and 1kg for six weeks after lambing. Singles receive 0.5kg after lambing.

Supplementary feed for lambs depends on selection. “We try to select the lambs that might be sold as ram lambs and they get creep. The lambs destined for the shearling sales just get milk and grass; it has got to pay,’’ says Iwan. Fat lambs are sold deadweight to St Merryn.

As a biology graduate, Iwan is keen to apply science to the breeding process. “I am interested in the development of gene tests for various traits, such as feet problems, worm resistance and eating quality, which would improve the breed. However it is an area in which you have to tread carefully as over-selection for a gene can have a negative impact on other traits. For instance many outstanding bloodlines were lost forever in the scramble to produce ARR sheep via the National Scrapie Plan. It’s great to see the Society progressing with genomic breeding values, this will really help breeders who want to manage health traits such as mastitis.’’

But he doesn’t think embryo transfer, when used as a management tool, is good for the breed. “More people are using ET because of ease of lambing and the increased growth rates seen in ET lambs reared on large, milky recipient ewes.

Because much of how a lamb looks on the sale day is down to milk, this can mask the genetic quality of that lamb and it won’t alter how that animal’s offspring will go on to develop. Maternal traits need to be measured and using extensive amounts of ET in small flocks can also mask these traits.

So breeders need to be careful how ET is used in their flock, especially when selecting replacements.’’

Over the last 15 years, the Williams’ have culled ewes that experience problems at lambing such as prolapses and difficult deliveries. Ewes that produce non-vigorous lambs are also culled. “Their female offspring are rarely retained for breeding,’’ says Iwan.

“We have found that often these problems

He believes the Texel breed has a great future if breeders keep producing the animals commercial farmers require.

“The Texel will remain the dominant terminal sire as long as breeders strive to produce what the market requires. If we don’t, another breed will come and take its place. ’’ The show ring, in particular the Royal Welsh Show, has provided an opportunity for the Llyfni flock to shine. In 2005 the Williams’ won the overall Texel championship and the previous year, the reserve championship.

“Showing is an intrinsic part of the calendar when you are a pedigree breeder, it’s a great way of raising your flock’s profile,’’ says Julie, who met Iwan when she was a zoology student at Bangor University. They now have two children, five-year-old Evie Mai, and baby Math who was born earlier this year. In addition to the sheep enterprise, the Williams’ also have a herd of 60 Hereford and Stabiliser cross sucklers.

They hope to keep expanding the Texel flock as this will make it easier to improve the flock further. “The greater the number you have, the more ruthless you can be in weeding out the problematic animals,’’ says Iwan. “This business it is about producing a ram that’s going to increase the profits of your customers.’’

Iwan Williams - Llyfni Texels

Embryo transfer has been used to multiply the number of lambs from the best ewes.

Over the last 10 years, almost all the lambs sold for the top prices can be traced back to four ewes. “Embryo transfer is a useful tool but it is hit and miss. At our first attempt we had 17 embryos from our best ewe but on other occasions there have been very few,’’ says Iwan.

are linked and that a very small proportion of these animals can create a lot of work.’’

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

He has used estimated breeding values to increase growth rates and now feels a need to focus more on increasing muscle depth.

“I want to move towards a positive fat score in the flock as a whole as this will improve the finishing time from grass.’’

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James Cowe – Hoxa Texels

A James Cowe - Hoxa Texels

fter acquiring a Texel pet lamb as a youngster, James Cowe decided fairly quickly that was the breed for him.

“I had a Suffolk lamb and a Texel lamb and the Texel did best, so I stuck with them!,” explained James, who works full time for Kirkwall-based agricultural supplier J&W Tait, and runs 25 ewes under the Hoxa prefix at Little Howes, Holm, with his parents Edna and Andrew. The family were originally based at South Ronaldsay, but moved to their current location in 1997.

Over the years, the flock has been built up with purchases from Milton of Noth, Muiresk, Cambwell, Watchknowe and Turin, with the focus being on skins and carcase.

“They need to have good skins here on Orkney, or the commercial boys won’t buy them,” said James.

“Cambwell females have always done well here for us, but our best breeder has been a Turin ewe by Haltcliffe Lotus, bought at the Select Seven sale for 1300gns,” he added.

“One of our most successful purchases was the tup Cambwell Ferrari, bought at Lanark in 1999. He had a tremendous carcase as well as a great head, and all of his lambs grew well without needing to be pushed.”

Other notable tups used have been Baltier Pedro, which James says left a lot of good daughters, and Wester Crosshill Uncle Al. Tup lambs are mostly sold at Kirkwall, but the Cowes have achieved up to 3200gns for a lamb at Lanark, the Castlecairn IOU son, Hoxa Klondyke.

The best of the females are mainly kept for breeding, but James did sell a ewe lamb by Castlecairn Keltic Star, privately to Alasdair Beaton, Wester Crosshill.

There’s also been plenty show success for the Hoxa flock, winning the breed championship several times at the County Show, and the sheep inter-breed title two years ago with a ewe by Claybury Jack.

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James with some of the HOXA flock

“We’ve cut back our ewes to 25, to keep the quality up – there are a lot more breeders now and a far greater choice of lambs, so the standard of them has to be good in order for them to sell.”

“The Texels are an easy breed to work with, and the social aspect of the breed is great too – we really enjoy meeting other breeders all over the country,” added James.

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Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

James Cowe - Hoxa Texels

The Hartwright Family - Whitehart Texels s opening lines go Jim Hartwright’s gambit of ‘It’s all about the meat’ is certainly a memorable one, but it is, he and daughter Nicola insist, the mantra their sheep enterprise lives and dies by.

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Nicola Hartwright - Whitehart Texels

“If we’re not producing tups suitable for commercial producers to breed top quality prime lambs with, then we won’t have a business in five years time, let alone 10,” he says.

And, with many years spent sourcing both cattle and sheep for leading processors, it is this emphasis on fleshing which underpins each and every breeding decision Bringsty, Worcestershire-based Jim and Nicola make.

“We have to breed rams that our customers are looking for and that means upstanding sheep with good tops, hindquarters and a sharp outlook. Selling

www.texel.co.uk Nicola, Jim, Margaret & Bess the dog

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shearling tups is the core of our business, with 120 Texel shearlings sold last year and another 120 ready to sell this year alongside about 70 Suffolk shearlings too.

“Our customers are producing prime lambs for sale both liveweight and deadweight, so our focus has always been on breeding tups which leave naturally fleshed, quick growing lambs,” explains Jim. And the flock has come a long way from its early beginnings when a pair of ewes were bought as the flock’s foundation from the Notgrove dispersal in 1997 and selected females purchased in the early years. “We bought a ewe at the Gloucester and Border Counties in-lamb in December last year, but that is only about the tenth female we’ve bought since we started the flock,” explains Nicola.

“We have been lucky to secure some great tups over the years which have bred both exceptional quality rams and also left a

“We first took a handful of ram lambs and shearlings to the English Premier Sale at Worcester in 2011 and did well, selling Whitehart Spot On, a Humeston River Dance son, for 3000gns to the Quick family for the Loosebeare flock.

“Then in 2012 we sold Whitehart Top Gear, a Cherryvale Shergar son, for 2600gns to Russell Watkins for the Millend flock and Paul Quick came back and bought Whitehart Tailor Made for 2300gns having had great success with Spot On. We also sold shearlings well that year, topping the trade when selling Stig for 2060gns and Special Edition at 2000gns.

Crucially the flock also achieved strong averages in both 2012 and 2013, being in the top three pen averages in both years, collecting the second highest ram lamb average of £1988 in 2012 and the third highest average of £1974 in 2013. “This was a huge achievement for us and an important marker of our consistency,” she added.

On top of that the flock then went on to top the shearling ram trade in 2014 at the English National when selling Whitehart Ultra Modern at 2500gns, with the flock’s pen of four averaging £1675.

“Lambs aren’t our focus, but we do pull off a small bunch early in the year for the English and Welsh Premier Sales as well as the main NSA Sale at Builth Wells in September, with Whitehart Upfront, a Shergar son out of a Riverdance daughter being the top priced ram lamb at Builth

Whitehart Whitehart Texels

Milnbank-Vorderman

Strawfrank Vital Statistic

Nicola Hartwright - Whitehart Texels

But while breeding strong shearling tups for commercial buyers is the backbone of the business, it is the success of Whitehart ram lambs in recent years which have drawn the attention of breeders.

“The following year we had our best sale yet, taking 3400gns for Whitehart Ultra, another Humeston River Dance son, which sold to the Reed family for their Scolton flock, with Whitehart Upstanding selling for 2000gns to the Kirton family and Unlimited making 1800gns to the Hardwicke flock,” says Nicola.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

legacy of great ewes too. The flock now numbers 230 Texel ewes alongside 100 Suffolk ewes, with no flushing done at the moment as we have more than sufficient ewe numbers to breed the males and females we need.”

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Nicola Hartwright - Whitehart Texels

in 2013 when selling to the Langside flock. “It’s just a case of picking out any exceptional lambs with that extra bit of sparkle needed to catch breeders’ attention at these sales,” she explains.

see tups at home ahead of the sales and pick out two or three we like the look off.

Often tying in a visit to a couple of flocks with a trip to Lanark in August.

Jim says the key with these lambs is not to push them, but to give them the opportunity to develop. “We’re on fairly tired ground everywhere we farm our sheep so the lambs we pull out for sale do require some extra attention, but they’re not overdone as we want them to grow on again when they get to a new home”.

There have been some memorable tups through the history of the flock, with our very first stock ram, Peacehay Doodle, proving influential in breeding a solid female base for us.

“One thing we’re confident off is that our sheep will go away from here and continue to improve. I’d far rather that than have sheep which melt or stand still when they are sold. “We farm the ewes pretty hard, but have to be mindful of the quality of the grass they’re on and the heavier soils we farm, so all ewes tend to be housed early in the New Year although we don’t lamb until late February or early March,” explains Nicola.

“Because we’re tight on shed space we have to turn ewes and lambs out fairly quickly after lambing and that means we have to have enough grass to turn them out on to comfortably. Getting the ewes off the grass earlier in the winter helps give the ground a break before we turn them out again”.

www.texel.co.uk

When it comes to feeding all lambs are initially creep fed, with only those lambs destined for sale as lambs fed after weaning in early July. “The rest are left to grow out naturally through to late autumn when we introduce a little feed again to keep them growing on through the winter. Ewe lambs aren’t fed at all once they’ve been weaned and are left to grow naturally through until tupping the following year”, he says.

But while feeding may be a small part of the success the father and daughter team are certain the key is the successful selection of stock rams and the time taken to find the right rams for their flock. “Very often we’ll

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“After that Lyonshall Interest was another which left lambs with good tops and a good outlook which is critical for our shearling customers. Broomknowes Lionking was a great breeder too, being a Haddo Jordan son and Ellen Valley Nemesis left decent lambs too along with Hendre Oh Boy.” In recent years the sire with the most influence in the flock has been Humeston Riverdance who has consistently produced the goods for us with yearlings and lambs he’s proven to be a great female breeder too. “I saw Riverdance at home while I was up in the area and immediately phoned dad to say I’d seen just what we were looking for, a big tup with length and tremendous fleshing, it was a bonus getting the chance to see the dam’s line too”.

“I went to Lanark never expecting to be able to afford him, but got him for 3200gns, his first son sold was Whitehart Spot On at 3000gns. He’s still going in his fifth season and continues to breed great tops, backends and skins,” adds Nicola.

The Following year a half share in Cherryvale Shergar at 7800gns helped keep the flock moving forward. “We shared him with the Hendre flock and he clicked with any ewe we put him with, leaving a real stamp in his offspring. We also share Langside the Gaffer, a Brackenridge Strongbow son, with the Hendre flock, having bought him at Kelso for £5800”.

“On the female front we always have more than enough shearling ewes coming through, so can cull hard to keep the flock young and productive. That said we are just starting to sell a few shearling ewes and will likely sell quite a few this year, having sold just a handful to date.”

Langside The Gaffer

“Farmers talk, and when something works for them they’re not shy in telling others about it. Importantly when farmers in markets see lambs they like the look of they’ll soon ask where the tups came from, that’s the best advertising we can get.”

Going forward the future of the Whitehart flock will continue to be about producing what the customer wants, says Nicola. “The customer is undoubtedly king and we have to breed a sheep suited to their needs. We do look at figures when buying rams, but only as a final consideration, a ram’s got to have a good topline, shape, flesh, a good outlook and correctness to get past the gate here and if I bought anything without those characteristics I think dad would disown me,” she says.

Humeston Riverdance

Whitehart Ultra 3400gns

Nicola Hartwright - Whitehart Texels

And central to the progress of the flock has been the belief that if something isn’t right or isn’t working you change it, says Jim. “We’re rigorous when it comes to culling both ewes and rams and don’t keep anything just for the sake of it. The benefit in buying ram lambs is that if they don’t work we can always turn them over as shearlings.

It doesn’t happen very often, but there’s no point sticking with something which isn’t working”.

With no showing done the flock’s success is very much about selling the right sort of sheep to the right buyers, he adds. “The best promotion for both the flock and the breed as a whole is to have pens full of decent prime lambs in live markets”.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

“He was another I’d seen at home in August and hoped to buy, we were lucky enough to get him at Kelso and he’s done a great job in his first season. This year’s lambs will include some by a brace of first season sires, Strawfrank Vital Statistic, which was bought at Kelso, and Milnbank Vorderman, which was bought at Worcester and is shared with the Quicks. We’ve also got a half share in Loosebeare Voomer, a ram lamb from the best ewe at Loosebeare. We saw Voomer on a visit to the Quicks and felt he could do us a lot of good”.

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The Gray Family Scrogtonhead Texels The Gray Family - Scrogtonhead Texels www.texel.co.uk 60

ince acquiring their first Texel 20 years ago, Peter and Lynn Gray have had their sights set firmly on the Kelso Ram Sale market…so it’s no surprise that the Scrogtonhead pen is now one of the most popular at this annual event.

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The family’s shearling consignment regularly features amongst the top few pen averages at the sale, but this year they went one better, selling Scrogtonhead U-stoater for a new centre record of £35,000, to pedigree buyers, Procters Farm. Furthermore, the Grays’ pen of 32 averaged out at a fantastic £2449.

“Our main customers are commercial men and that is the market that we breed for – we try not to push them too hard as they must be able to go on and do well and be fit for working. To sell to a fellow breeder occasionally really is the icing on the cake,”

explained Peter, who farms at Galston, Ayrshire with his wife Lynn and their three sons, James, Billy and Scott.

The family are based at Sornbeg, Galston, and farm 700 acres in partnership with Lynn’s father Jimmy Gibson and brother Alan, who are just along the road at Cowgrove. Peter and Lynn take charge of the sheep side of the business, which includes 140 pure Texel ewes, 40 Suffolk ewes and 120 accredited commercial ewes at Sornbeg, with a further 500 cross ewes at Cowgrove.

It was while working as a freelance shepherd, carrying out a lambing at Charles Scott’s East Middle Farm in the borders, that Peter’s association with the Texel breed first began.

“Charles gifted me a Texel pet lamb in 1992, so that was where it all started! I was contract shearing at that time and had noticed that Texel rams were being used more and more on farms, and I enjoyed

“The Lairds tupped the Cambwell ewe for us, with a home-bred ram, and that resulted in a tup lamb, Scrogtonhead Alert, which became our first stock tup,” said Peter, who boosted the female numbers by later buying from the Ettrick, Tinwald and Watchknowe flocks.

Early stock tups included Garngour Braveheart, Garngour Copyright and Dunfedling Diamond, which all bred well for him, but by 1999, Peter decided he could do with upping his budget, so along with Allan Wight of Midlock, they decided to try sharing stock tups.

“We had both seen a tup called Culterallers Exocet being shown at Biggar Show, and thought he was exactly what we were looking for – big and scouthy, with a good top and hindquarters and beautiful white hair. He had been bought by Robert Forsyth of Baltier, so we went there to buy some sons of his – Baltier Ferrari and Baltier Flier.

“They both bred really well, both males and females, but because the first crop of sons

The Gray Family - Scrogtonhead Texels

“From the very beginning, I knew that I would be aiming to breed for the shearling market, so later that year (1992), I bought three tup hoggs to turn over and sell at Kelso the following year. There were only three folk round the ring when it came to selling them, but I got them sold, so that convinced me to keep going,” he added.

Still living at home at that time, on the family’s Scrogtonhead Farm near Lanark, Peter established the flock along with his brothers, by initially buying five in-lamb ewes from Charles Scott, and one from Cambwell.

“To begin with, we’d buy tup hoggs, use them on some ewes and then sell them as shearlings the following year. However, we felt we were lacking continuity in our Kelso pen, so we decided to buy a stock tup to use over all the ewes, which allowed us to breed a more even pen, of a certain type.”

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

working with them at East Middle, so it was a breed I was keen to get in to,” he explained.

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Hero, Garngour Kelso Star, Lyonshall King of Diamonds, Skiddaw Justice, Claybury Midlander (sire of the £12,000 Scrogtonhead Oor Wullie) and Douganhill Monarch (reserve breed champion at the Highland in 2009 and sire of the £10,000 shearling Scrogton Powerhouse).

The Gray Family - Scrogtonhead Texels

were ready to sell the year of foot-andmouth (2001), we ended up selling them all privately. The majority of those customers have continued to come back and buy from us at Kelso ever since,” added Peter.

Around that same time, the Texel flock was split between Peter and his brother John, with Peter retaining the Scrogtonhead prefix and John and his wife Hazel starting the Scrogton flock. In order to up his female numbers, Peter then purchased some more gimmers from Charles Scott, and in 2002 he took his biggest consignment yet to Kelso, 25 shearlings.

“That was the first year we had been moved up into the bigger ring, and we were drawn last in the ring, so we weren’t expecting a big trade.”

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They were, therefore, delighted when they ended up selling Scrogtonhead Halfcut for £5400, with the 25 averaging out at £904. The following year, the pen number increased to 38, which peaked at £1800 and levelled out at £832.

Over the years, Peter and Lynn have continued to share stock tups with Allan Wight, with Alex and Russell Gray of Langside often joining the syndicate. Some of their most influential and successful purchases have included Loosebeare

“We’ve mainly bought our stock tups as shearlings over the years, because we’ve found it hard to find the right type of tup lambs that we need to produce commercial shearlings. However the 2014 Kelso pen was made up of sons of Foyleview Superstar and Teiglum Thunder – both of which we bought as lambs, and both bred very well for us.

The Foyleview tup has bred really good, self-fleshing type tups, and he sired our pen topper at £35,000,” said Peter.

He describes his ideal Texel tup as “big and scouthy, with lovely white hair, good character and a shoulder that you could eat your dinner off of, even with gravy! That width has to be carried right through and down into the gigots.”

His main objectives have remained the same over the years, but a big priority for Peter at the moment is self-fleshing ability.

“With feed costs increasing all the time, our sheep have to be able to produce lambs that can be finished off grass, for the lowest possible cost – that’s what the commercial producer wants,” he added.

The Grays AI all their pure ewes the week after Kelso, mainly for logistical purposes, as the stock tups are often shared. They aim to finish the lambing at Sornbeg by the end of March, to allow them to then concentrate on the 500 commercial ewes at Cowgrove.

“We enjoy producing for the commercial market, and the fact that Texels are easily kept and can be run on a commercial basis, makes them ideal for us,” he added.

The Gray Family - Scrogtonhead Texels

The pure Texel lambs, meanwhile, are weaned mid-July and put onto the silage aftermath – the top 50 tup lambs are outwintered and kept in that same field until the following May, when they are then moved to Sornbeg to be brought out for selling as shearlings. They also hold an annual production sale of gimmers at Ayr Market, this year taking place on August 20th.

“We are very selective with the tups lambs that we keep to bring on. We bring out John’s Scrogton tups here too, and from the two flocks we aim to sell around 60 shearlings, between Kelso, Ayr and Stirling,” explained Peter, who will be hoping to repeat his 2014 Kelso success in the future with sons of the new hopefulls – Dechmont Treble Chance, Lamb Bros Unbeatable, Ballyhivistock Vanquish and Springhill Uppercut.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

“We sell Texel cross ewe lambs for breeding, straight off their mothers in August, and have found plenty demand for those privately. The rest we run on and sell as hoggs with lambs at foot through Ayr, Lanark and privately. In the spring of 2014, we sold 76 hoggs with lambs at foot to average £180, with a top of £202.”

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In touch with Texel @twitter.com/britishtexel #addtexeladdvalue

In this section: Royal Ulster Show 2014 Devon County Show 2014 Great Yorkshire Show 2014 Royal Welsh Show 2014 Show Dates 2015 Show Judges 2015 Winter Fair & Primestock Show Roundup 2014

shows

Royal Highland Show 2014

Primestock Show Sponsorship 2015

2014 Royal Ulster Show Judge: John McKerrow - Grougfoot J

Class Results

2014 Royal Ulster Show

Aged Ram 1st

1st - Aged Ram

John Foster - FTS1201126 Springhill Twenty Twelve

2nd John Foster - GBA1200303 Ballydesland Thunder King 3rd

James Cleland - HBR1200416 Ballynahone Terrific

Shearling Ram 1st

1st - Shearling Ram

Paul & Baillie O’Connor - EPF11300026 Oberstown Usain Bolt

2nd Gareth Tumelty - TGA1300315 Aideshill Utilise 3rd

John Foster - ANH1300020 Derryhoney Unbeatable

Ram Lamb 1st

1st - Ram Lamb

James & Jack Wilson & Wilson Moses WWB1400592 - Blackstown Vlad

2nd Alastair Gault - GAF1401161 Forkins Va Va Voom

www.texel.co.uk

3rd

Aged Ewe 1st

Alastair Gault - GAF1200526

2nd James & Jack Wilson & Wilson Moses WWB1100175 3rd

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Henry Gamble - GRS1401416 Springwell Voltage

Henry Gamble - GRS1100466

1st - Aged Ewe & Reserve Champion

Shearling Ewe 1st

1st - Shearling Ewe and Supreme Champion

Alastair Gault - GAF1300824

3rd

Alastair Gault - GAF1300887

Ewe Lamb 1st

1st - Ewe Lamb

Alastair Gault - GAF1401158

2nd Alastair Gault - GAF1401154 Messrs Millar and McComb VMM1400330

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

3rd

2014 Royal Ulster Show

2nd Alastair Gault - GAF1300827

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Championship Results Supreme Champion - Alastair Gault - GAF1300824 Reserve Champion - Alastair Gault - GAF1200526

2014 Royal Ulster Show

Male Champion - James & Jack Wilson & Wilson Moses - WWB1400592 - Blackstown Vlad Reserve Male Champion - John Foster - FTS1201126 - Springhill Twenty Twelve Female Champion - Alastair Gault - GAF1300824 Reserve Female Champion - Alastair Gault - GAF1200526

Supreme Champion Pedigree S: KNOCK TRAVIS HAK1200402 FORKINS GAF1300824 D: FORKINS GAF080023

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GS: SPORTSMANS SUPREME BGS1100303 GD: KNOCK HAK091090 GS: DOUGANHILL MC FLY GCK06073 GD: FORKINS GAF04077

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

2014 Royal Ulster Show

RUAS 2014

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2014 Royal Highland Show Judge:Yves Lacroix - French Texels J

Class Results

2014 Royal Highland Show

Aged Ram 1st

1st - Aged Ram

Hugh Jackson’s - BCM1200121 Mellor Vale Top Drawer

2nd Alasdair Beaton - FPG1200568 3rd

John McKerrow - MGV1200275 Deveronvale Titan

Shearling Ram 1st

1st - Shearling Ram & Supreme Champion

Ian Murray - MFZ1300332 Glenway Universe

2nd David McKerrow - GGH1303105 Ettrick Ur A Winner 3rd

Ian Murray - MFZ1300348 Glenway Ultimate

Ram Lamb 1st

1st - Ram Lamb

K, A and R Campbell - CKC1404652 Cowal Vital Spark II

2nd I & L Galloway - GRN1400014

www.texel.co.uk

3rd

Performance Recorded Ram Lamb 1st

Procters Farm - PFD1403483 Proctors Vancouver

2nd K, A and R Campbell - CKC1403090 Cowal Vancouver 3rd

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Procters Farm - PFD1403508 Proctors Vectra

Robbie Wilson - LYM1401357 Milnbank Van the Man

1st - PRT Ram Lamb & Reserve Champion

Aged Ewe 1st

1st - Aged Ewe

Procters Farm - PFD1101038

K, A and R Campbell - CKC1000206

Shearling Ewe 1st

1st - Shearling Ewe

Gordon Gray - GGH1303026

2nd Clark Farms - CJN1302191 3rd

James Innes and Sons - IJS1300276

Ewe Lamb 1st

1st - Ewe Lamb

Messrs Kermode - KAO1401061

2nd Messrs Campbell - CNK1400251 3rd

John Forsyth - FPG1400780

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

3rd

2014 Royal Highland Show

2nd James Innes and Son - IJS1100034

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Championship Results Supreme Champion - Ian Murray - MFZ1300332 - Glenway Universe Reserve Champion - Procters Farm - PFD1403483 - Proctors Vancouver

2014 Royal Highland Show

Male champion - Ian Murray - MFZ1300332 - Glenway Universe Reserve male champion - Procters Farm - PFD1403483 - Proctors Vancouver Female champion - Procters Farm - PFD1101038 Reserve female champion - Gordon Gray - GGH1303026

Supreme Champion Pedigree S: ALLANFAULT ROCKAFELLA XMM1000014 GLENWAY UNIVERSE MFZ1300332 D: GLENWAY MFZ1100178

www.texel.co.uk Henry Gamble with Yves La Croix, his daughter Bérengère and John Yates

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GS: LIVERY PREDATOR VTL09922 GD: ALLANFAULD XMM08051 GS: CASTLEKNOWE MATCHMAKER BKL06075

GD: LUMBYLAW ORL06082

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

RHAS 2014

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2014 Royal Highland Show

2014 Devon County Show Society Southern England feature show 2014 Judge: John North - Loxley J

Class Results

2014 Devon County Show

Aged Ram 1st

1st - Aged Ram

EW Quick and Sons - PEC1200170 Caereinion Top Notch

2nd S M and E M Reed - SRV1200071 Hazelhood Taylor 3rd

E W Quick and Sons - QEL1101001 Loosebeare Show Stopper

Shearling Ram 1st

1st - Shearling Ram & Reserve Champion

F H Chave and Son - CFP1300710 Peacehay Untouchable

2nd E W Quick and Sons - QEL1302218 Loosebeare Unique 3rd

F H Chave and Son - CFP1300702 Peacehay Unforgetable

Ram Lamb 1st

1st - Ram Lamb

M J Alford - AFO1400067 Foxhillfarm Victor

2nd I J Andrews - AIC1400086 Cattistock

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3rd

Aged Ewe 1st

E W Quick and Sons - QEL1101004

2nd F H Chave and Son - CFP0900158 3rd

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FH Chave and Son - CFP1400942 Peacehay

F H Chave and Son - CFP1100103

1st - Aged Ewe

Shearling Ewe 1st

E W Quick and Son - QEL1302123

1st - Shearling Ewe & Supreme Champion

E W Quick - QEL1302233

Ewe Lamb 1st

1st - Ewe Lamb

E W Quick and Sons - QEL1404445

2nd M J Alford - AFO1400066 3rd

F H Chave - CFP1400878

devon county show Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

3rd

2014 Devon County Show

2nd M J Alford - AFO1300051

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Championship Results Supreme Champion - E W Quick and Sons - QEL1302123 Reserve Champion - F H Chave and Sons - CFP1300710 - Peacehay Untouchable

2014 Devon County Show

Male Champion - F H Chave and Son - CFP1300710 - Peacehay Untouchable Reserve Male Champion - E W Quick and Sons - PEC1200170 - Caereinion Top Notch Female Champion - E W Quick and Sons - QEL1302123 Reserve Female Champion - M J Alford - AFO1300051

Supreme Champion Pedigree S: HULL HOUSE SPECIAL BREW MJH1101250 LOOSEBEARE QEL1302123 D: LOOSEBEARE QEL09300

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GS: HULLHOUSE ROTHCHILD I MJH1000484

GD: HULLHOUSE MJH082519 GS: GAITSGILL OFFICER PRG08343 GD: LOOSEBEARE QEL06176

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

2014 Devon County Show

DEVON COUNTY 2014

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2014 Great Yorkshire Show Judge: John Mellin - Hull House J

Class Results

2014 Great Yorkshire Show

Aged Ram 1st

1st - Aged Ram

William Watson - MJH1202681 Hull House Tiberius

2nd Steve Richardson - PFD1201846 Procters Thunderbolt 3rd

John McKerrow - MGV1200275 Deveronvale Titan

Shearling Ram (Exhibitor Bred) 1st

Boden and Davies - BGS1300847 Sportsmans Upperclass

1st - Shearling Ram (Exhibitor bred) & Supreme Champion

2nd Procters Farm - PFD1302533 Procters Unlimited 3rd

Steve Richardson- RSS1300245 Stonebridge Untouchable

Shearling Ram (Open to all Exhibitors) 1st

1st - Shearling Ram Open

Procters Farm - HPH1300527 Tophill Union Jack

2nd George Wilkinson - NAB1300303 Brackenridge Underdog

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3rd

Ram Lamb 1st

Peter Woof - WPS1400590 Stainton Vigilante

2nd Boden and Davies - BGS1401191 Sportsmans Viera 3rd

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G L Riby - ECE1300031 Eglur Unique

Mark Ireland - IMH1403991 Heys Vanquish

1st - Ram Lamb

Performance Recorded Ram Lamb 1st

Messrs Kermode - KAO1401121 Orrisdale Viking

1st - Performance Recorded Ram Lamb

K, A and R Campbell’ - CKC1404663 Cowal Van Royce

Aged Ewe 1st

1st - Aged Ewe

Procters Farm - PFD1101158

2nd John Forsyth - FPG1000038 3rd

K, A and R Campbell - CKC1100239

Shearling Ewe 1st

Gordon Gray - GGH1303026

1st - Shearling Ewe & Reserve Champion

2nd K, A and R Campbell - CKC1303077 3rd

Charlie Boden - BCM1300192

Ewe Lamb 1st

1st - Ewe Lamb

Charlie Boden - BCM1400285

2nd Procters Farm - PFD1403673 3rd

Peter Woof - WPS1400589

great yorkshire show

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3rd

2014 Great Yorkshire Show

2nd Boden and Davies - BGS1401163 Sportsmans Vin Diesel

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Championship Results Supreme Champion - Boden and Davies - BGS1300847 - Sportsmans Upperclass Reserve Champion - Gordon Gray - GGH1303026

2014 Great Yorkshire Show

Male Champion - Boden and Davies - BGS1300847 - Sportsmans Upperclass Reserve Male Champion - Messrs Kermode - KAO1401121 - Orrisdale Viking Female Champion - Gordon Gray - GGH1303026 Reserve Female Champion - Procters Farm - PFD1101158

Supreme Champion Pedigree

SPORTSMANS UPPERCLASS BGS1300847

S: TULLYLAGAN TONKA HPY1200404

D: KNOCK BGS1300842

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GS: MELLORVALE SENATOR BCM1100066 GD: TULLYLAGAN HPY09028 GS: CAMBWELL ROB ROY LTC1000028 GD: KNOCK HAK05034

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

GYAS 2014

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2014 Great Yorkshire Show

2014 Royal Welsh Show Judge: Charlie Boden - Sportsmans/Mellor Vale J

Class Results

2014 Royal Welsh Show

Aged Ram 1st

1st - Aged Ram & Reserve Champion

S P and C P Williams - CCD1200126 Cooilingel Thor

2nd M I and T E M Pritchard - LNM12091167 Meinspride Thumper 3rd

Gwyn Davies - PEC1000003 Caereinion Rocky

Shearling Ram 1st

1st - Shearling Ram

Procters Farm - HPH1300527 Tophill Union Jack

2nd D and T Bradley Farmer - PFD1302533 Procters Unlimited 3rd

Drayton Farm Partnership - AOO1302423 Oldfield Upperclass

Ram Lamb 1st

1st - Ram Lamb

Procters Farm - PFD1403604 Procters Va Va Voom

2nd R E J Pierce - PRE1400373 Oldford Viking

www.texel.co.uk

3rd

Aged Ewe 1st

Procters Farm - PFD1101038

2nd R E J Pierce - PRE1200194 3rd

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James Ruggeri - RUJ1400332 Gyrhos Viking

Procters Farm - PFD1101158

1st - Aged Ewe & Supreme Champion

Shearling Ewe 1st

1st - Shearling Ewe

Procters Farm - PFD1302557

3rd

M Alford - AFO1300051

Ewe Lamb 1st

1st - Ewe Lamb

Procters Farm - PFD1403549

2nd W P Ashton - AWP1400209 I Prys Jones - JLI1400904

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

3rd

2014 Royal Welsh Show

2nd H G and I E Williams - WHA1300458

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Championship Results Supreme Champion - Procters Farm - PFD1101038 Reserve Champion - S P and C P Williams - CCD1200126 - Cooilingel Thor

2014 Royal Welsh Show

Male Champion - S P and C P Williams - CCD1200126 - Cooilingel Thor Reserve Male Champion - Procters Farm - PFD1403604 - Procters Va Va Voom Female Champion - Procters Farm - PFD1101038 Reserve Female Champion - R E J Pierce - PRE1200194

Supreme Champion Pedigree S: HADDO RINGLEADER KWJ1000063 PROCTERS PFD1101038 D: ANNAN JKA08043

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GS: KNOCK POWERHOUSE HAK091057 GD: HADDO KWJ071126 GS: ETTRICK MCCOIST GGH06073 GD: ANNAN JKA03047

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

RWAS 2014

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2014 Royal Welsh Show

2015 Show Dates Feature Shows Show Dates

Royal Ulster Show 13th - 15th May Balmoral Park, Lisburn

Royal Highland Show

18th - 21st June The Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston

Royal Norfolk Show

Society Southern England feature show 2015 1st - 2nd July Norfolk Showground, Norwich

Great Yorkshire Show

14th - 16th July Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate

Royal Welsh Show

20th - 23rd July The Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Further Information www.texel.co.uk 94

02476 696629 www.texel.co.uk

Texel Sponsorship 2015 As a continued commitment to our Membership we offer reimbursement of entry fees to Texel Sheep Society Members in 2015. Members are eligible after attending and promoting the British Texel Breed in the Texel classes at the Prime Stock events listed. Members need to write to the Society detailing entries after each eligible event by 31st March 2016 to be considered for the reimbursement.

Sponsorship

Support

Sponsored Shows 2015 Countryside Live

Harrogate 17 - 18 October

Borderway Agri-Expo Carlisle 30 October

LiveScot

Lanark 28 November

Royal Welsh Winter Fair Builth Wells 30 November - 1 December

Smithfield Festival

Peterborough 3 - 4 December

N.I Xmas Fatstock Show & Sale Ballymena 7 December

The Society supports promotion of our Breed by sponsoring Primestock Show prize funds as listed below. The Texel Show class prize funds are awarded at the Show by the organisers. Overall Show Champion & Reserve Champion prize awards (if sired by a Texel) are to be claimed from the Society office directly by providing the pedigree certificate showing the winning sheep was sired by a registered Texel. Claims to be received by the Society by 31st March 2016

Sponsorship Prize Fund £250 for Supreme Champion Carcase if sired by Texel £125 to Reserve Champion Carcase if sired by a Texel £250 for Supreme Champion Live if sired by Texel £125 to Reserve Champion Live if sired by a Texel £150 towards Texel show classes

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

English Winter Fair

Stafford 21 - 22 November

The Society has the final discretion of any reimbursement and Prize fund award.

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Winter fair and Primestock Show Roundup 2014 Winter Fairs

exel sired lambs enjoyed an excellent winter fair season, collecting a number of supreme championships up and down the country.

T

At the East of England Smithfield Festival Dutch Texel lambs led the way in the live lamb championship, taking the supreme championship for Daventry-based David and Linda Wadland.

The Wadlands pair, by a Dutch Texel sire bred by the Prince family, Chesterfield, were also supreme champions at the English

www.texel.co.uk David & Linda Wadland - English Winter Fair

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Winter Fair three weeks before and are out of purebred Texel ewes from the couples 500-ewe flock.

The winners tipped the scales at 91kg and also won the Continental purebred title.

Judge Matt Prince said his champions were a perfectly matched pair, being even throughout and well fleshed through both their loins and gigots. “They handled like lead and were just a superbly matched pair of lambs.�

This pair were sired by a Weekfield tup bred by Robin Slade, Herefordshire.

Texel genetics were also to the fore in the championship for crossbred lambs bred from a Hill ewe. The leaders here were a pair of Texel x Cheviot lambs from the Cavers family, Langholm. These were by a homebred tup and weighed 48kg apiece.

And Texel lambs were to the fore at the first primestock show of the season, Countryside Live, Harrogate, with purebred Dutch Texels winning both the championship and the reserve championship titles.

Winning the Continental and overall championship were a pair of 94kg ewe lambs from Ian Clough and family’s WynBank flock, Pickering. These came from their 100-ewe purebred flock and were by the flock sire Thacka Rascal and were described by judge Alex Brown as the perfect matching pair. “They handle exceptionally well all the way through, with great loins, gigots and shoulders.” One of this pair also picked up the title for the best single lamb in the show too.

Meanwhile, at the English Winter Fair, Stafford, Northamptonshire-based David and Linda Wadland took the supreme championship with a pair of purebred Dutch Texel lambs.

This pair, by a tup bred by David and Matt Prince, Chesterfield, weighed in at 88kg and were the choice of judge Rob Rattray having already won the purebred championship.

“They are an exceptional pair of lambs throughout, handling well on the loins and with good full gigots.”

Standing reserve overall were the champion pair of untrimmed lambs, a pair of Dutch Texels from Herefordshire-based Robin Slade. This duo, by a homebred sire tipped the scales at 88kg too and were close to taking the overall title, according to Mr Rattray. “There was very little between them.”

The Royal Welsh Winter Fair saw the reserve Continental championship go the way of a pair of Texel sired lambs too, with these being a 97.5kg pair from John Hall, Inglewood Edge.

Winter Fairs

Leading the way for the breed and taking the reserve overall championship were a pair of 42.5kg Dutch Texel crosses from John Hall and family, Inglewood Edge, Carlisle.

Brampton. This duo, also ewe lambs were by Hunter Bay and weighed 46kg apiece.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Borderway Agri-Expo, Carlisle, proved another successful primestock event for Texel genetics, with a clutch of championship tickets for the breed.

Taking the reserve championship were another pair of Dutch Texels, this time from James Whiteford and family, Tercrosset,

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Show Judges 2015 Royal Ulster Show 2015 Robert Cockburn - Knap Texels

Show Judges

Robert has worked with sheep all his life. Up until 2002 it was Scottish Blackface sheep. Shepherding for four well know Blackface farms, many successes were achieved in the sale ring with sales of £55K for Tup lambs and £44K for shearling rams.

In 2002 the Connachan Texel flock was formed. In 2006 Robert took over the flock from the farm. In 2012 the Knap flock was formed, Knapdale being where he was born.

The flock consists of 25 pure bred ewes and 60 recipients. Roberts aim is to try and sell good quality rams and females with both breeding and commercial traits. Gimmers are sold pre tupping and in lamb. Best price achieved had been 6500gns in 2013.

Robert has also had some success in the local show ring and at national sales, winning first prize novice with Rob Roy sold for 4300gns, first prize gimmer and reserve overall champion sold for 3400gns, and first prize open ram lamb with vogue sold for 4000gns at the English Premier Sale.

Undoubtedly 2014 has been his best year with the Scottish National sale being the main success selling Vicious Sid for 145,000gns and Vital Spark for 7500gns, then at Carlisle selling Sid’s E.T. brother Vinnie Jones for 7000gns and Knap Vogue for 4,000gns at the English National, the reserve male and reserve overall champion from the presale show.

Robert says he is very much looking forward to judging at Balmoral in May.

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Alastair has been a Texel breeder for nearly 20 years. He first became interested in Texels whilst working with the Sweetwall flock at Loughanmore farms in 1995 and bought his first pedigree Texel in 1996.

Alastair now runs Forkins and Cherryvale flocks in County Antrim with help of son Jack. Together they work with 30 pedigree Texel ewes, along with 20 pedigree Suffolks and a small herd of Limousin cattle.

Some of Alastair’s previous successes have included winning Interbreed Champion R.U.A.S Balmoral 2012, as well as winning all female classes R.U.A.S, Balmoral in 2014, including Champion and Reserve Champion. Highlight of the sales ring has been Forkins Rocksolid, sold at 65000gns in 2010.

Show Judges

Royal Highland Show 2015 Alastair Gault - Forkins

Alastair has previously judged the Scottish Premier sale at Lanark, as well as the Northern Irish National sale at Ballymena.

Anna has been involved in running the Penparc Texel flock from an early age. The flock has achieved major successes over the years at Royal Shows and specialist events, granting Anna hands on experience of prize winning sheep. The Texel breed has been an integral part of her career development and she currently serves as a Committee Member and Secretary of the Texel’s Youth Development Committee. Anna is also a representative on the Farmers Union of Wales Younger voice for farming committee.

She takes an active part in the farming community and sheep industry, such as supporting agricultural shows and agricultural charities e.g. RABI Anna has represented the Society on several occasions both at the National Sheep Association event in Malvern and also the Royal Welsh show. She was also in the team representing Wales in the Young Texel breeders 5 Nations event hosted in Northern Ireland (2013).

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Royal Norfolk Show 2015 Anna Minnice-Hughes - Penparc Texels

Anna considers it a privilege to be invited to judge the Texel classes at the Royal Norfolk Show 2015 and is very much looking forward to meeting fellow Texel Members at this prestigious event.

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Great Yorkshire Show 2015 Philip Kermode - Orrisdale Texels Philip has been involved in pedigree Texels for twenty three years. Having run Texel rams on his commercial flock previously he made the decision to breed his own rams and, as the saying goes, like Topsy the flock grew.

Show Judges

The Orrisdale Flock is a family enterprise with his wife Carol and children Kirree, Thomas and Caesar all involved. They run approximately 300 pedigree ewes with an emphasis on breed type, mobility and, most importantly, carcass and length. Alongside the Texels there are small flocks of Charollais and Suffolk’s and a commercial flock. Orrisdale is also home to herds of Limousin, Angus and Charolais cattle and a commercial suckler herd.

Over the years Philip has enjoyed success at the Royal Highland and the Great Yorkshire concentrating on the ewe lamb and recorded ram lamb classes, achieving Reserve Female Champion at the GYS 2012, 1st Prize Ewe Lamb at the Royal Highland Show 2014 and Reserve Male Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show 2014.

Philip has judged the Northern Ireland Flock Competition and the Irish Texel Society Show & Sale at Blessington in the South. He is pleased and honoured to have been selected for this role and is looking forward to it.

Royal Welsh Show 2015 Henry Gamble - Springwell Texels have been a big part of Henry’s life since his father started the Springwell flock in 1977. The flock regularly exhibits at Balmoral Show claiming several championships and at every annual NI National sale. One of the flock’s best achievements to date was the sale of Springwell Ulsterboy at the Society’s Scottish National sale at Lanark in 2013 for 38000 gns.

www.texel.co.uk

Henry has judged many shows across the British Isles from Orkney to Kilkenny including the Royal Highland Show, the Scottish National, the All Ireland Texel Championships and the Irish Texel Society Show & Sale at Blessington. In 2012 Henry had also the honour of judging the Scottish Clubs flock competition.

Henry is currently the Texel Society Chairman and represents Northern Ireland on the Society Board, a position previously held by his mother Barbara. He performs his role within the Society with the support and help from his wife Alice and children Sarah and Robert.

Henry is looking forward to judging at the Royal Welsh Show 2015. He has visited the Show at Builth Wells on several occasions and has always admired the number of quality Texels exhibited. He is excited by this opportunity for judging at this prestigious event in the Texel calendar.

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Sales

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In touch with Texel @twitter.com/britishtexel #addtexeladdvalue

In this section: Scottish National 2014 Welsh National 2014 English National 2014 National Show Judges 2015

sales

Northern Ireland National 2014

National Show & Sale dates 2015 Regional Club in-lamb sales roundup - 2014/15

Northern Ireland National Show & Sale 2014 Northern Ireland National Show & Sale www.texel.co.uk 112

Springhill flock claimed top prices as Northern Irish National Texel Sale averages rise he Northern Ireland National Sale 2014 at Ballymena saw strong demand and averages rising on the year in all the main sections, with the shearling ram average notably rising by more than £230 on 2013.

T

Leading the trade at Ballymena was the male champion and reserve overall champion from the pre-sale show, John Foster’s shearling ram Springhill Uppercut.

This son of Teiglum Target is out of a dam by homebred sire Springhill Ronaldo and was a clear favourite of the ringside. Having been bid to 2800gns in the ring he was turned away unsold, but later sold for 5600gns in a two-way split to Alex Gray, Langside, and Peter Gray, Scrogtonhead, both noted shearling ram producers from Scotland.

John Foster also took the day’s second best price when he sold his ram lamb, Springhill V Tech, at 4500gns. This one is another by Ustinoff and is out of a dam by Ballynadrenta Nicefella , which is also dam of the 1800gns Springhill Unstoppable. He was the choice of Jim Wilson, Blackstown, with a share retained by Mr Foster.

Shearling Rams In the shearling ring for the next best prices when two sold at 1900gns. The first of these was Drumgooland Ucal from Paul O’Connor. This is a Strathbogie Smokey Blue son out of a dam by Kelso Pavarotti and sold to Mary Gallagher, Glanworth, Co Cork. At the same money was Henry Gamble’s shearling Springwell Update, a Cornerstone Temple Mount son out of a dam by Knock Oregano. He found a new home T Hynes, Rathfriland, Newry.

Females Leading the female trade at 4000gns on the first day of the sale was the champion from the pre-sale show, a gimmer from the McKay family’s Rohan flock,YMK1300256.

This gimmer by Glenside Topgun had caught the eye of Carol Anne Warnock in the pre-sale show and is out of a dam by Tullagh Legend. After some strong bidding she was knocked down to Paul and Baillie O’Connor for the Drumgooland flock

NITYB Ewe Lambs In the Northern Irish Young Breeders ewe lambs the top price of the night went to David Chestnut’s lamb from his Bushmills flock. This lamb, CBU1400190, which had stood third in the pre-sale show is a daughter of Oberstown Usain Bolt and out of a dam by Fairmount Seven O Seven and sold to John Foster, Springhill for 1,500gns.

Sale topper, Male & Reserve Champion Sold for 5,600gns HBN1400891 – Mullan Van Winkle

FTS1401592 - Springhill V Tech

Highest selling PRT Ram Lamb Sold for 2,100gns

Highest selling Ram Lamb - Sold for 4,500gns CBU1400190 - Bushmills

VMM1400321 – Millcomb Vindicator

Sold for 4,200gns

Highest selling NITYB Ewe Lamb Sold for 1,500gns

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Supreme Champion & highest selling shearling ewe Sold for 4,000gns

Northern Ireland National Show & Sale

FTS1301562 - Springhill Uppercut

YMK1300256 - Rohan

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Sale Statistics

Northern Ireland National Show & Sale

Forward

Sold

Average £

Top - Gns

Gimmers

45

39

£694

4,000

Ram Lambs

247

180

£733

5,600

Shearling Rams

85

80

£812

1,900

Ewe Lambs

8

3

£945

700

Show Results Judge: Carol-Ann Warnock - Watchknowe - WJW Supreme Champion

Rohan - YMK1300256

D McKay - Rohan

Reserve Champion

Springhill Uppercut - FTS1301562

J, G & H Foster - Springhill

Male champion

Springhill Uppercut - FTS1301562

J, G & H Foster - Springhill

Reserve Male Champion

Garvetagh Hill Valtra RGK1400341

G Rankin - Garvetagh Hill

Female Champion

Rohan - YMK1300256

D McKay - Rohan

Reserve Female Champion

Mullan - HBN1300743

Brian Hanthorn - Mullan

Auctioneer J A McClelland & Son

www.texel.co.uk 114

Shearling Ram

NIYTB Ram Lamb

Ram Lamb (open)

Performance Recorded

NIYTB Ewe Lamb

Group of Three

1st

YMK1300256

D McKay - Rohan

2nd

HBN1300743

Brian Hanthorn - Mullan

3rd

FAO1300432

Andrew Fyffe - Fairywater

1st

Springhill Uppercut FTS1301562

J, G & H Foster - Springhill

2nd

Springwell Update GRS1301338

Henry Gamble - Springwell

3rd

Ballynahone Uther HBR1300543

Richard Henderson Ballynahone

1st

JBallygreenan Vito BX01400409

Mark Breed - Ballygreenan

2nd

Maineview Vanarama KMR1400328

Robert & Andrew Kennedy

3rd

Fairywater Vendetta FAO1400544

Andrew Fyffe - Fairywater

1st

Garvetagh Hill Valtra RGK1400341

G Rankin - Garvetagh Hill

2nd

Blackstown Vlad WWB1400592

James Wilson - Blackstown

3rd

Ballyhivistock Viper SCY1400685

S & R Simpson & Calvin Ballyhivistock

1st

Ballyhivistock Valiant SCY1400710

S & R Simpson & Calvin Ballyhivistock

2nd

Springwell Valuable GRS1401404

Henry Gamble - Springwell

3rd

Mullan Van Winkle HBN1400891

Brian Hanthorn - Mullan

1st

OCP1400311

Baillie O’Connor - Drumgooland

2nd

GCN1401258

Beth & Jack Gault - Cherryvale

3rd

CBU1400190

David Chestnutt - Bushmills

1st

Ballyhivistock

S & R Simpson & Calvin

2nd

Forkins

A Gault

3rd

Maineview

A Kennedy

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Shearling Ewe

Northern Ireland National Show & Sale

Class Results

115

Scottish National Show & Sale 2014 Scottish National Texel Sale grosses £1,049,925 and tops at 145,000gns Scottish National Show & Sale

he 2014 Scottish National Texel Sale at Lanark saw a solid trade from start to finish, with 390 ram lambs selling to average £2487.23, a rise of £177.68 on the year for 20 more sold.

T

Leading the prices and taking the second highest ever price for a sheep in the UK at 145,000gns was Robert Cockburn’s ram lamb Knap Vicious Sid, from his Crieff, Perthshire-based flock. Robert’s sale topper, a much admired lamb from the pre-sale show is a son of the 7000gns Tamnamoney Tuborg Gold and is out of a dam by Baltier Rascal I. He had stood fifth in the presale show and had previously been first prize ram lamb at Lesmahagow Show.

After some fierce bidding this one sold to Charlie Boden Sportsmans, Keith, Alan and Roy Campbell, Cowal, and Hugh and Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn. Gordon Grays Shearling Ram Ettrick U Tube, GGH1303117, sold for 1,500gns.

Texel shearling ewes hit 7000gns high www.texel.co.uk 116

Texel shearling ewes continue to meet strong demand, with the females at the Scottish National Sale, Lanark, peaking at 7000gns for one from the Ettrick flock of Gordon Gray and family.

The Ettrick sale leader, GGH1303204 is a Knock Papoose daughter out of a dam by Mitchelhill Paparazzi and with an index of 374. She sold to Archie Hamilton, Lanark for the Smyllum flock.

LYM1301012 - Milnbank

Reserve Champion Sold for 4,500gns

Female & Supreme Champion Sold for 5,500gns GGH1303117 - Ettrick-U-Tube

CKP1400025 - Knap Vicious Sid

Scottish National Show & Sale

LTC1301593 - Cambwell

GGH1303204 - Ettrick

LYM1401310 - Milnbank Viera

Highest selling PRT Ram Lamb Sold for 2,500gns

Highest selling Shearling Ewe Sold for 7,000gns

Sale Statistics Forward

Sold

Average £

Top - Gns

Gimmers

83

58

£61,455

7,000

Ram Lambs

469

391

£2,482

145,000

Shearling Rams

2

1

£1,575

1,500

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Highest selling Shearling Ram Sold for 1,500gns

Highest selling Ram Lamb Sold for 145,000gns

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Show Results Judge: Steve Smith - Penparc - SJP

Scottish National Show & Sale

Supreme Champion

LYM1301012

Robbie Wilson - Milnbank

Reserve Champion

LTC1301593

T & A Laird - Cambwell

Male champion

Milnbank Viera LYM1401310

Robbie Wilson - Milnbank

Reserve Male Champion

Foxhillfarm Vinnie AFO1400072

Mr & Mrs M Alford - Foxhillfarm

Female Champion

LYM1301012

Robbie Wilson - Milnbank

Reserve Female Champion

LTC1301593

T & A Laird - Cambwell

www.texel.co.uk Auctioneer Lawrie & Symington - Lanark

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Shearling Ram

YDP Ram Lamb

Ram Lamb (open)

Performance Recorded

Group of Three

1st

LYM1301012

Robbie Wilson - Milnbank

2nd

LTC1301593

T & A Laird - Cambwell

3rd

WPS1300513

Peter Woof - Stainton

1st

Ettrick U Tube GGH1303117

Gordon Gray - Ettrick

2nd

Drumchapel Upstart II AAD1302038

A & J Alston - Drumchapel

1st

Foxhillfarm Vinnie AXO1400072

Mr & Mrs M Alford - Foxhillfarm

2nd

Strawfrank Van Persie CNK1400271

Allan Campbell - Strawfrank

3rd

Whitlaw Valencia TIW1407115

Tom & Ian Walling - Whitlaw

1st

Forkins Versace GAF1401124

A Gault - Forkins

2nd

Strathbogie Venom IJS1400665

James Innes & Sons - Strathbogie

3rd

Milnbank Valdaron LYM1401375

Robbie Wilson - Milnbank

1st

Milnbank Viera LYM1401310

Robbie Wilson - Milnbank

2nd

Teiglum Vigilante CFT1403036

Clarks Farms - Teiglum

3rd

Sportsmans Valencia BGS1401144

Boden & Davis - Sportsmans

1st

Sportsmans

Boden & Davies Ltd

2nd

Crailloch

A McColm

3rd

Procters

Procters Farm Ltd

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Shearling Ewe

Scottish National Show & Sale

Class Results

119

Welsh National Show & Sale 2014 Shearling ram leads Welsh National Texel Trade at 4400gns Welsh National Show & Sale

exel males and females were both in big demand at the breed’s 2014 Welsh National Sale, Welshpool with a 79% clearance rate in the ram lambs, 85% clearance in the shearling ewes and 21 more ram lambs sold on the year and averages rising in all sections.

Trade peaked at 4400gns for a shearling ram from Cefin Pryce’s Caereinion flock; reserve male champion and first prize shearling tup Caereinion U R the One at 4400gns. This is a Crailloch True Blue son out of a Caereinion Number One Dam with an index of 258 and was fourth at the Royal Welsh this time round. He sold to Steve Williams for the Wollascott flock, Shrewsbury. The next best price came in the ram lambs when Procters Farm, Clitheroe, under the guidance of flock manager Jeff Aiken, took a bid of 4000gns for Procters Ventura, a son of the 11,000gns 2013 Lanark champion Tophill Union Jack out of a dam by Sportsmans Scania and with an index of 266. He sold in a two-way split to Messrs Boden and Davies, Sportsmans, and David Houghton, Tophill.

www.texel.co.uk

Shearling Ewes

120

T

A healthy demand for shearling ewes saw the clearance rate settle at 85%, with 68 sold to level at £578.74.

Topping the prices with a high of 1700gns was Gordon Gray’s female champion GGH 1303102 from the Ettrick flock. She’s a Knock Topaz daughter out of a dam by Annan Manitou and sold with an index of 309 to Messrs Owen and Thomas, Rose Villa, Llanon

BGS1401110 - Sportsmans Volta

Highest selling Shearling Ram Male & Reserve Champion - Sold for 4,400gns

Male & Supreme Champion - Sportsmans Sold for 2,000gns PFD1403565 - Procters Ventura Procters Farms

GGH1303102 - Ettrick

Welsh National Show & Sale

PEC1300205 - Caereinion U R the One Caereinion

HFQ1401314 - Young Venture Vantastic Young Venture

PFD1403572 - Procters Vision Procters

Sold for 2,600gns

Sold for 2,600gns

Sale Statistics Forward

Sold

Average £

Top - Gns

Gimmers

81

69

£578

1,700

Ram Lambs

144

114

£682

4,000

Shearling Rams

31

19

£1008

4,400

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Highest selling shearling ewe Sold for 1,700gns

Highest selling Ram Lamb Sold for 4,000gns

121

Show Results Judge: Alan Clark - Clarks - Teiglum - Garngour

Welsh National Show & Sale

Supreme Champion

Sportsmans Volta BGS1401110

Boden & Davies - Sportsmans

Reserve Champion

Caereinion U R the One PEC1300205

Cefin Pryce - Caereinion

Male champion

Sportsmans Volta BGS1401110

Boden & Davies - Sportsmans

Reserve Male Champion

Caereinion U R the One PEC1300205

Cefin Pryce - Caereinion

Female Champion

GGH1303102

Gordon Gray - Ettrick

Reserve Female Champion

BCY1300286

Carl Henry Bellis - Cosyn Texels

Auctioneer: Welshpool Livestock Sales - Welshpool

www.texel.co.uk 122

Shearling Ram

YDP Ram Lamb

Ram Lamb (open)

Performance Recorded

Group of Three

1st

GGH1303102

Gordon Gray - Ettrick

2nd

BCY1300286

Carl Henry Bellis - Cosyn Texels

3rd

CKC133042

K, A & R Campbell - Cowal

1st

Caereinion U R the One PEC1300205

Cefin Pryce - Caereinion

2nd

Loosebeare Umpire II QEL1302244

E W Quick - Loosebeare

3rd

Meinspride Ultra LMN1301580

Angela Nairey - Meinspride

1st

Young Venture Vantastic HFQ1401314

Gracie Rose Holden - Young Venture

2nd

Cressage Vulture EMK1401811

M Ellis - Cressage

3rd

Hope Valley Vanguard ERH1400118

R Evans - Hope Valley

1st

Sportsmans Volta BGS1401110

Boden and Davies - Sportsmans

2nd

Procters Vision PFD1403572

Procters Farms - Procters

3rd

Erw Vintage JGE1403499

G W Jones - Erw

1st

Sportsmans Van Wilder BGS1401214

Boden and Davies - Sportsmans

2nd

Cowal Venturer CKC1404659

K, A & R Campbell - Cowal

3rd

Procters Valiant PFD1403516

Procters Farms - Procters

1st

Sportsmans

Boden & Davies

2nd

Procters

Procters Farm

3rd

Ettrick

Gordon Gray

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Shearling Ewe

Welsh National Show & Sale

Class Results

123

English National Show & Sale 2014 Exceptional demand sees 83% ram lamb clearance at English National Texel Sale English National Show & Sale

n exceptionally strong demand for Texel ram lambs from both pedigree and commercial buyers at the 2014 English National Texel Sale at Worcester, saw a total of 194 ram lambs achieve an 83% clearance rate, with 194 lambs sold, 45 more than the same fixture in 2013.

A

Taking the top call of the sale at 5400gns was Peter Woof’s Stainton flock when he sold Stainton Vantage II. This is a full brother to Peter’s 11,000gns lamb at Lanark 2014 and is an Anglezarke Uno son out of a dam

by Sportsmans Tremendous II, he went to Messrs Draper for their Claybury flock.

Shearling ram trade reaches 2500gns Shearling ram prices peaked at 2500gns for the best of the offering from Nicola Hartwright’s Whitehart flock. This was

www.texel.co.uk 124

Whitehart Ultra Modern, a Cherryvale Shergar son out of a dam by Hendre Oh Boy. He sold to the Quick family for the Loosebeare flock.

Shearling ewes set new records at English National Sale A healthy trade for Texel gimmers saw trade peak at 7000gns with both the average and clearance rate setting new sale records.

Leading the trade was the female and reserve overall champion from the presale show, Tom Evan’s gimmer from the Welsh flock. This one, ESW1300234, is a Mossknowe Pudsey daughter out of a dam

by Swaites O Sullivan. She sold to Messrs Boden and Davies for the Sportsmans flock, Cheshire. With an 89% clearance and an average of £757.06, the ringside was packed from start to finish and demand for well bred, well fleshed sheep was evident throughout the sale.

wps1400621 – Stainton Vantage II

Highest selling Ram Lamb Sold for 4,500gns

GCT1404506 - Tima Valentino

Highest selling PRT Ram Lamb - sold for 4,000gns

Sale topper and Female & Reserve Champion sold for 7,000gns HWN1301515 - Whitehart Ultra Modern

English National Show & Sale

Supreme Champion - sold for 3,000gns

ESW1300234 – Welsh

Highest priced Shearling Ram - sold for 2,500gns

CFT1403049 - Teiglum Valiant

sold for 5,000gns

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

BGS1401201 - Sportsmans Van the Man

125

Sale Statistics

English National Show & Sale

Forward

Sold

Average £

Top - Gns

Gimmers

104

89

£757

7,000

Ram Lambs

246

194

£903

5,400

Shearling Rams

74

52

£817

2,500

Class Results Shearling Ewe

Shearling Ram

YDP Ram Lamb

Ram Lamb (open)

www.texel.co.uk

Performance Recorded

Group of Three

126

1st

ESW1300234

Selwyn Evans - Welsh

2nd

LJW1300303

H M & P C Longdin - Wellingly

3rd

GGH1303109

Gordon Gray - Ettrick

1st

Clun Uncle Sam WSF1302278

A & E Williams - Clun

2nd

Whitehart Ultra Modern HWN1301515

Miss N Hartwright - Whitehart

3rd

Rascarrel Uriah MTR1300473

M MacTaggart - Rascarrel

1st

Foreman Hill Viper LMA1400097

M Leggat - Foreman Hill

2nd

Drumgooland Vanquish OCP1400320

P & B O’ Connor - Drumgooland

3rd

Windermere Vantage OCL1400424

Baillie O’ Connor - Windermere

1st

Knap Vogue CKP1400036

Robert Cockburn - Knap

2nd

Hull House Voyager MJH1404522

John Mellin - Hull House

3rd

Milnbank Vorderman LYM1401217

Robbie Wilson - Milnbank

1st

Sportsmans Van the Man BGS1401201

Boden & Davies - Sportsmans

2nd

Tima Valentino GCT1404506

David Gray - Tima

3rd

Procters Vectra PFD1403508

Procters Farms - Procters

1st

Procters

Procters Farm

2nd

Strathbogie

J Innes & Sons

3rd

Ettrick

G Gray

Show Results Sportsmans Van the Man BGS1401201

Boden & Davies - Sportsmans

Reserve Champion

ESW1300234

Selwyn Evans - Welsh

Male champion

Sportsmans Van the Man BGS1401201

Boden & Davies - Sportsmans

Reserve Male Champion

Knap Vogue CKP1400036

Robert Cockburn - Knap

Female Champion

ESW1300234

Selwyn Evans - Welsh

Reserve Female Champion

LJW1300303

H M & P C Longdin - Wellingly

Auctioneer: McCartneys

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Supreme Champion

English National Show & Sale

Judge: Nigel Hamill - Ballynadrenta - HNB

127

National Show & Sale Judges 2015 Scottish National Show & Sale 2015 PAUL QUICK - LOOSEBEARE - QEL

National Show & Sale Judges 2015

Paul farms with his dad Bill and brothers Mark and Andrew and his son Edward he also has an 8 year old son called Taylor. They farm approx 250 pedigree Texels, 100 Charollais, 1200 commercial ewes, have a Limousin herd and run 600-700 cattle in total, the farm will be the hosts for the NSA South West Sheep event 2015.

Paul says they have had Texels from the beginning of the 1980s and have always tried to breed sheep that are sound on the feet and teeth, that are big & powerful, and carry good tops and plenty of natural fleshing, we must remember that we are predominantly a meat breed so it’s the body that carries the most emphasis for us although we do want to keep breed type but not in an extreme fashion.

During the years they have achieved many show and sale success including Champions at English national, Royal Show, Royal Welsh Show, Bath and West, Royal Cornwall, Devon County and numerous local shows and society sales on many occasions 2014 has been very successful with the Loosebeare Texels winning interbreed champion at both Cornwall and Devon county shows with different animals, in addition the Limousins won Interbreed at Cornwall and the bull went on to be Carlisle champion and sell for top price of 27,000gns They sell over 100+ yearling rams each year with their top two rams being sold at Carlisle selling at 4400 & 3500gns with a pen average of 2025gns. In the past they have sold ewes at the Twilight sale and achieved prices of 6200gns (2013), 6000gns, 5000gns and 4800gns and have sold rams to 120,000 for Loosebeare Imp who went and won the Royal Highland.

Paul looks forward to judging at the famous Lanark Scottish National Show having already judged the Yorkshire twice and the Highland show.

www.texel.co.uk

English National 2015 Giles Pyman - THACKA Giles runs the Thacka flock in Stainton, Cumbria with his wife Gillian, son Tom and daughter Sarah. After losing his pure flock of Texels to the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001, he joined the Texel Society and restocked with pedigree Texels and Dutch Texels.

The Thacka flock breeds sheep for both the pedigree and commercial markets with good skin, carcass and breed character.

As well as showing Giles has judged many local shows and is honoured to be asked to judge the English National Sale at Worcester.

128

Welsh National Show & Sale 2015 DAVID CHESTNUTT - BUSHMILLS - CBU

Alongside the 120 Pedigree Texel ewe Flock (Clougher was placed 2nd in the NI Club flock competition in 2014 in the Large flock class), they run 100 strong Scottish Blackface ewes and pedigree herds of Charolais, Angus, British Blue and Limousin along with a recently established dairy unit on the family farm.

Northern Ireland National Show & Sale 2015 PETER LONGDIN - WELLINGLY - LJW Peter first became aware of Texels in 1978 while judging carcass classes for Yorkshire Young Farmers at Stoneley. He then purchased his first Texels at Bambury in the autumn of that year, starting the Wellingley flock. His first showing success came showing carcasses, winning first at Smithfield, and championships at Notts, Lincoln and the Great Yorkshire county shows.

Showing pedigree Texels has resulted in championships and inter-breed wins at all the local county shows and reserve champion at the Great Yorkshire Show three times. His main ambition is still to win the Great Yorkshire Show championship but this is getting more competitive each year. Show successes include selling gimmers to £8,000, shearling rams to a top of £2,600, and averaging over £1,050 for eight at Skipton in 2013.

Peter has been an active committee member of the northern area club for many years, being chariman for two years.

He has enjoyed three trips to Northern Ireland over the past 15 years, seeing quality sheep, enjoying the fanastic hospitality and making some very good friends. Peter is honoured to be asked to judge the Northern Ireland national sale knowing the quality of stock which will be presented for him to judge.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Together with his father Victor they have both enjoyed success in the show and sale ring. Topping at 18000gns for Clougher Lincoln with President at 14000gns and Irishman at 8000gns. The Bushmills flock has topped at 4000gns for Bushmills Sargent and achieved the top priced ewe lamb in NI Premier Sale at 1500gns in 2014

National Show & Sale Judges 2015

David was accustomed to being among Texel sheep in his father’s Clougher Flock and since a toddler showed a keen interest in lambing and looking after the sheep. He soon acquired sheep of his own and at 8 years of age he started his own Bushmills Flock.

129

2015 National Show & Sale Dates Fri/S Show at Sale &

Northern Ireland National Show & Sale - Ballymena 21st - 22nd August

www.texel.co.uk

Scottish National Show & Sale - Lanark 26th - 27th August

Show & Sale - Welshpool 29th August

English National

Show & Sale - Worcester 31st - August & 1st September

Further Information

02476 696629 130

Welsh National

www.texel.co.uk

egional Club in-lamb sales were well supported by both vendors and buyers over the winter, with demand for the best resulting in high prices at many centres.

R

This substitute gimmer is by Connachan Sharky and is out of a Penparc Nobleman daughter and sold in-lamb carrying a single to Garngour Upperclass. She found a new home with Clive Long, Strabane, Co Tyrone.

Welshpool

Keith, Alan and Roy Campbell then sold at 1000gns, taking this money for the third prize gimmer from the pre-sale show. This was CKC1302908. She is a daughter of the 20,000gns Cairnam Talisman and is out of a Kelso Pavarotti sired dam. She sold in-lamb to Cowal Vital Spark II and headed to R Stevenson, Brampton, Carlisle.

The Shropshire and Borders Texel Breeders Club sale at Welshpool, saw a new centre record set when a shearling ewe from the Bennett family’s Plasucha flock sold at 3500gns.

This was BFE1303070 a Connachan Sharky daughter out of a dam by Penparc Nobleman and sold carrying to Garngour Upperclass. She sold to Stephen Cobbald, Acton, Suffolk, for the Lavenham flock.

Second top call of the day was a 2600gns call for another from the same home, a full ET sister to the sale topper. This one sold in-lamb to Plasucha Va Va Voom and sold to an undisclosed Northern Irish buyer.

Then making the next best price of 1700gns was James Ruggeri’s gimmer from the Gyrhos flock, RUJ1300277. This daughter of the homebred Gyrhos Rambo is out of a dam by Orrisdale Paradise and goes back to Baltier Jaguar. She sold in-lamb to Glenside Vernon and was bought by J N and M J Ellis.

Skipton A 1400gns call was the best price of the sale at the Northern Area Texel Sheep Breeders sale at Skipton, with the leading call of the sale made for the pre-sale champion from Procters Farm. This was a gimmer by Procters Sundance Kid out of a dam by the 20,000gns Douganhill Masterpiece.

Regional Club In-Lamb Sales Roundup 2014/15

Regional Club In-Lamb Sales Roundup 2014/15

This shearling sold carrying twins to the 11,000gns Tophill Union Jack and was the

Solway and Tyne Then at the Solway and Tyne Texel Club’s sale at Carlisle prices hit a high of 2500gns for the pre-sale champion, with this one also from Robert Bennet’s Plasucha flock.

Shrophsire & Borders Club In-Lamb Welshpool - highest seller Robert Bennett Plasucha BFE1303070 sold for 3,500gns

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choice of William Watson for his Gillians Laithe flock at Hellifield.

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Selling for the day’s second top of 1050gns was an aged ewe from the dispersal of John Wood’s North Valley flock, Trawden.

This one is a daughter of the 16,000gns Baltier Nailor out of a dam by the 88,000gns Claybury Istabraq. She sold to R J Sunter, Horton-in-Ribblesdale in-lamb to Hazelwood Vinnie.

Chelford

This ewe, ESW1300272, which was placed second in the gimmer class in the pre-sale show is a maternal sister to the 7000gns gimmer which was champion female at the English Premier sale, Worcester, earlier this year.

A phone bidder pushed the trade all the way, but she was finally knocked down to ringside bidder Gwilym Williams of the Treweren flock, Sennybridge. She was carrying twins to Wester Moy Utopia.

At the North West Texel sale at Chelford in January a big crowd saw prices hit a top of 1900gns for the pre-sale champion from Angela Nairey. This was a substitute entry

by Glenside King II.

The next highest price was the pre-sale Champion. An aged ewe again from the Welsh flock, this 2011 born Rascarrel Peppermint daughter, ESW1100116, was carrying a single to Teiglum Tornado and was sold to the judge David Bradley-Farmer.

She sold in-lamb to the 6000gns Royal Highland champion, Glenway Universe, and was bought by Martin Furness, Buxton.

Also at this money was a gimmer from David Houghton’s Tophill flock. This Knock Trident daughter was sold carrying to Procters Ventura and headed home to the Sportsmans flock with Charlie Boden.

The next top price was 700gns for the first placed ewe in the gimmer class. This ewe came from guest consignors J and G Y Davies of the Aman Flock, this Strathbogie Stud daughter, DYA1300230, out of a prolific flushing ewe at the Aman flock made her way to Driffield,Yorkshire, to form part of a new flock being set up by Peter Vickerton.

Then at 1550gns was a Sportsmans gimmer by the 42,000gns Tullylagan Tonka and inlamb to Teiglum Vogue. She sold to Philip Melland, Staffordshire. And at the same price was the best from the Fachell flock of Idris Morris. This was a Knock Tarana carrying twins to Sportsmans V8 and was bought by Martin Furness, Buxton.

Also at 700gns was a mule recipient carrying a ET pregnancy. Put forward from the Welsh flock, this single embryo will be a maternal sibling to the sale leader and is sired by Knap Vinnie Jones which is ET brother to 145,000gns Knap Vicious Sid. She sold to the Williams family of the Dolau flock as a birthday present for daughter Angharad.

Dyfed The inaugural Dyfed Texel Breeders sale at Ffairfach Market saw trade peak at 1150gns for a shearling ewe from the Welsh flock of Tomos and Selwyn Evans, Coedhirion.

Worcester Texel breeders from the South West were at the forefront of the prices at the Gloucester and Border Counties Club sale of in-lamb Texels at Worcester.

Following her at 760gns was another from the same home, CFP1300836, a Sheeoch Tardis daughter out of a dam by Cennen Magnum and again in-lamb to Untouchable.

She sold to new breeder Phil Loveland, Maidstone.

A 720gns call early in the sale secured the first of the day from the Quicks of Loosebeare. This was QEL1302193, a Whitehart Spot On daughter out of a dam

by Douganhill Jeronimo. Sold in-lamb to Loosebeare Show Stopper she was knocked down to S MacPherson, Moreton-in-Marsh.

Scottish Club Taking the top call of 2900gns at the Scottish Texel Club sale of in-lamb ewes at Lanark was a gimmer from the Clark family’s Garngour flock, with this being CFT 1302371, a Strathbogie Smokey Blue daughter.

South Wales Club The South Wales Club’s sale saw a top price of 880gns for a shearling ewe from Selwyn and Tom Evans. This was a gimmer by Cairness Ranger and was carrying triplets to the Teiglum Tornado son, Wester Moy Utopia. She was purchased by R Templeton, Bank Farm, Lanarkshire.

The same buyer also went on to purchase the second top price of the Sale at 600gns for a shearling ewe from the Chave Family, Peacehay. This Sheeoch Tardis daughter was sold carrying a single to the homebred Peacehay Untouchable which was sired by the 18,000gns Allanfauld Rockafella.

Regional Club In-Lamb Sales Roundup 2014/15

Trade hit a peak of 780gns for a Livery Thunderstorm daughter from the Chave family, Somerset. This was CFP1300685, a gimmer out of a dam by Peacehay Masterpiece and sold carrying to Peacehay Untouchable. She went to G B Renfree, Liskeard.

She’s out of a dam by Rascarrel Panther and goes back to Knock Oregano. She sold inlamb to Castlecairn Vavavoom and sold to an undisclosed buyer having been reserve champion in the pre-sale show.

Second best of the day at 1400gns was the champion from the pre-sale show from Steven Renwick’s Craig Douglas flock. This was XSR1307511, a daughter of Ettrick Tam O Shanter and out of a dam by Ettrick Rob Roy. This one sold in-lamb to Sportsmans Unbeatable and was bought by the judge William Boyd, Dechmont.

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PRT

Estimated Breeding Values

PRT

Performance Recorded Texels estimated breeding values

EBV PRT EBV PRT EBV Performance RecordedTexels estimated breeding values

EBV

Performance Recorded Texels Estimated Breeding Values

Performance Recorded Texels PRTestimated breeding values EBV EBV EBV PRT PRT Performance RecordedTexels estimated breeding values EBV

Performance Recorded Texels

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In this section: Ian Murray - Glenway Texels Michael James - Dunhonw Texels Cefyn Pryce - Caereinion Texels

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Performance Recorded Texels

In touch with Texel

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Ian Murray - Glenway Texels www.texel.co.uk 146

Ian taking the Championship at the RHAS 2014

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For Ian the focus of the Glenway Texel flock has always been breeding and producing shearling rams for sale every year at Kelso ram sales. “That has always been at the heart of what I do and continues to be.

“The flock used to produce a handful of ram lambs for sale at Lanark each year, but that was stopped a few years ago with the focus now entirely on producing naturally grown shearlings for Kelso.

“Producing lambs for Lanark meant creep feeding all the lambs and I don’t think that was doing the shearlings too much good.

Now we only creep feed a handful of show lambs, leaving the rest of the lambs to grow

off grass and their mother’s milk. They make much better shearlings as a result and perform well for our regular commercial customers.”

The Glenway flock was originally founded

by Ian and his father, Fred, in 1991, but was dispersed in 1997 when Ian went to college, with foundation ewes sourced again in 2000.

“The original flock was based on ewes bought at the Combslade dispersal in 1991, as well as Ettrick and Noresk ewes too.

“Then when we started again in 2000 it was Lumbylaw, Blythbank, Greenside and Woodlands ewes we started with. We never paid a lot for females, buying good working ewes and investing well in the tups we used.”

While initially not recording Ian started using Signet in 2002, with a view to adding another marketing tool to help the Kelso trade. “I didn’t push heavily on figures to start with as at that time a lot of high figured sheep weren’t the type I wanted to use.

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roducing growthy, fleshy shearling rams is the aim of many Texel breeders, but all too often the commercial type of ram can be overlooked in the show ring something Wooler, Northumberland-based Ian Murray overcame last year, winning the breed championship at the Royal Highland under French judge Yves Lacroix.

Ian Murray - Glenway Texels

Ian Murray - Glenway Texels PRT Shield - Kelso 2014

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“All of these did a good job for the flock, leaving great females and good solid tups which met a ready trade. We have a lot of good ewes and grand daughters in the flock now by Nightlight in particular.”

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And it’s not just at home that Glenway stock have been in demand, with Ian being the first Texel breeder to export the breed to Switzerland when he sent three shearling tups there.

“That came about as the result of a phone call from the German gentleman one Sunday afternoon and since then I’ve also exported sheep to Germany and France, with a further 15 gimmers going to Switzerland and rams and ram lambs going to Switzerland, Germany and France.

“However, that has changed over the years and I’ve used tups such as Douganhill Jeronimo which we shared with the Ridley family and was in the top 10% and then shared Teiglum Kung Foo with Neil Chrighton. Both of these did a great job for he flock, producing growth, fleshy sheep with plenty of breed character as well as decent figures.”

With increasing numbers of flocks recording in recent years Ian says it is now much easier to buy tups with good figures as well as the other essential traits. “Buying the type of ram I want now is much easier and the figured sheep tend to be much more of the type I can breed Kelso tups from.”

Dominant tups used over the last few years include Brackenridge Underdog, a Teiglum Thunder son, which was shared with the Arkle and Alwent flocks, and Baltier I-catcher, which was another shared tup.

Teiglum Nightlight was another well used tup we bought with the Callerton flock for £8000 from Kelso.

“It was exciting to be involved with the exports and having sheep on the EBLEX stand at Paris Show was a particular highlight,” he adds.

“Overseas buyers tend to be looking for much the same type of sheep as our commercial buyers. They want correct, well muscled sheep and look for figures as a reassurance that they’re buying sheep with the right genetics.

“They don’t tend to be looking for excessive heads or power, but like a good balanced sheep all the way through.”

Domestic sale highlights include selling the 2014 Royal Highland Show champion at £6000 at Kelso to Anglea Nairey’s Meinspride flock as well as selling Glenway OO7 as a ram lamb at Lanark in 2008.

“He was a son of Garngour Neptune, a tup we shared with the Hexel flock, and out of

On top of that the flock also won the Society shield for the highest average for a pen of performance recorded shearlings at Kelso, selling 22 to average £1404. “At least six of the tups sold for pedigree use, with the third prize shearling from the Highland taking our second best price of £3800.”

“This has also given me confidence to rely on the figures more too as you can see how the genetics feed through to the next generation. It is a simple matter of the more you record the more you know and the more you can do with the information as a result.”

Progress with performance recording is paying off for Ian, with the average for the 2014 lamb crop being inside the top 5% of the breed. “It is important to have clear goals with recording and I’m focussing heavily on muscle depth and growth while at the same time avoiding sheep with negative fat EBVs.

Ian Murray - Glenway Texels

a Teiglum Kung Foo daughter and sold for 6000gns to John Campbell, Thrunton, with a third share retained for ourselves.

“Other sale highlights include selling Glenway Lion Heart at Lanark in 2005 to George Stuart at Birness and selling our Kelso champion for £2500 in 2006. We have previously sold breeders tups to £1800 at Kelso, bettering that in 2014 with tups at £6000 and £3800, with commercial buyers paying up to £1500 too.”

Ian says having detailed records of all aspects of the flock is vital in making key decisions on which ewes to flush too. “I only flush ewes with sound feet and udders and which have bred well before. Flushing ewes with problems makes no sense to me as you’re only multiplying up the problem in future generations.

Society Director Roy Campbell presenting Ian with the PRT Kelso trophy

When it comes to flock management Ian has been careful in the past to cull problem ewes, notably those with overgrown feet or udder problems. “There is no doubt in my mind that these are genetic issues and having culled hard for them in the past we’ve much better feet and udders on the ewes now. In fact I rarely touch the ewes feet these days.

The flock is largely grass fed, with ewes housed a week or so before lambing and out again as soon as the weather allows.

“We lamb in mid-February, with ewes fed a little before lambing and generally housed for two to three weeks post lambing to allow grass to get going before they’re turned out again.

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“Understanding of recording is improving all the time in the commercial sector and negative fat EBVs put customers off a sheep very quickly.”

“We house the tup lambs over winter too to give the grass a break, feeding them about 1.5lb a day through winter, having

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shorn them as lambs. Then they head back to grass as soon as possible and feeding stops in March, with no feed offered to the tups through the summer until early August when we start feeding again to put a little sale bloom on them.”

This low feed strategy is one Ian credits with delivering a high number of repeat customers every year and strong averages too. “Without a doubt our customers come back because they know our sheep won’t melt when they go to work. In 2012 we averaged £916 at Kelso and then we levelled at £840 on 2013, despite being the second last pen through the ring.

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“That was unfortunate as we had a number of regular customers who bought from other flocks rather than risk missing out on ours later in the day.”

And while Ian is determined to let the sheep talk for themselves come sale day, he does enjoy the social and competitive element of summer showing too. “Showing is a great way to promote the flock and has a very social side too. We’ve done well over the years, with the obvious highlight being winning the Highland last year.

“It has always been one of my ambitions and to have fulfilled it meant a lot. Whether I ever fulfil my other two ambitions, to have the top price and top average at Kelso remains to be seen!”

Aside from this year’s Royal Highland success the Glenway flock has also picked up tickets at Ingliston over the years, winning the performance recorded ram lamb class in 2008 with Glenway OO7 and having the second and third prize shearling tups in 2013. “Being well placed with shearlings at the Highland is always good as a number of sheep in that class have usually been bought for a lot of money as lambs the year before.

“We also won the champion of champions title at Duns in 2012 with a one crop ewe by Muiresk Forever and regularly do well at other local shows, including Northumberland, Border Union, Glendale and Duns. This year’s Glendale show saw a full sister to the Highland champion tapped out as breed champion and reserve interbreed champion,” he adds.

Cefyn Pryce - Caereinion Texels

inning the PRT Shield at the main NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells, for the second year in a row was Cefyn Pryce with his pen from the Caereinion flock, Welshpool, who received the shield from Roy Hughes, Regional area Director.

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Leading the sale for Cefyn was Caereinion Ur the Boy which sold at 4600gns and is a Caereinion Number One son out of a dam

by Summerwood Grand Union. This ET bred shearling sold with an index of 250.

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The Caereinion pen of 10 shearling rams levelled the sale at £1609, some £640 ahead

of the second best pen of the day which came from Michael James Duhonw flock, Builth Wells.

Cefyn Pryce - Caereinion Texels

PRT Shield 2014 - NSA Builth Wells

Society Director Roy Hughes presenting Cefyn with the PRT Builth Wells Shield

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Michael James - Dunhonw Texels 2nd place best average for a pen of Performance Recorded Texels - Builth Wells 2014.

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reeding sound commercial tups for their own use was the spark behind the establishment of Michael and Ella Jame’s Maesmynis, Builth Wells-based Dunhonw flock of Texels.

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However, as Michael readily admits that original founding concept has been somewhat overtaken by his own enjoyment of the challenge breeding pedigree stock poses.

Already a household name in the Bluefaced Leicester breed the Duhonw prefix is now quickly establishing itself in the Welsh Texel scene, selling to a top of 1950gns at the main NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells, in 2014 and leveling the day at £940, the second highest average achieved by a performance recorded flock.

“We every much set out with the idea of breeding tups for our own use with the view to selling a few strong commercial shearlings locally and further afield.

“However, it’s fair to say I’ve got the Texel bug and the challenge of constantly trying to improve our breeding potential is something which fascinates in any breed, be it the Texels, the Bluefaced Leicesters or the 600 Beulah ewes we run on our open hill ground.”

Foundation ewes for the flock came from the Loosebeare, Penstones, Scolton, Rowden and Tynewydd flocks, with the founding sire being Canllefaes Oscar Winning.

‘Every ewe in the flock of 30 which was tupped this year has been bred up from those first females and I’m keen to keep developing the ewe flock from our own genetics as we know they work I our system.

“Our farm starts at 1050 feet up and rises to 1500 feet, so we need to be sure the sheep we farm can cope up here. Breeding from our own females which have adapted and thrived in our system is the best way forward for us and I’m a firm believer in limiting the disease risks by maintaining a closed flock whenever possible,” explains Michael.

“We’re still very much focused on breeding commercial tups, looking to produce long, clean tups with good backends and tops and tight skins.

“That’s where the bread and butter is for us in any breed and the Texels are no different, without a solid commercial base we’ve got no future.”

Focussing on that commercial customer base Michael and Ella are careful with tup selection and have had success with Kelso Picasso semen in the past as well as the stock tup Hull House Texas Jack. “He was a maternal brother to Hull House Space Cowboy and did a great job for us, breeding power and breed character with

Michael and Henry James – Dunhonw Texels

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Michael James - Dunhonw Texels

great fleshing. Not that we want to breed excessive heads, but we need to keep the breed character there too,” he adds.

Michael James - Dunhonw Texels

“With that in mind we bought Wayside U Bet at the Welsh Premier Sale in 2013 with the aim of breeding slightly sharper heads while keeping the flesh on our sheep.

“He’s done a decent job and left a decent crop of lambs which will hopefully make a strong pen of shearlings for Builth this year and his ewe lambs look promising too.”

Sires for the 2015 lamb crop include the 42,000gns Tullylagan Tonka, alongside Glenside Victory II, a lamb with an index of 344 which was bought at the English National Sale and Meinspride Usain a Glenside Razzle Dazzle son which was the first prize shearling at the Solway and Tyne Club Sale, Carlisle, when bought for 4400gns.

And in line with taking a balanced view of the flock’s progress Michael says recording is a beneficial tool, but not a driving focus of

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the flock’s development. “Crucially for us it’s another useful marketing tool and gives us the chance to market our tups to a wider range of customers.

“We’re conscious of the figures when it comes to buying new tups, but it is far and away from being the main focus of our selection. We have a clear focus on breeding correct and commercially relevant sheep first and foremost and that’s where our main income will always be.

“At the major sales like the NSA sale there is no doubt that figures are becoming a more important factor in buyers’ decisions and we as breeders have to take notice of that.”

When it comes to selecting new stock tups Michael says the key attributes of correctness and fleshing are the foundations of his selection. “If I’m looking at a pen of tups with figures then obviously I take note of what’s what and look to buy the better figured sheep if it suits what we need.

But as a recently established flock he does have concerns about the degree to which linkage to other recorded stock contributes to the calculation of EBVs. “I fully understand the principle being applies, but I worry that as a new flock with relatively low linkage our sheep don’t always have the index they might have in a more established flock.

“I think the weighting given to the raw data needs to be reviewed, particularly where flocks are getting established and not necessarily using stock from established recorders.”

Looking ahead both Michael and Ella agree that the flock’s future is secure at NeuaddBleanduhonw and expansion is on the cards.

“We’d like to get to about 50 ewes over the next few years to ensure we can service the demand for our tups and make them a valuable part of the farming system.

“Obviously the Bluefaced Leicesters are the most prolific, scanning this year at 253%, but the others aren’t far behind and fit well to our system,” he explains.

“We generally leave the Texel ewes out for as long as possible before lambing to keep them fit, with ewes back out again about 24 hours after lambing, all being well.

“Lambs are then creep fed until mid-June when they’re weaned and they generally move to a new grass ley to keep them moving forward. The ram lambs then come in to the shed before Christmas to help take pressure of the grass, while the ewe lambs stay out, never coming in,” says Michael.

“Importantly we keep the tup hogs off feed once they go out again, with feed reintroduced in July in readiness for the sales.”

The family would like to produce lambs for the National Sales in due course, but it isn’t a priority for the flock. “Of course we’d love to have lambs suitable for Lanark, but it’s not always possible and producing strong shearlings is our aim and with the farm rising to 1500ft its probably what our ground is best suited to.”

Michael James - Dunhonw Texels

“However, I’m not adverse to buying unrecorded sheep it the sheep fits what we need to match up with our ewes. Breeding is a jigsaw puzzle and we always look to buy the next piece of the puzzle whichever breed we’re looking at,” he adds.

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“At the moment we’ve been enjoying a good run and every year until this year the Texels have scanned at more than 200% which matches up well with the performance from the other breeds, with the Mules generally scanning at in excess of 200% and selling at 200% and the Beulahs at about 175%180%.

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Performance recording paying dividends for the entire Texel breed ue to the integrated way in which pedigree and performance information is collected through BASCO, Estimated Breeding Values (EBV) are calculated for every Texel sheep on the database. One of the benefits of this approach is that it allows a comparison of the genetic merit of animals in performance recorded and non-recorded flocks.

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Marketing Texel Sheep using EBV’s www.texel.co.uk 156

The EBVs produced for non-recorded sheep are established using genetic linkage to animals that have been performance recorded. As a consequence the accuracy values produced for these EBVs will be lower than those produced for recorded sheep, but they still provide an interesting indication of the genetic merit of the unrecorded population. At a population

level this information allows a comparison of the rates of genetic gain achieved in both the recorded and non-recorded portions of the breed.

Figures 1 and 2 show the genetic gain in Scan Weight and Muscle Depth EBVs respectively. By comparing the genetic gain between recorded and non-recorded Texel populations, it is clear to see that the rates of genetic gain are greater in performance recorded animals – particularly when it comes to muscle depth, where rates are nearly twice as fast. This indicates how difficult it is to change a trait without measuring it, in the case of muscle depth it is those breeders measuring their sheep that are able to make the highest rates of genetic gain. Interestingly both populations

In 2014 12,793 Texel lambs were born in recorded flocks, 11,088 of these were ultrasound scanned. These performance recorded genetics are filtering throughout the entire breed and helping to take the

PRT

Whilst the rates of genetic gain are greater in the recorded portions of the Texel breed, the non-recorded population is not “standing still”. This population is changing as well for two reasons, firstly because these breeders are still selecting their fastest growing lambs for breeding and picking the largest, best grown rams at sales – and secondly because many of them are cherry picking and using high EBV breeding stock out of the performance recorded flocks – effectively multiplying up these recorded genetics.

breed forward. This highlights a key message for those flocks for whom performance recording is not an option, perhaps due to their small flock size – genetic gain can still be achieved by carefully studying the EBVs that are available within the breed and using the genetics produced in recorded flocks.

Take Home Messages •

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Performance recording in the Texel breed is allowing participating flocks to make high rates of genetic progress Non-recording flocks are also improving, in part due to the access they have to recorded sheep Genetic gain can be achieved by smaller flocks who don’t record by bringing in the right, performance recorded genetics.

The whole breed is benefitting from a breed wide approach to data collection and analysis

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are slightly leaner than the sheep being bred in 1992 and it is the non-recorded population that now contains the leanest genetics.

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In this section: Club Reports 2014 40th Anniversary National Flock Competition results

regional clubs

In touch with Texel

Regional Club Flock Competition Results 2014 Club Contact Details 2015 Club Sale Dates 2015

Derbyshire Club As I begin to write this report, it certainly does not seem almost a year since the last one. Must be something to do with old age!

Derbyshire Club

e have had a busy but enjoyable year, beginning with our Christmas Party at the beginning of January and being entertained with a magician who kept us on the edge of our seats as we tried to work out how he acquired someone’s watch. Luckily it was returned later on.

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The weekend trip away was attended by forty odd members and friends, firstly visiting the Penrith home of the Jenkins Family, to see the Whinfell Park Pedigree Limousins. We saw an outstanding herd of cattle with the £125,000 bull.

Our next visit was to the Arkle flock belonging to the Wilkinson Family, an outstanding flock which kept us all enthralled. The hospitality received from the two families was overwhelming and very much appreciated.

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The following morning we made our way to Lesmahagow Show. We joined the North West Club and saw some very good classes of sheep. Lastly, but by no means least, we visited the Clark Family to see the wonderful Garngour and Teiglum flocks and again really outstanding sheep and great hospitality. On Sunday we returned home after a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.

The open day was this year held at the home of the Boden Family, at Sportsmans Farm, and there was a good turnout of sheep in the individual classes. The Championship was awarded to Robert Cartledge and Reserve to our Chairman Ben Vernon. Michael Turner won best pair

and they were judged by Robbie Wilson, Milnbank. Credit must go to Charlie and family for the great flock of sheep he had on show and for the fantastic hospitality shown to us. The flock competition, at the end of August, was judged by Alan Clark. Fourteen flocks entered the Open and Newcomers.

The Champion was Ben Vernon and Reserve Champion was Frank Rushton.

Congratulations must go to Andrew Weston on winning Champion Flock at the North West Club Flock Competition. The Show and Sale at Bakewell proved successful for Michael Turner when he took the Championship with a ram lamb selling for 1050gns, Reserve being a shearling ewe belonging to Tony Stone. £346 was made for the Scropton Riding School for the disabled from the sale of teas, coffees and cakes made by our members at the English Winter Fair at Bingley Hall.

Congratulations again to Michael Turner and Ben Vernon on gaining Champion and Reserve at the North West Show and Sale.

Special thanks must go to Owen Beresford, our Treasurer, who retired this year after fourteen years keeping the finances in order.

Well done! Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank everyone for their help and support throughout the year and wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

Janet M Young Secretary

Dutch Texel Group

his year’s pre sale show was confidently judged by Mr Ian Clough (Raindale), Stape, N.Yorkshire.

Championship Honours this year went to a Shearling Ram ‘Bryn Llewellyn Urian’ from Mr David Hughes, Anglesey. Sired by Pennine Lovejoy and out of a ewe by Greenwood Jewel the ram was snapped up by J & D Hughes, Corwen. Reserve Champion was awarded to a Shearling ewe from S H & J B Rawlings (Wiston), Sired by Royal Flush and out of a ewe by Oberon she found a new home with this year’s judge Mr Clough. The full results can be found on the website.

‘Dutch Texels score double tops at English Winter Fair’

The sale ring was packed, with regular buyers and many new faces from all over the country, and the selling was brisk, resulting in an impressive 95% clearance of stock with increased averages in all sections. The highest pen average for five shearling rams or more, was achieved by Mr D Hughes, Bryn Llewellyn followed in second place by G R & A Foy, Parkside. It is so rewarding for breeders and buyers to see Dutch Texel sired lambs commanding a premium in the market place, which will surely ensure a solid future for the Dutch Texel.

Winning the continental and overall championship were a pair of purebred Dutch Texels from Mr I Clough and family’s Wyn Bank flock, Stape, Pickering, N.Yorkshire

I would like to congratulate everyone who has competed in the many shows, promoting the Dutch Texel with outstanding success. Unfortunately, I only have space here to mention just a few of the notable achievements (nice problem though).

Taking the supreme title was a pair of purebred Dutch Texels from Northamptonshire based David and Linda Wadland. The duo were sired by a ram actually purchased at Ruthin last year.

Standing reserve overall, were the champion pair of untrimmed lambs, again, a pair of Dutch Texels from Herefordshire based Robin Slade.

‘Dutch Texels lead the way at Countryside Live’

‘Dutch Texels shine at Borderway Agri. Expo’ Leading the way for the breed a pair of Dutch Texel sired lambs from J Hall & family, Inglewood Edge, Carlisle On a much sadder note, I have to mention the passing of Mr E L Williams (Pentre) who was one of our founder members and also Mr W Williams (Pant Cefn) who was a staunch supporter of the sale. As always, I would like to thank everybody for their support, in particular our committee, our Chairman Mr Gerwyn Davies and to our auctioneers Ruthin Farmers.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

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Dutch Texel Group

The 17th annual sale at Ruthin was an impressive display of top quality sheep which provided plenty of choice for both the pedigree and commercial buyer.

Wishing you all a happy, successful year.

Paula Barlow.

Secretary

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Dyfed Texel Breeders Report 2014 014 saw the formation of the Dyfed Texel Breeders Club and we kicked off proceedings with a Ram Safari.

Approximately 30 people turned out to view the offerings from the Ifan Ddu, Cwmcerrig, Steddfa & Teilo flocks for the upcoming Premier and NSA sales.

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Dyfed Club

As well as many others, members of the Dyfed club headed off to the various National sales, and NSA sales. Club highlights include Tomos & Selwyn Evans’ Welsh flock taking the overall championship at the early NSA sale in Builth Wells with a Cairness Ranger sired gimmer.This ewe realised 820gns and was sold to the Treweren flock of Gwilym Williams.Then at the first of the National sales DJJ Watkins & Co’s Cwmcerrig flock sold a Glenside Razzle Dazzle gimmer for 3000gns at Lanark to Mark & Val Collins of the Logram flock.

This was followed by the undoubted highlight of the year for club members Tomos & Selwyn Evans of the Welsh flock, who not only took the Female Championship at the English National at Worcester, but also took the reserve overall championship and the top price of the sale when they sold their Mossknowe Pudsey sired gimmer for 7000gns to the Sportsman’s flock of Boden & Davies.

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Following this came the NSA ram sale in Builth Wells, where all members of the club had stock present. In the pre-sale show The Welsh flock enjoyed further success when they won the ewe lamb class with their much admired Teiglum Tornado ewe lamb, and the Teilo flock of JE & L Davies took first in the open ram lamb class with Teilo Vorsyth (a Glenside Forsyth sired lamb out of the noted “square ewe” from the Aman flock, which was also the dam of 6,500gns Aman Vyrnwy). In the sale the Teilo flock topped

the lamb trade by getting 3,300 gns for Teilo Vawr, this Wydden U R Special son came 3rd in the Performance Recorded class and was jointly purchased by Ed Samuel, Messrs Creer, Ballyglonney, and Messrs Bradley Farmer.The first prize ewe lamb from the Welsh flock was subject to a private deal which saw her sold to a breeder from Northern Ireland.

In late September we then welcomed Carolyn Hastings and her husband Jimmy from the Courthill flock to judge our flock competition.The overall championship was awarded to the Welsh flock of Tomos & Selwyn Evans, and a cup was kindly donated by our sponsors and hosts for the evening Bryan and Ainslie Jones of the Cottage Inn, Llandeilo.

In early December we held an in lamb sale, and a very successful night was held with a large crowd descending on Ffairfach market in Llandeilo, and under the guidance of BJP we secured a 100% clearance.The Welsh flock topped off a fantastic year by claiming the overall championship in the pre-sale show with an aged ewe, and then continued their run of form by also taking the top price with a gimmer which sold for 1150gns to Gwilym Williams of the Treweren flock.The pre-sale show was judged by David Bradley Farmer.

We look forward with intrigue and excitement to see what 2015 brings, and wish all the best to our fellow breeders and look forward to seeing you all in the shows, sales and other social events throughout the year.

Alfryn Davies

Chairman

Dylan Jones

Secretary & Treasurer

Gloucester & Border Counties Club

he Chairman took revenge on his predecessor when we got to the skittles!

Meeting up in December and January for our annual Christmas social/dinner and Sunday lunch proved very popular, both events were very enjoyable with good food and more importantly good company.

Our early summer visit to the dog track is always a good way to shed a few pounds, I didn’t know so many asthmatic three legged greyhounds existed.

On to the flock competition, thanks to Jim and Trudy Davies for both, ably judging the competition and putting up with the chauffeur’s erratic driving, we saw some tremendous sheep and enjoyed great hospitality, the results are available on page 186.

Our thanks to the Smith’s at Slapton and the Leadbeaters at Blackbird for hosting our flock visits, a fantastic show of sheep (see pics on Gloucester club Face book page) do not walk past these pens at the sales, there are a lot of good ewes behind the breeding on show, also, get yourselves invited, The food - the food!

Thank you to all who came to us for lunchtea- sheep and the clay pigeon challenge, bit of an eye opener! The sun shone and the members mellowed, making a very relaxed enjoyable afternoon.

On to business, the club ram sale at Worcester met with a good solid trade, Paul Phillips, Kimbolton, taking champion.

Our in lamb sale goes from strength to strength, the highest ever average at a club sale with a 98% clearance, it’s an open sale so bring a couple with you, have a look at whats on offer and take a couple of new ones home, that’s an invitation.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

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Gloucester & Border Counties Club

The Gloucester club has had another busy year, we combined our AGM with supper and skittles, needless to say the AGM didn’t take long!

Matt Hobbs Chairman

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Highland Club Our year started as usual with our flock visit.

Highland Club Highland Club Flock Competition Winners

e headed to the North East to visit the Haddo, Deveronvale and Knock Flocks. As usual we had good support from members and an enjoyable weekend was had by all. We were lucky to view three outstanding flocks, each putting on a fantastic show of stock and generous hospitality.

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The next event on the calendar was the BBQ and Stockjudging which was well attended. Kindly hosted by the Barnetson Family at Lynegar, where members and friends enjoyed great hospitality .With a busy show and sale season club members had great success at both National and Local Breed sales. We then set sail for Orkney for our AGM and Annual Flock

Competition Dinner. Which was well supported and hailed a success by all attendees.

We were very honoured to have long time supporter and friend of the club, Brian Buchan as judge, and appreciated him giving up  his time to come North. This years AGM will be held in Thurso. Finally I would like to thank the members for their support during my time as Chairman, which has been a really enjoyable experience and wish the club and our new Chairman Jonnie Campbell all the best for the future.

Stephen Sutherland Chairman

Midland Club

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We struggled to get a reasonable number able to attend a flock visit this year so the Club was invited to join the Gloucester and Borders visiting the Leadbeater’s Blackbird Flock followed by lunch and the Smith’s Slapton Flock followed by afternoon tea.

Our most successful event was the Flock Competition. Our Members cover a large area so it was quite a feat for our Judge, Steve Smith, to get round in two days, but I must say, this was ably assisted by the Leadbeater Rally Team consisting of John driving and Barbara navigating (with a bit of sponsorship; MSA Rally Championship here we come!)

The Small Flock category was won by Dave Morley, the Large Flock by Barbara and Jo Smith and Supreme Champion Flock was awarded to Dave Morley.

As you all probably know, Dave and Jo are both keen young Members so the Midland Area Club is in safe hands with the next generation of Texel breeders.

The results were announced and prizes presented at our annual dinner again held at Whittlebury Hall, thanks to organisation

by Sam Smith. It was very well supported with a lovely meal and a good catch up so hopefully worthwhile for those members who travelled long distances.

Our final social event of the year for quite a number of our Members was the National AGM weekend near Chester. Good fun and I am awarding the Midland Club ‘Best Dance Floor Attendance’ on the Saturday night.

(See picture below)

Caption competition: Name the missing 2 members!

The AGM was held at Abthorpe Village Hall on the 18th November 2014 and although initial concern was for the continuation of the Club, it was decided we all wanted to keep in touch even if only a few times a year and on a mainly social footing so here’s to 2015. May it be a good one.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

e kicked off our year after a relatively weather-friendly lambing with a Table Skittles match (a type of skittles played in pubs and peculiar to Northamptonshire) and supper at the New Inn at Abthorpe against our local Stockman’s Club. None of us would make professional skittle players and sometimes the wearing of hard hats would have been advisable, but we had a giggle.

Midland Club

I have to say this has not been our busiest year for the Club but the few get togethers we had were enjoyed immensely by all attending so perhaps quality is better than quantity.

Barbara Smith Chairwoman

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North Scotland Club As with previous years our club events for 2014 started with the prime lamb competition.

North Scotland Club

eld at ANM, Thainstone, judged

by Gary Raeburn, with overall champion awarded to I Cooper, Backhill of Thornton, with a pair of 47kgs pure Texel’s selling for £150/hd. Reserve champion was awarded to L Scott, Wester Biffie with a pair of 43kg pure Texel’s, selling for £120/hd.

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To help promote the Texel breed the club provided sponsorship for the young handlers classes at Echt, Banchory, New Deer & Turriff shows and the club also presented four £100 vouchers, to be redeemed against a Texel ram at the September sale, for the highest priced (pence per kilo) lambs per month sold through ANM Ltd.

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This is the fourth year of the North East Show Competition, with Turriff as the compulsory show. Points are awarded for all Texel’s placed 1st - 4th, with Champion show flock awarded to Stuart G Barclay - Harestone and Reserve Champion awarded to W J Knox - Haddo. Best show attendance was awarded to Messrs W Cruden & C Cruden - Kirkton.

The annual club ram sale was held on 23rd September at ANM, Thainstone. 82 shearlings sold to a top of 950gns and averaged £553.88, down £40.28. Top priced shearlings were from Rodney W Blackhall, Sheeoch. 151 lambs sold to a top of 2,200gns and averaged £436.72, down £59.81 on the year. The top priced ram lamb was from James C Innes - Strathbogie and was a son of Tullagh Saracen.

Our flock competition was judged by George Howie, Knock, and was held on the 4th & 5th November. The prizes were awarded at the annual meal and AGM held in the Morris Hotel, Oldmeldrum. We had a good turnout with great hospitality provided.

The next event on the club calendar was the annual Christmas Classic on the 1st December. Champion was awarded to M Leggat, Maka, for a ewe lamb sired by Tullagh Saracen realising 2,400gns. Reserve champion was awarded to Robert H Wilson, Milnbank for a gimmer sired by Teiglum Tornado, in lamb to Glenside Valhalla.

Highest price of the evening went to a similar bred gimmer from Milnbank realising 3,500gns. The averages for the sale were: 68 gimmers sold to average £667.37 and 3 ewe lambs averaged £1,312.50.

On behalf of the club we extend our congratulations to all members who have done well at local & national sales and shows throughout the year. We wish to extend our sincere thanks to all members for their continued support and work throughout the year and we take this opportunity to welcome new members to the club and wish all every success for the coming year.

Olivia Donald Secretary

North Wales Club Club Sale at Gaerwen on Saturday 16th. August 2014.

The female champion was a shearling ewe

by Bryn Garth Tom out of a home bred ewe and the first prize shearling ram was Fachell U-Boat from Wyn Morris.

The other results are available on the website.

Flock Competition We held our flock competition in October this year just before the Society’s Anniversary flock competition.

Brian Joseph crossed the border from Shropshire into Wales to judge for us.

He met up with Alwyn Phillips who took him round the various flocks. They had a very enjoyable day and Brian awarded the champion flock to Osian Rhys’s Seiont flock.

This is a relatively new flock and continues to improve year on year. Osian went on to represent the club in the National Flock Competition where he made a very

Female Champion - Gaerwen 2014

favourable impression on the judge Brian MacTaggart.

Congratulations to Osian and thank you to everyone who took part. The full results are shown on page 193.

Flock Visit We headed south to Mid Wales for our visit this year. We went to visit Cefin and Nia Pryce and had an opportunity to see their Caereinion flock. In addition to their breeding ewes we saw an impressive selection of shearling rams which were destined for the Autumn Sales.

After lunch we went to visit the Bennett family and their Plasucha flock. We saw their donor ewes and a very good selection of shearling ewes and lambs from their 2014 crop.

Everyone who went had an excellent day out and I would like to thank both families for showing us round and feeding us so well.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Cefin Pryce from Llanfaircaereinion kindly judged the pre-sale show and awarded the male and show champion to Bryn Garth Volvo bred by J & H Thomas.Volvo was sired by Carran Sutherlands Star out of a home bred ewe and went on to be sold for 700 guineas.

North Wales Club

We had another excellent sale again this year. The shearling trade was strong throughout with the highest price reaching 840guineas. The ram lamb trade was improved with rams selling to 735 guineas.

There was a very good demand for both shearling ewes and ewe lambs and an almost complete clearance across the board.

John S Raff le Chairman

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Northern Area Club May 7th, our AGM, saw the beginning of our club year, with Sam Beachell (Samsar Texel) taking over the chair from Steve Richardson and Bob Payne taking the role of vice chairman.

Northern Area Club

ohn Mellin had the task of judging at the Great Yorkshire Show this year. Along with Society, Northern Area members help to put on a meal and refreshments after the showing in the Texel Society tent. It was very well supported.

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2014 Skipton September Ram Show/Sale,from left, John North and the reserve male champion, Jennifer Aiken and the supreme champion, Peter Woof with James Robinson’s reserve female champion and David Houghton with his reserve supreme champion.

A small number of members took a trip over to Jenkinson’s Open Day, near Penrith.

Taking a tour around both sheep and cattle, and then stopping at a local pub, for a meal and a drink.

Septembers Sale, the show judge was Neil Pamplin; he described his ram lamb supreme champion as “absolutely tremendous.” He said: “It stood out as soon as it walked into the ring.”

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The evening sale of females saw David Houghton’s Tophill flock lead the prices with his shearling gimmer bred from a ewe

by Knock Orion and sired by the 16,000gn Milnbank Times Square. In the ewe lamb class John Mellin’s Hull House flock produced the first prize with a daughter of Sportsmans Terrific II. Simon & Audrey Taylor gained top price with their 3,400gns shearling ram, Dearne House Undercover, which is sired by Rowlestone Robbie and it was Procters Farm Ltd who took first prize and Supreme Champion with the Tophill Union Jack son- Procters Viceroy bred from a Haddo Ringleader ewe.

Our Annual dinner in October was held at The Bridge Hotel, Walshford, a lovely venue and excellent food. Presentation took place for our flock competition which this year was judged by Sam & Sarah Beachell (Samsar Flock). Points Trophy award was won by William Watson. Some light entertainment was given from Jeff Aiken and Peter Longdin with some jokes.

The December In-Lamb Show and Sale, Paul Sykes was our judge. Averages were up on the year for Shearling and Aged Ewes and a clearance rate of over 90% was achieved.

The sale leader was the champion sheep from Proctors Farms. This Shearling Ewe sired by Proctors Sundance Kid that is itself a son of the 40,000gns Glenside Razzle Dazzle was sold carrying twins to the much admired Tophill Union Jack.

Sarah & Sam Beachell Secretary & Chairman

e then went to Andrew Neilson’s Brackenridge flock; again we saw a wonderful display of sheep. Thanks to the Neilson family for putting on such a wonderful afternoon tea. Saturday saw us join the Derbyshire club at Lesmahagow show where we had a wonderful day. In the evening it was off to the Clarks, where we were treated to seeing their flocks and a BBQ with plenty of refreshments, our day ended with a steady ride back to the hotel, a “Good day”.

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Sunday we went Carlinside where we saw more good sheep and such a lovely farm, our thanks go to the Currie family for a lovely lunch. Our thanks to all our hosts for their kindness & hospitality, and to Geoff & Jennifer for their hard work organising our weekend.

The next event was the North West progeny show, held at J36, Kendal, this was a huge success with 500+ people visiting. This took a lot of organising, our thanks go to Jill

(club secretary) & special thanks to Gemma Brown who made this event happen. Then we were into sale season which I think has been a good year.

We then held our flock competition which was well supported by members. This year’s judge was Jeff Aitken who awarded Andrew Weston’s Limestone flock the Championship. The results were given out at our annual dinner, which this year was held at the Yew Tree Inn which proved very popular. Thanks to Janet & Steve Symes for organising the venue.

This brings me to the end of my term as Chairman so I would like to thank the Committee & Members for all their support during my time in office and I’d like to wish Jeff all the best as new Chairman .

Thank you.

Peter woof Chairman

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

2014 saw the start of another busy year for the club starting with the May social weekend which took us to Lanarkshire Scotland. Our first flock visit was to Scrogtonhead and we all had our eyes opened to what shearling tups should look like, the quality was second to none!

We had lunch & refreshments’ at Scrogtonhead compliments of Peter & Lynn Gray.

North West Club

North West Club

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Northern Ireland Club

Northern Ireland Club

With Geoffrey Fleck at the helm in his second year as Chairman, the Club was sure to be busy in 2014. In January it was agreed we would produce a DVD to celebrate 40 years of Texel breeding in the UK, whilst also supporting the Children’s Hospice through sales - and so the fun began as “The Texel Breeders’ Year” was created. Our PRO Barbara Strawbridge, and her subcommittee worked tirelessly to organise its production and the camera started rolling in February as lambing commenced. ay saw members heading to RUAS, Balmoral Show where the Forkins flock won the breed Championship with a super gimmer. This was just one of many accolades they picked up throughout the show season, leading to Overall Volac Show Flock Champion 2014, with Springhill in reserve.

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In early June a group travelled to The Isle of Man for the Club’s first visit to the island enjoying the superb hospitality of the local breeders, while in late June we were also delighted to be able to fill a bus for a one day trip to the Irish National Championships in Donegal.

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July saw the Club gathering at the Henderson Family farm, home of the Ballynahone flock for our annual open night where breeders were enchanted with the stock on view and entertained with the various other attractions. Our thanks are extended to the Henderson family for their hard work and hospitality in running such an event to promote the breed to pedigree and commercial farmers alike.

Sale season commenced with the NI National sale which saw Springhill Uppercut selling to a top price of the day at 5,600 gns while the Female and Overall Show Champion from the Rohan flock sold to 4,000gns. At Lanark, club members John Leitch and the Hanthorn family both excelled with the Cornmore flock achieving

a top price of 85,000gns and the Mullan flock reaching a top price of 52,000gns.

November saw Northern Ireland bringing home the National Flock Championship Trophy when the Springhill Flock were announced overall winners of this prestigious award at the AGM and Social Weekend in Chester. Back home at the end of the month, Springhill were once again crowned the Danske Bank Champion Texel Flock, with Forkins as reserve, which brought our club year to an end at the Annual Dinner and Awards ceremony.

Finally; thank you to all the Club members, society staff and fellow breeders throughout the UK who helped and supported both our Club Chairman, Geoffrey and myself during our time in office and best wishes to our new Chairman, Philip Hammond and secretary, Martin Warnock.

Karen Beacom Club Secretary

Phillip Hammond, Geoff Fleck, Karen Beacom and Martin Warnock

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The RUAS Balmoral Show 2014 had a good turnout of young handlers, with both junior and senior classes being judged by John McKerrow (Grougfoot Texels). The junior class was won by James McCombe and David Chestnutt was first in the senior class. Once again the young breeders held a guess the weight competition with Texel cross lambs, kindly supplied by the Jones’ Family Belfast. Guessing the correct weight was Harry Thompson from Randalstown.

The Texel Young Breeders returned to Antrim Agricultural Show with their Young Handler Competition, which was kindly sponsored by Dennis Hamill. Claire Beacom (Castleknowe) was the judge of the ewe lamb and ram lamb classes. First and second from each class were then put forward for the championship which was judged by Gordon Gray (Ettrick). He agreed it was stiff competition and after putting the young breeders through their paces awarded the Hamill Perpetual Cup to Robbie Foster and reserve champion to Bailie O’Connor.

Next up on the calendar was the Texel Club Open Night at Ballynahone Texel’s, Tobermore. Along with the usual BBQ feast which was supplied by Millars Meats Ballyclare, the Young Breeders ran a sports night filled with races and games. The rodeo sheep was another highlight for the young breeders who took it in turn to see who could hold on the longest to beat the ram.

The young breeders gathered together at the NI Texel Premier Sale at Ballymena. The young breeders ram lamb class was judged

by Carol Anne Warnock placing Mark Breen first. This was the third year of the Elite Ewe Lamb class for the young breeders, which Barry Farrell kindly came to judge.

He placed a Drumgooland ewe lamb first for Bailie. Later in the sale ring the young breeders gained an average of £945 for their ewe lambs.

The Texel dinner was a great night’s craic for the young handlers, with quizzes, dancing and awards. Nigel Hamill the President of the Young Breeders awarded the Texel Young Breeders award for 2014 to Claire Beacom who is Promotions Officer and assistant secretary for the Young Breeders Club. The night also gave members a chance to buy the eagerly awaited Texel Breeders Year DVD which features many of the young breeders. They also launched their new merchandise in the form of the blue and yellow hoodies, body warmers and coats.

The Young Breeders ended their successful year with another trip to Lanark’s Select Seven sale. They enjoyed the sale with some members making a few purchases to take home to Northern Ireland.

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

he year was kick started with the AGM and go-karting night at Raceview in Ballymena. During the AGM the 2013 committee was elected as follows Adrian Liggett, Andrew Hamill, Andrew Kennedy, Christina McCollam, Claire Beacom, David Chestnutt, Graham Foster, James Wilkinson, Johnathan Hammond, Nathan Armstrong, Richard Reynolds and Stephanie McCollam. The go-karting had some stiff competition with the competitiveness levels rising. Mathew French was the junior winner and David Chestnutt was the winner for the seniors.

Northern Ireland Club

Northern Ireland Young Texel Breeders

Claire Beacom

NIYTB Promotional Officer

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Ruthin Club Our annual flock competition was held during the first weekend in July with very good quality sheep on show.

Ruthin Club

good day was had by all with the whole day bathed in sunshine. I would like to thank everybody who supported it and gave us a good welcome and their time. Many thanks to our judge Mr John Raffle, ‘Penpadrig’ Texels who excellently judged the flocks. Results can be found on page 193.

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Many congratulations to everyone who took part in the many shows throughout the year promoting the qualities of the Texel, both live and on the hook. Our annual sale at Ruthin in September saw an excellent show of both rams and ewes resulting in an excellent clearance of stock to the pedigree and commercial market together with an excellent trade especially in the ram lambs and shearling rams sections.

This year’s show was kindly judged by Mr Harry Wilkinson ‘Arkle’ Texels who awarded the Champion to the new member of the club, Osian Rhys of ‘Seiont’ Texels. A full report of pre sale show results and prices can be found on the Ruthin Club page on the Texel website at www.texel.co.uk

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The AGM and annual presentation and awards night was held at the Cross Keys in Ruthin in December and was well attended, we enjoyed an excellent meal and a good night was had by all.

Robin presenting the Ram Lamb Trophy

This year the Club also created their Facebook page, giving the club and their members the opportunity to showcase their flocks prior to the sale.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to congratulate Iolo Prys Jones, ‘Llangwm’ Texels for being elected on the show & sales committee representing North Wales & Borders.

I would like to thank all of the committee members who work hard to promote our club, the auctioneers, buyers and everybody else who supports us.

Mr Robin Ellis Chairman

Scottish Club

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The Annual Trip took the club to the All Ireland Show of Texels held in Donegal where 12 members enjoyed an excellent few days. On the way to the show we visited the Springhill Flock of John Foster where everyone viewed some excellent stock and enjoyed first class hospitality.

The club continues to promote the breed by sponsoring live Texel Lamb events throughout the area. The club still feel that this is an outstanding method of demonstrating the extra value attained for Texel quality lambs. The events were held at St Boswells, Lanark, Ayr and both Stirling Markets. All markets reported a first class show of lambs with premiums being paid by all buyers.

For the third year the club held an outing to Kingsfield Linlithgow for a Golf and Laser Shooting Day. Once again this was a great day both for the sport and the socialising.

The Show and Sale at Lanark in September was again successful with the championship being awarded to a Ram Lamb from Steven Renwick, Craig Douglas which was later sold for 2600gns. 11 Shearlings average £551. 212 Ram Lambs average £489.29 and 11 Gimmers average £297.82.

Once again the club decided to hold an Exhibitor of the Year award taking in 5 local shows. Lawrie & Symington kindly sponsored this event which was a huge success. The overall winner of the competition was Gordon Gray’s Ettrick flock, 2nd was Robert Laird, Cambwell, 3rd J & H Clark, Garngour 4th D McKerrow, Nochnary.

This year’s flock competition attracted an entry of 21 flocks and resulted in a marathon three days for this year’s judge Jim Warnock, Watchknowe Our Annual Stockjudging took place in November where David Gray, Tima Flock, acted as Master Judge. The Open class was won

by David Clark, Juniors, John Paterson,Young Farmers, Alan McClarty.

The Clubs Carcase Competition was held at Wishaw abattoir in conjunction with the Macduff Beef Event. Some 28 lambs were entered for the competition with Callum Wight, Culterallers, Biggar taking the Champion and reserve. The lambs were later sold for £200 and £190 This rounded of a very busy year for the club and we all look forward to 2015 with optimism.

Brian Ross Secretary

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

he Championship was won by Graham Morrison’s Deveronvale Flock which was later sold for 1700gns with the reserve from the Knap Flock of Robert Cockburn selling for 700gns

Scottish Club

The clubs In-Lamb show and sale was held at Lanark in January where a good trade prevailed throughout with a high clearance.

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Shropshire & Borders Club A very busy 2014 was rounded off with the 2014 flock competition awards at the annual Christmas dinner where the “Waen Trophy” was presented to Mr Robert Evans for selling Hope Valley Utopia for 5,000gns.

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he Shropshire Show was held on Saturday 24th May. The judge was Mr Phil Houldey (Hartpury), who awarded the championship to the senior ram Cooilingel Thor exhibited by Steve and Carolynne Williams of the Wollascott Flock. The reserve champion was a ewe from the Sundorne Flock of Mr Roger Davies.

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The Progeny Show and Young handlers competition was held in June and was very efficiently judged by Mr Deri Morgan (Ty Newydd). The champion was a ewe-lamb sired by Garngour Upperclass exhibited by Megan Joseph of the Waen Flock and reserve champion was Cooilingel Thor and his two progeny exhibited by Steve and Carolynne Williams. In the Young Handlers competition Peter and Mary Gray awarded the Primary school age prize to Georgia Pilkington and awarded the Secondary school age prize to Megan Joseph.

The Prime Lamb competition held at Shrewsbury Market was entered by many local vendors and 7 YFC’s. There was an excellent show of finished lambs, which sold to a premium.

The three day trip took us to the North East where we stopped on the way to view the Hightecs and Stonedge Flocks of David and Matt Prince and the very successful farm shop and tea room. On Saturday we visited the Alwent Flock of Doug Nesbitt. In the afternoon we visited the Quercus Flock of Mr John Howard. On Sunday we visited the Stonehills Flock of Chris Riby. The hospitality extended to us by all our hosts was wonderful and the sheep viewed were top class.

The Flock competition held in June was judged

by Mrs Angela Nairey of the Meinspride Flock.

Congratulations to Will and Jackie Forrester who won the Champion Flock and to Robert Pierce who won the best gimmers award.

The one day flock visit took members to the Ffostyll Flock of Mr Phillip Evans at Talgarth, where we viewed some very good ewes and lambs and some excellent beef cattle. Later in the day we moved across to Sennybridge to view the Blaencar Flock of Mr Geoff Morgan where we viewed some excellent sheep. The hospitality from both flocks was superb.

The Shrewsbury Sale was judged by Robin Ellis (Eglur) who chose a shearling ram by Mellor Vale Tomahawk presented by Claybury Texels as his champion, which sold for the top price of 1,100gns.

The main Welshpool Sale was judged by Ed Samuels (Hendre) who chose a shearling ram from the Caereinion flock of Cefin Pryce as his champion, which sold for 1,800gns.

Congratulations also to Cefin for selling to 4,600gns at the NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells.

This was the highest price achieved this year by a local club member and Cefin and Nia were presented with the ‘Waen Trophy’ at the clubs Christmas dinner.

The year was rounded off with a very successful in-lamb sale at Welshpool with a top price of 3,500gns and another at 2,600gns from Robert Bennett of the Plasucha Flock. The champion from James Ruggerim Gyrhos, made 1,700gns.

Shirley Jones Club Secretary

Solway & Tyne Club

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Social Evening Our congratulations go to the Graham family ‘Hallrigg’ flock on winning the Tinwald points trophy once again. The Clubs chosen charity in 2014 was ‘The Heart Centre Charity fund’, for which we raised £1,056.12

Agri Expo 2014 This year on the stand we showed a film which the club had made at our first sale, showing the highest priced sheep sold at the sale. The event was a huge success with thousands attending.

Sales The first sale, saw the championship go to a ram lamb from the Clark family’s ‘Garngour’ flock, Garngour Vodka was sold for 12,000gns.Top price for the first sale was a ram lamb Castlecairn Vava Voom which sold for 38,000gns. Leading the shearling rams were Proctors Farm selling for 5,000gns.

The leading price in the Shearling gimmers was from the Ettrick flock making 3,000gns.

The end of the females saw the Baltier flock

reduction sale topping twice at 6,000gns.

Averages; Ram lambs £1,122.40, Shearling rams £869.40, aged rams £472.50, Shearling gimmers £589.91, Baltier and Kirrin shearling gimmers £2,244.91, Ewe lambs £385.

The second sale saw the championship go to a ram lamb from the ‘Haddo’ flock.

Averages; Ram lambs £429.81, Shearling rams £534.26, Shearling gimmers £417.72.

The December In Lamb sale saw the Championship go to the ‘Plasucha’ flock for Robert Bennett, which also took the top price of the sale for 2,500gns.

Averages; Shearling gimmers £527.55, Ewe lambs £318.50 Thank you to all members who have helped out in 2014 and supported the clubs events.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2015 at the arranged weekend visit, flock visits and club sales.

Finally I would like to thank all the past chairmen and committee members who I have worked with over the last 10 years, and wish the new secretary well in her new role.

Emma Pigg

Club secretary

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

he middle of August saw club members travel to visit the MacGregor’s ‘Allanfauld’ and Alisdair Beaton’s ‘Wester Crosshil’ flocks. Once again these were both fantastic visits with excellent Texel sheep on show, but also the Allanfauld herd of Charollais cattle. Our thanks go to both families for a great day and their hospitality.

Solway & Tyne Club

Flock visit to ‘Allanfauld’ and ‘Wester Crosshill’

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South Eastern Club The 2014 South East Texel Group Autumn Ram Sale was held at Ashford Market on Friday September 12th.

South Eastern Club

n the Recorded Ram class the Judge, Roland Frampton, awarded Trinidad Investments 1st Prize and PH and PE Skinner 2nd and 3rd Prizes.

In the Open class the 1st prize went to Mr and Mrs R Warnock, 2nd prize to Ms K Potter and 3rd Prize to Mr and Mrs R Warnock.

I

The Champion Ram went to Trinidad Investments. The Best Pen of Shearling Rams was awarded to Mr and Mrs R Warnock.

On September 18th several of the group members entered rams in the Dolphin Ram Sale at the South of England Show Ground in Ardingly.

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Jim Horn’s ram was judged Best Ram by Mark Lee and a satisfactory trade followed, with an almost complete clearance.

Our 2015 Ram Show and Sale will be on Friday 11th September at Ashford.

I hope to see many of the members there.

Unfortunately for various reasons we were unable to participate in social gatherings this year. Anyone wishing to support the Texel Breed in this area is invited to contact me on 01444 247946 regarding membership.

Bill Baldock Chairman

ur annual trip was to Worcester and Cambridgeshire. A visit to the White Hart Flock of Jim and Nicky Hartwright, then onto Stephen Cobalds’ Lavenham Flock.

Everyone was inspired by his Texels and his outstanding farming. Then on to Sylvia Rawling’s Wiston Dutch Texels. In a beautiful setting we were treated to excellent hospitality.

Next to John and Sarah Williams’ Honeyhill flock. Quality Texels continued with John and Barbara Leadbeater, Blackbird flock. What a wonderful weekend made by the genuine members on the trip and the hospitality and consideration of our hosts.

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Our flock competition judged by Geoff Plant resulted in the Aman Flock being the overall champion with Blaencar Reserve.

Deri Morgan judged the Early NSA ram sale with Selwyn and Tomos Evans selling their Champion Yearling ewe to join Gwylim Williams’ Treweren flock.

At the Club sale the champion went to a shearling ewe from Scolton. A stock judging competition was also held at the sale, thanks go to Canllefaes and John and Abercrychan for the stock allowing the opportunity for commercial purchasers to engage with the breed.

What an exellent day the NSA Main Ram sale at Builth Wells was for the South Wales club. The pen of 27 Scolton yearling rams averaged £1600 congratulations to the Reed family. The top price from their pen was 6,800gns. Llanthomas also sold a yearling for 3,600gns. In the ram lambs Teilo sold to 3,300gns.

Dunbia Meats was the destination for 33 members on a very educational, social and interesting tour of the plant. Everyone really enjoyed the afternoon.

Our member of the year was Rhodri Jones (Llanthomas) for a well deserved second year . Rhodri writes excellent reports for the Club’s Society Page, keeping our Facebook page up to date with interesting facts and photos, well worth reading!

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

The year started with the progeny show. Gary Howells (Tycam) ably judged the well supported classes. Selwyn and Tomos Evans (Welsh) were the overall champions. And our thanks go to Deri Morgan and family (Tynewydd) for hosting the AGM.

South Wales Club

South Wales Club

It has been an honour to be the Chairman of a friendly, hospitable and fun loving club.

Russell Watkins Chairman

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South West Club 2014 has seen yet another very successful year for Texels in the South West.

South West Club

exel rams are now the dominant terminal sire in the country and this has been reflected here in the South West. At the NSA ram sale in August Texel rams averaged £537, which was up £64 on the year. Congratulations must go to Malcolm Yeo for breeding and showing the Champion, which made £950gns and also to Michael Lear, who had the top price of £1150gns. Well done to both on these excellent sales.

T

At Devon County Show, the Quick’s took Champion Texel and Interbreed Champion with their Shearling Ewe. The Chave’s had the Texel Male Champion with a Shearling Ram. The Devon County Show 2014 was the Society’s nominated Southern Show of the Year and we were very glad to receive John Yates and other Board Members on the day. This was marked with a very enjoyable reception following the judging.

Following the success of this reception it had been suggested that we hold a reception following the judging at the Royal Cornwall Show in 2015, which will help exhibitors and members to socialise.

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At Royal Cornwall Show the Quick’s took Texel Champion and Interbreed Champion with a Texel Aged ram.

averaged £790, the Quick’s averaged £835 and the Draper’s averaged £862.

Rams that have come into the area are Milnbank Vorderman that cost 3,600gns at Worcester, which is jointly owned by Quicks’ and Nicky Hartwright, two Whitehart Shearling rams which are owned by Quicks’ and Philip Martyn-Uglow.

In June we had an excellent Club outing to the Whitehart flock in Worcestershire.

Nicky, Jim and Margaret had gone to much trouble to put on an outstanding day for the benefit of our members and we saw some tremendous Texels on the day. Our grateful thanks go to all the Hartwright family.

As winners of the 2013 Flock Competition, the Chave’s flock went forward to represent the South West in the National Flock Competition, which has recently been judged

by Brian MacTaggart In 2015 Paul Quick will be hosting the South West NSA Sheep Event on Tuesday 16 June.

The Club will be having a stand at this event and it is hoped that we will have the main stand down from Stoneleigh complete with John Yates!!

At the sales at Carlisle the Quick’s had second prize Shearling Ram, which made 4,400gns and another one made 3,500gns.

Chave’s had fourth prize Shearling Ewe.

Lastly but not least, I would like to thank Sue, Henry and David Chave for hosting the AGM, for all the work that they have put into the preparation. Following a magnificent lunch we were given a tour of their flock, which was enjoyed by the many members who attended.

At the early Builth NSA sale Quick’s had the Champion Male, which made 1,000gns.

At the late Builth NSA sale, Chave’s

Alan Draper Chairman

In June, at the Royal Bath and West Show, a presentation was made to David Farmer (snr) who has retired as club treasurer. He was our first treasurer, and only ever one, and made a splendid job keeping us and our finances in order. Valerie Durnford (01666 577723) has taken his place.

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The 49 shearling rams averaged £439 and the 19 shearling ewes averaged £310

The flock competition was judged by Colin Ponting (with Kate as his Personal Assistant) and he awarded the Champion Flock cup to Adrian Dufosee and family. John Studley was driver and guide.

Our show and sale will again be at The Wilton Great Fair on 10th September 2015 - Auctioneers - Southern Counties 01722 321215

Georgie Helyer Chairman

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

ur club show and sale in September at Wilton again proved very popular. The show was judged by Robert Burroughs who found his champion in a shearling ram, (by Meon Down Spartacus, out of a ewe by Haremoss Important Boy) from Waid and Georgie Helyer. This was later sold for the top price of 620gns. 100% of the females on offer were sold with Dufosee’s shearling being champion female and top price female at 375 gns. The (late) Jean Harford plate for champion pen was awarded to Waid and Georgie Helyer.

Title Goes Here

Southern Central Club

David and Maureen Farmer

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40th Anniversary National Flock Competition 2014 Judged by Brian MacTaggart - Douganhill Texel’s

National Flock Competition 2014

National Champion Flock - Springhill Texels - Northern Ireland

When Brian MacTaggart was asked to act as the Judge of the 40th Anniversary National Flock competition he says he was ‘chuffed to bits’ and looked forward to visiting the 17 nominated flocks throughout the UK. Each flock had qualified for the competition as the winner of their own regional flock competition in either 2013 or 2014, judging took place during October 2014. However, owing to Brian’s poor sense of direction he had not quite realised the distance from Dumfries and Galloway

www.texel.co.uk Reserve National Champion Flock Crailloch Texels - Solway & Tyne

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of said flocks! Fortunately he was ably accompanied by various friends and family on his epic journey.

Brian says he was looking for flocks with good strong females with equal strength over Gimmers and Ewes throughout. The top flocks all excelled and had beautifully balanced qualities - top ends, good skins and all reflected the development and improvement of the Texel breed over the past 40 years.

The Champion flock was the Foster family’s Springhill flock, the Champion in the Northern Irish flock competition in 2013 Regional Texel Club

and 2014 and is regularly among the leading prices at the Northern Irish Premier Sale.

Brian says he was overwhelmed by the sheer power, volume, correctness and presentation of the flock when he saw them.

The Society thanks Brian for taking on this massive task, all that helped along the way, the Regional Clubs for their nominations & all the Flocks that took part.

Member

National Flock Competition 2014

Brian’s Reserve Champion flock was Solway & Tyne’s Champion of 2014 - Angus and Helen McColm’s Crailloch Texels. Brian says the flock has uniformity in ewe lambs, gimmers and ewes equally, with balance, good skins, back ends and braw white heads.

Janice & Brian MacTaggart presenting to Reserve Champions, Angus & Helen McColm - Crailloch Texels

Flock

Derbyshire

Ben Vernon

CHARBEN

Eastern

Tom, Joe & Alex Lockhart

MELTON CONSTABLE

Glos & Borders

J & B Leadbeater

BLACKBIRD

Highland

Keith Hourston

DIDCOT

Midlands

John & Sarah Williams

HONEYHILL

Northern

John Mellin

HULL HOUSE

Northern Ireland

J R & G Foster

SPRINGHILL

North Wales

Osian Rhys

SEIONT

North West

A & B Weston

LIMESTONE

North Scotland

Graham Morrison

DEVERONVALE

Ruthin

Iolo Prys Jones

LLANGWM

Scottish

J & H Clark

CLARKS

Shropshire & B

W & J Forrester

DOONGUILE

Solway & Tyne

Mr A McColm

CRAILLOCH

Southern Central

Adrian Dufosee

DEVERILL

South Wales

J & G Y Davies

AMAN

South West

F Chave

PEACEHAY

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

40th Anniversary National Flock Competition Champion - Janice & Brian MacTaggart presenting to John & Helga Foster - Springhill Texels

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Derbyshire Judge: Alan Clark - GARNGOUR,TEIGLUM & CLARKS Best Flock 1st Ben Vernon - CHARBEN

Flock Competition Results 2014 www.texel.co.uk 192

2nd Frank Rushton - FRESHFIELDS 3rd Paul Johnson - CORRIECRAVIE Best Homebred Ram

Best Stock Ram. Progeny in Flock

1st Frank Rushton - FRESHFIELDS FRESHFIELDS V8 - RFF1400152

1st Frank Rushton - FRESHFIELDS FRESH FIELDS UNIMOG RFF1300146

2nd Paul Johnson - CORRIECRAVIE CORRIECRAVIE UNLEASHED JTC1300448

2nd Robert Cartledge - PLATTIN CHARBEN UMBUG VBC1300886

Chris Mallaber – GROVEWOOD MYT1300383

3rd Paul Johnson - CORRIECRAVIE CORRIECRAVIE UNION PACIFIC JTC1300449

Best Three Shearling Ewes

Best Three Ewe Lambs

1st Ben Vernon - CHARBEN

1st Ben Vernon - CHARBEN

2nd Frank Rushton - FRESHFIELDS

2nd Frank Rushton - FRESHFIELDS

3rd Robert Cartledge - PLATTIN

3rd Paul Johnson - CORRIECRAVIE

Overall Champion

Reserve Champion

Ben Vernon - CHARBEN

Frank Rushton - FRESHFIELDS

Best Homebred Ram

Best Stock Ram. Progeny in Flock

1st Richard Sowter - HAZLEHOOD HAZLEHOOD VINCENT SRV1400125

1st Stewart Talbot - JENAH JENAH SEVERUS TBO1100233

2nd Michael Turner - OKEHALL OKEHALL VIPER TMO1400025

2nd Richard Sowter - HAZLEHOOD HAZLEHOOD UPPERMOST I SRV1300090

3rd Richard Sowter - HAZLEHOOD HAZLEHOOD VOLT SRV1400132

3rd Richard Sowter - HAZLEHOOD HAZLEHOOD UNITED SRV1300096

Best Three Shearling Ewes

Best Three Ewe Lamb

1st Dean Clamp - BROADFIELDS

1st Michael Turner - OKEHALL

2nd Peter Barlow - MOORCLOSE

2nd Dean Clamp - BROADFIELDS

3rd Richard Sowter - HAZLEHOOD

3rd Peter Barlow - MOORCLOSE

Best Newcomer Flock

Flock Competition Results 2014

Derbyshire Club Newcomers

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Peter Barlow - MOORCLOSE

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Dyfed Club Judges: Carolyn Hastings - COURTHILL

Flock Competition Results 2014

Best Large Flock

Best Small FLock

1st Messrs Selwyn Evans - WELSH

1st D J J Watkins - CWMCERRIG

2nd J E & L Davies - TEILO

2nd Carwen Lewis - HATHREN

3rd Stelfox Farms Ltd - STELFOX

3rd David Alfryn Davies - IFAN DDU

Best Ewe Lambs 1st D J J Watkins - CWMCERRIG 2nd J E & L Davies - TEILO 3rd - Messrs Selwyn Davies - WELSH Champion Flock Messrs Selwyn Davies - WELSH

Gloucester and Border Counties Judges : James & Trudy Davies - TRUJIM Best Large Flock

Best Small FLock

1st J & B Leadbeater - BLACKBIRD

1st P & C Houldey - HARTPURY

2nd David Corfield - FORDWELL

2nd Paul Phillips - KIMBOLTON 3rd Jack & Charlie Baldwyn - CRUISE HILL & Paul King - MURCOTT

Best Pen of Ram Lambs J & B Leadbeater - BLACKBIRD

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Champion Flock J & B Leadbeater - BLACKBIRD

Highlands Best Large Flock

Best Medium Flock

1st Keith Hourston - DIDCOT

1st Douglas Webster - LOWER REISS

2nd Charles & Isobel Angus - OLDFIELD

2nd James Cowe - HOXA

3rd Johnnie Campbell BARDNACLAVAN

3rd Stephen Sutherland - SIBMISTER

Best Small Flock

Ewe Lambs Large Flock

1st John Forbes - BOULTACH

1st Charles & Isobel Angus - OLDFIELD

2nd Alan & Ewen Simpson

2nd Keith Hourston - DIDCOT

3rd Euan Campbell

3rd Johnnie Campbell - BARDNACLAVAN

Ewe Lambs Medium Flock

Ewe Lambs Small Flock

1st James Cowe - HOXA

1st James & Elsie Wishart

2nd Douglas Webster - LOWER REISS

2nd Euan Campbell

3rd Robert Rendall - WESTRAY

3rd John Forbes - BOULTACH

Flock Competition Results 2014

Judge : Brian Buchan - CLINTERTY

Best Stud Ram 1st Charles & Isobel Angus - OLDFIELD TIMEBOMB - AOO1201687 3rd Jim Leitch - HAYMOUNT UKELELE - AWJ1300535 Best Overall Flock

Reserve Overall Flock

Keith Hourston - DIDCOT

Charles & Isobel Angus - OLDFIELD

Overall Pen of Ewe Lambs Charles & Isobel Angus - OLDFIELD

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

2nd Jack Anderson - TAPANUI SQUIRE - MBX1100261

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Midlands Judge : Steve Smith - PENPARC

Flock Competition Results 2014 www.texel.co.uk 196

Best Large Flock

Best Small Flock

1st R B & J Smith - SLAPTON

1st D Morley - MORSTON

Senior Stock Ram

Junior Stock Ram

1st D Morley - CLUN TITAN WSF1201461

1st R & M Lawrence - TEIGLUM VETERAN - CFT1403030

2nd R B & J Smith PEACEHAY RAZZLE DAZZLE CFP1000175

2nd R B & J Smith - ELMSCLEUGH ULTRA FORCE - DWE1308841

3rd D J & B J Leadbeater - CAMBWELL TITANIUM - LTC1201076

3rd H Ashley - MILLAR’S VAGABOND VMG1401005

Pen of Ewe Lambs

Pen of Ram Lambs

1st H Ashley - LINCS

1st J & S Williams - HONEYHILL

2nd D J & B J Leadbeater - BLACKBIRD

2nd R & M Lawrence - COTON

3rd P Barlow - MOORCLOSE

3rd D J & B J Leadbeater - BLACKBIRD

Overall Champion Flock

Overall Reserve Champion Flock

D Morley - MORSTON

R B & J Smith - SLAPTON

Northern Best Large Flock (30 ewes & over)

Best Small Flock (under 30 ewes)

1st Procters Farm Ltd - PROCTERS

1st A & G Brown - BROOKHILL

2nd J & L Mellin - HULL HOUSE

2nd P & H Makin - WILIAMBECK

3rd M Ireland - HEYS

3rd Jennifer Aiken - CONISTON

Ewe Lambs (10 large, 5 small)

Best Senior Stock Ram

1st Procters Farm Ltd - PROCTERS

1st Procters Farm Ltd - PROCTERS Scrogtonhead U Stoater - GLH1304107

2nd A & G Brown - BROOKHILL

2nd J & L Mellin - HULL HOUSE Langside Thunderbird - GAL1200716

3rd J & L Mellin - HULL HOUSE

3rd William Watson - Hull House Tiberius MJH1202681

Best Stock Lamb 1st J & L Mellin - HULL HOUSE - Garngour Vodka - CJN1403171

Flock Competition Results 2014

Judges : Sam and Sarah Beachell - SAMSAR

2nd P & H Makin - WILLIAMBECK - Procters Van Gogh - PFD1403586 Overall Champion Flock

Reserve Champion Flock

Procters Farm Ltd - PROCTERS

J & L Mellin - HULL HOUSE

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

3rd Procters Farm Ltd - PROCTERS - Stainton Viva Las Vegas - WPS1400687

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Northern Ireland Judge : John Greene - LARAHIRL

Flock Competition Results 2014 www.texel.co.uk 198

Best Large Flock (10 Lambs)

Best Medium Flock (6 Lambs)

1st A Gault - FORKINS

1st M Warnock - STRAIDARRAN

2nd Paul & Baillie O’ Connor DRUMGOOLAND

2nd Stephen McCollam - CARMAVY

3rd J Foster - SPRINGHILL

3rd C & M Mullan - BLUEGATE

Best Small Flock (4 Lambs)

Best Senior Stock Ram

1st Jack Gault - CHERRYVALE

1st Paul & Baillie O’ Connor DRUMGOOLAND OBERSTOWN USAIN BOLT - E.PFI1300026

2nd A Liggett - CORBO

2nd A Gault - FORKINS DUNCRYNE UBER COOL - JRV1300796

3rd A Breen - DRUMDERG

3rd N Ross - GLENROSS CURLEY USHER -TYC1300324

Best Junior Stock Ram

Large Flock

1st C & M Mullan - BLUEGATE VMM1400329

1st J Foster - SPRINGHILL

2nd B Williamson - FARMHILL A Liggett - CORBO O Donohoe - DERRYVORE SPRINGWELL VIERA - GRES1401411

2nd V Chestnutt - CLOUGHER

3rd V Chestnutt - CLOUGHER KILTARIFF VAGABOND - BBK1400643

3rd M & C Millar - MILLARS

Medium Flock

Small Flock

1st A Gault - FORKINS

1st A Breen - DRUMDERG

2nd Paul & Baillie O’ Connor DRUMGOOLAND

2nd A Liggett - CORBO

3rd Stephen McCollam - CARMAVY

3rd J Wilkinson - BALLYGROOGAN

Overall Champion J Foster - SPRINGHILL Reserve Overall Champion A Gault - FORKINS

North Scotland Large Flock

Medium Flock

1st Graham A S Morrison DEVERONVALE

1st Brian Buchan - CLINTERTY

2nd Mrs E Alexander - BREDDIE’S

2nd Messrs W Cruden & C Cruden KIRKTON

3rd R & K Davidson - CORSAIRTLY

3rd Messrs Donald - ORAI

Small Flock

Ewe Lambs Large Flock

1st Stuart G Barclay - HARESTONE

1st Mrs E Alexander - BREDDIE’S

2nd Mrs J Gunn - NEWMILL

2nd Graham A S Morrison DEVERONVALE

3rd Gavin Buchan - PENNAN

3rd R & K Davidson - CORSAIRTLY

Ewe Lambs Medium Flock

Ewe Lambs Small Flock

1st Messrs W Cruden & C Cruden KIRKTON

1st Stuart G Barclay - HARESTONE

2nd Messrs Donald - ORAI

2nd Mrs J Gunn - NEWMILL

Champion Stock Ram

Reserve Champion Stock Ram

Graham A S Morrison DEVERONVALE UNDERTONE I MGV1300463

R & K Davidson Duncryne Uncanny Ability JRV1300836

Flock Competition Results 2014

Judge : George Howie - KNOCK

Champion Pen of Ewe Lambs

Champion Flock

Stuart G Barclay - HARESTONE

Brian Buchan - CLINTERTY

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

3rd Gavin Buchan - PENNAN

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North West Judge: Jeff & Jennifer Aiken - PROCTERS & CONISTON Best Large Flock

Best Small Flock

Flock Competition Results 2014

1st John & Linda Mellin - HULL HOUSE

1st Andrew Weston - LIMESTONE

2nd Peter Woof - STAINTON

2nd Alex & Gemma Brown - BROOKHILL

3rd Mark Ireland - HEYS

3rd Robert Pierce - OLDFORD

Novice Flock

Best Stock Ram

1st William Watson - GILLIANS LAITHE

1st John & Linda Mellin - HULL HOUSE Langside Thunderbird - GAL1200716

2nd Chris Ladds - BENSON HALL

2nd William Watson - GILLIANS LAITHE Hull House Tiberius - MJH1202681

3rd William & Sharon Peill - PEILL

3rd Ann Jackson - NEWSTEAD Ettrick Vanilla - GGH1404181

Best Ewe Lambs - Large Flock

Best Ewe Lambs - Small Flock

1st Peter Woof - STAINTON

1st Alex & Gemma Brown - BROOKHILL

2nd Mark Ireland - HEYS

2nd Andrew Weston - LIMESTONE

3rd John & Linda Mellin - HULL HOUSE

3rd Robert Pierce - OLDFORD

Best Ewe Lambs - Novice Flock 1st Chris Ladds - BENSON HALL 2nd William & Sharon Peill - PEILL 3rd Ann Jackson - NEWSTEAD Overall Champion Flock Andrew Weston - LIMESTONE Reserve Champion John & Linda Mellin - HULL HOUSE

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Champion Ewe Lambs Peter Woof STAINTON

North Wales Judge: Brian Joseph - WAEN Champion Flock

3rd Alwyn Phillips - PENGELLI

Ruthin Judge : David Williams - CRICCIN Best Large Flock

Best Small Flock

1st I P Jones - LLANGWM

1st Carl Bellis - COSYN

2nd D Jones - KITROB

2nd Phil Parrish - BARTONHALL

3rd G W Jones - ERW Best Shearling Ewes (Large Flock)

Best Shearling Ewes (Small Flock)

1st G W Jones - ERW

1st Carl Bellis - COSYN

2nd I P Jones - LLANGWM

2nd Phil Parrish - BARTONHALL

Flock Competition Results 2014

1st Osian Rhys - SEIONT 2nd John S Raffle - PENPADRIG

Best Small Flock

Best Stock Tup

1st Carl Bellis - COSYN

G W Jones - ERW

2nd Phil Parrish - BARTONHALL Overall Champion Flock I P Jones - LLANGWM

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

3rd D Jones - KITROB

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Scottish Judge: J Warnock MBE - WATCHKNOWE

Flock Competition Results 2014

Best Large Flock

Ewe Lambs (Large Flock)

1st Mrs L Gray - SCROGTONHEAD

1st McCosh brothers - CULTERALLERS

2nd T & R Laird - CAMBWELL

2nd T & R Laird - CAMBWELL

3rd J P Forsyth - GLENSIDE

3rd Mrs L Gray - SCROGTONHEAD

Best Medium Flock

Ewe Lambs (Medium Flock)

1st A Beaton – WESTER CROSSHILL

1st J & H Clark - GARNGOUR

2nd J Currie & Sons - CARLINSIDE

2nd J Currie & sons - CARLINSIDE

3rd J & H Clark - GARNGOUR

3rd Clark Farms - TEIGLUM

Best Small Flock

Ewe Lambs (Small Flock)

1st Clark Farms - CLARKS

1st A Neilson - BRACKENRIDGE

2nd I Struthers - CRAIGEND

2nd Clark Farms - CLARKS

3rd A Neilson - BRACKENRIDGE

3rd J & I Dunlop - EASTFIELD

Stock Ram Mrs L Gray - SCROGTONHEAD - DECHMONT TRIPLE CHANCE - BDD1201871

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Champion Flock

Champion (Ewe Lambs)

Clark Farms - CLARKS

McCosh Brothers - CULTERALLERS

Reserve Champion

Reserve Champion (Ewe Lambs)

A Beaton - WESTER CROSSHILL

J & H Clark - GARNGOUR

Shropshire & Borders Best Large Flock

Best Medium Flock

1st W & J Forrester - DOONGUILE

1st R E J Pierce - OLDFORD

2nd S P & C P Williams - WOLLASCOTT

2nd M I & T E M Pritchard CRICKHEATH

3rd S & H Smith - PENPARC

3rd J & M Heather - SIX OAKS

Best Small Flock

Best Gimmers (Large Flock)

1st D Shields - CHAPELCOTT

S P & C P Williams - WOLLASCOTT

2nd M Foster - GROVE FARM 3rd G Meaden - CASTLEHYDE Best Gimmers (Medium Flock)

Best Gimmers (Small Flock)

R E J Pierce - OLDFORD

M Foster - GROVE FARM Champion Flock

W & J Forrester - DOONGUILE

Flock Competition Results 2014

Judge : Mrs Angela Nairey - MEINSPRIDE

Reserve Champion Flock S P & C P Williams - WOLLASCOTT R E J Pierce - OLDFORD Best Welsh Flock S & H Smith - PENPARC

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Best Gimmers

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Solway & Tyne Judge: Alan Clark - GARNGOUR, CLARK,TEIGLUM

Flock Competition Results 2014

Best Large Flock

Best Medium Flock

1st A McColm - CRAILLOCH

1st M MacTaggart - RASCARREL

2nd A Clark - FINEVALLEY

2nd A Vance - BRIDGEHOUSE

3rd Messrs Wilkinson - ARKLE

3rd Messrs Graham - HALLRIGG

Best Small Flock

Best Ewe Lambs (Large Flock)

1st A Mawson - MIDCOMBE

1st A McColm - CRAILLOCH

2nd H Currie - BURNHOLME

2nd A Clark - FINEVALLEY

3rd A Hamilton - SMYLLUM

3rd I Murray - GLENWAY

Best Ewe Lambs (Medium Flock)

Best Ewe Lambs (Small Flock)

1st M MacTaggart - RASCARREL

1st A Mawson - MIDCOMBE

2nd I Galloway - CLANTIBUIES

2nd W Tinning - MOSSBAND

3rd Messrs Graham - HALLRIGG

3rd H Currie - BURNHOLM

Champion Ewe lambs A McColm - CRAILLOCH Reserve Champion Ewe Lambs M MacTaggart - RASCARREL Best Stock Ram 1st I Murray - GLENWAY - BRACKENRIDGE UNDERDOG - NAB1300303 2nd H & I Woodmass - HARENE - CRAIG DOUGLAS VA VA VOOM - XSR1410085 3rd A Hamilton - SMYLLUM - CRAIG DOUGLAS VANILLA ICE - XSR1410081 Overall Champion Flock A McColm - CRAILLOCH

www.texel.co.uk 204

Overall Reserve Champion Flock A Mawson - MIDCOMBE

South Wales Best Large Flock

Best Medium Flock

1st W O J Reed & Co - SCOLTON

1st E G Morgan - BLAENCAR

2nd G P & M Jones - LLANTHOMAS

2nd Trudy & Jim Davies - TRUJIM

Joint 3rd E Evans & Son - SCURLAGE CASTLE Stelfox Farms Ltd - STELFOX

3rd Alan & Owen Hughes & Partners VALE

Best Small Flock

Best Stock Ram

1st John & Gloria Davies - AMAN

1st W O J Reed & Co - SCOLTON

2nd Des & Irena Lewis - EINON

2nd Owen Watkins - CAENANTMELYN & Alan & Owen Hughes & Partners - VALE

3rd D J J Watkins & Co - CWMCERRIG

3rd G P & M Jones - LLANTHOMAS

Best Gimmers 1st John & Gloria Davies - AMAN 2nd E G Morgan - BLAENCAR

Flock Competition Results 2014

Judge: Jeff Plant - BROMLEY

3rd Des & Irena Lewis - EINON John & Gloria Davies - AMAN Reserve Champion Flock E G Morgan - BLAENCAR

Southern Central Judge: Colin Ponting - PENSTONES Champion Flock Adrian Dufosee - DEVERILL

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

Champion Flock

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Regional Club Contact Details Club

Secretary

Chairman

Title GoesClub Regional HereContact Details

Derbyshire

Janet Young Tel: 01332519494 or 07989671914

Dutch Texel Group

Paula Barlow Tel: 01352720902

Gerwyn Davies Tel: 01745860210 or 07967587498

Email: paulababell@btinternet.com

Email: daviesgerwyn1@googlemail.com

Dylan Jones Tel: 01558669065 or 07971688521

David A Davies Tel: 01269831640 or 07973970088

Ben Vernon Tel: 01889591119 or 07966016477 Email:ben.vern17@hotmail.co.uk

Dyfed

Email: steddfatexels@hotmail.com

Eastern

Sylvia Rawlings Tel: 01206263142

Sylvia Rawlings Tel: 01206263142

Gloucester & Border Counties

Carol Houldey Tel: 01452780497 or 07527076044

Matt Hobbs Tel: 01242870477 or 07951325026

Email: pandc@hartpurytexels.orangehome.co.uk

Email: hobnobs@freeuk.com

Highland

Winnie MacDonald Tel: 01463870508 or 07759604382

Johnnie Campbell Tel:01847871257or07809506624

Email: winniehillside@btinternet.com

Midlands

Mandy Kellet Tel: 07784310780

Barbara Smith Tel: 01327860344 or 07773046620

Email: mandykellet@gmail.com

Email: info@slaptonmanor.co.uk

Barbara Leadbeater Tel: 01295 760229 Email: leadbeater@tiscali.co.uk

North of Scotland

Olivia Donald Tel: 01771644417 or 07789260371

Bertie Alexander Tel: 01464820424 or 07791696836

Email: millbrexfarm@btinternet.com

North Wales

www.texel.co.uk 206

North West

Alwyn Phillips Tel: 01286673519

John Raffle Tel: 01407710959 or 07717734832

Email: alwyn.phillips@btconnect.com

Email: jsraffle@yahoo.co.uk

Jill Mortimer-Tarbatt Tel: 07725806655

Jeff Aiken Tel: 07805 937 834

Email: jill@northwesttexels.co.uk

Northern Area

Sarah Beachell Tel: 01377270230 Email: samsar39@hotmail.com

Sam Beachell Tel: 01377270230 or 07989402913 Email: samsar39@hotmail.com

Secretary

Northern Ireland

Martin Warnock Tel: 07791679112

Chairman Phillip Hammond Tel: 02886762673

Email: nitexelbreedersclub@live.co.uk

Ruthin

Scottish

Shropshire & Borders Solway & Tyne South Eastern

Sion Owens Tel: 01824702025

Robin Ellis Tel: 07836587097

Email: rfa@ruthinfarmers.co.uk

Email: robinclwydellis@hotmail.com

Brian Ross Tel: 01555662281 or 0777124361

Andy Barr Tel: 01899 308062

Email: brian@lawrieandsymington.com

Email: andylynbarr@yahoo.com

Shirley Jones Tel: 01691652836

Mike Harding Tel: 01686630687 or 07840274704

Email: lowerforest@hotmail.co.uk

Email: mikeharding23@btinternet.com

Fiona Sloan Tel: 01387 870 653 or 07803 171 007

Craig Stoddart Tel: 07789 978 044

Email: solwayandtyne@hotmail.co.uk

Email: craigstoddart211@btinternet.com

Sarah Baldock Tel: 01444247946

Bill Baldock Tel: 01444247946

Regional Club Contact Title Goes Details Here

Club

Email: paws4thought9@hotmail.com

Gareth Griffiths Tel: 01874622488 Email: gareth@ctf-uk.com

Russell Watkins Tel: 01981 510249 Email: watkins249499@btinternet.com

Chair Elect - Bridget Booker Tel: 07887 648710 Email: bridgetbooker@btinternet.com

South West

Southern Central

Michelle Moore Tel: 07506 629475

Alan Draper Tel: 01363 866000

Email: michellem1961@hotmail.co.uk

Email: a-bdraper@btconnect.com

Mike Vesey Tel: 01722 321215 or 07971 571610

Mrs Georgie Helyer Tel: 01722 790396 or 07970 153550

Email: sca@auctionmarts.com

Email: helyerlottmead@aol.com

For further details please call the Society office or visit www.texel.co.uk

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

South Wales

207

Society Club Sales & Ram Sales 2015

Title Goes Society Club Here Sales & Ram Sales 2014 www.texel.co.uk 208

3 August BUILTH WELLS NSA Early Ram Sale Clee, Tompkinson & Francis Tel: 01874 622 488

15 August CHELFORD Frank Marshall Tel: 01625 861 122

15 August GAERWEN Morgan & Evans Tel: 01248 723 303

19 August EXETER LIVESTOCK MARKET Kivells Tel: 01392 251 261

3 - 4 September CARLISLE Harrison & Hetherington Tel: 01228 406 230

5 September SHREWSBURY Shrewsbury Livestock Auctioneers Tel: 01743 462 620

7 September NWA Jct 36 Tel: 015395 662 00

10 September WILTON Southern Counties Tel: 01722 321 215

11 September RUTHIN (DUTCH) Ruthin Farmers Auction Company Tel: 01824 702025

11 September ASHFORD Hobbs Parker Tel: 01233 502222

11 September KELSO For more details Tel: 01573 224 188

13 September LLANDOVERY Clee, Tompkinson & Francis Tel: 01874 622 488

13 - 14 September RUTHIN Ruthin Farmers Auction Tel: 01824 702 025

17 September LANARK Lawrie & Symington Tel: 01555 662 281

17 - 18 September SKIPTON Craven Cattle Mart Tel: 01756 792 375

19 September WORCESTER McCartneys Tel: 01905 769 770

19 September BAKEWELL Bagshaws Tel: 01629 812 777

21 September BUILTH WELLS Main NSA Ram Sale Clee, Tompkinson & Francis Tel: 01874 622 488

22 September THAINSTONE Aberdeen & Northern Mart Tel: 01467 623 710

24 September CLITHEROE Lawrie & Symington Tel: 01555 662 281

26 September CARLISLE Harrison & Hetherington Tel: 01228 06 230

1 October WELSHPOOL Welshpool Livestock Sales Tel: 01938 553438

19 October WELSHPOOL Welshpool Livestock Sales Tel: 01938 553 438

30 November THAINSTONE Aberdeen & Northern Mart Tel: 01467 623 710

3 December FFAIRFACH Ffairach Livestock Mart Tel: 01267 236 268

5 December WORCESTER McCartneys Tel: 01905 769770

11 December CARLISLE Harrison & Hetherington Tel: 01228 406 230

12 December SKIPTON Craven Cattle Mart Tel: 01756 792 375

17 December WELSHPOOL Welshpool Livestock Sales Tel: 01938 553 438

18 December LLANDOVERY Clee, Tompkinson & Francis Tel: 01874 622 488

9th January 2015 CHELFORD Frank Marshall Tel: 01625 861 122

9th January 2015 Lanark Lawrie & Symington Tel: 01555 662 281

5 September RUAS BALMORAL Richard Beattie’s Livestock Sales Tel: 028 8164 7105

10 September ARMOY D McAllister Tel: 028 2177 1227

11 September ENNISKILLEN Ulster Farmers Mart Tel: 028 6632 2218

11 September SWATRAGH Sperrin & Bann Valley Mart Tel: 029 7940 1335

16 September BALLYMENA Co Antrim J A McClelland Tel: 028 2563 3470

17 September LISAHALLY Richard Beattie’s Livestock Sales Tel: 028 8164 7105

18 September HILLTOWN Hilltown Mart Tel: 028 4063 0287

23 September MARKETHILL Markethill Livestock Tel: 028 3755 1265

24 September CLOGHER Clogher Mart Tel: 028 8164 7105

2 October GORTIN Richard Beattie’s Livestock Sales Tel: 028 8164 7105

12 October (Harvest Sale) BALLYMENA J A McClelland Tel: 028 2563 3470

7 December Ballymena In-Lamb J A McClelland Tel: 028 2563 3470

Visit www.texel.co.uk for latest sale dates

2015 National Show & Sale Dates Fri/S Show at Sale &

Northern Ireland National

Welsh National

Scottish National

English National

Show & Sale - Ballymena 21st - 22nd August

Show & Sale - Lanark 26th - 27th August

Show & Sale - Welshpool 29th August

Show & Sale - Worcester 31st - August & 1st September

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

31 August RATHFRILAND Rathfriland Farmers Co-Op Tel: 028 4063 8493

Society Club Sales & Ram TitleSales Goes 2014 Here

Society Club Sales Northern Ireland

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RUTHIN TEXEL BREEDERS CLUB

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Strong entry for Junior Show Ensuring the future of the club and the breed is in safe hands

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One of the premier club sales for breeders and commercial buyers

All enquiries welcome Club Secretary: Sion Owens

Tel: 01824 702025

Email: rfa@ruthinfarmers.co.uk

Tel: 02476 696629 office@texel.co.uk

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