THE DORSET HORN AND POLL DORSET

The Dorset Horn sheep is one of the earliest recorded breeds of British Sheep with the first Flock Book beingestablished in 1892, and its adaptability was soon recognised world wide.

The Australians, noted for their shepherding skills, soon realised the potential of the sheep to improve their existingstock and imported the Dorset Horn. With their vast acreage and minimal management techniques the viability ofproducing a hornless Dorset was of prime interest. This, they achieved and the Poll Dorset emerged to provide thesheep now so much in demand throughout the world.

In the mid 1950s a far sighted Dorset breeder, “Bunny” Lenthall, decided to investigate the potential of the Poll Dorset

and, after a visit to Australia, returned with two stud rams. In the UK the Poll Dorset now out numbers its illustriousancestor but all the attributes of the Dorset Horn still apply to both.

Today, the breed has moved on retaining all the same characteristics but is assisted by up-to-date techniques of recordkeeping such as that provided by Signet.

The Association’s first Patroness in 1892 was Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, and with this strong foundation it has

grown world wide to promote the breed internationally via shows and the media to maintain the breed’s profile.

These are challenging times indeed for the flock master who has to face increased costs and lower profit margins.What can he do to protect his interests and face the future with hope?

The obvious answer is to look for a breed of sheep that will improve profit margins, reduce overheads and fit in withother farming enterprises. Ideally it should be prolific, easy to handle, hardy, versatile, able to breed at any time of theyear and not reliant on a high level of additional nutrition.

If you are looking for a sheep that is adaptable to any climate or altitude, with a fleece that many breeds would like to aspire to, then this is your sheep. The sheep will provide a regular cash flow by producing lambs frequently, if youwish, three times in two years. It has an economically produced carcass sought after by the retailer and housewife,whose discerning taste is the ultimate challenge.

If you prefer cross breeding, choose a ewe or ram that will pass many of the above characteristics on to its first crossfemales, hence improving your profit margins on your existing stock.

If this is your aim, then look no further than the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep. The Dorset Horn and Poll DorsetSheep Breeders’ Association goes from strength to strength towards new frontiers, promoting the ultimate breed in the

twenty first century.

The Annual May Fair is the premier Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sale when a large selection of top quality rams andewes are available. The Fair takes place in May over a two day period with the Show on the first day and the Sale on the second day and provides the spectator with a view of the best stock available. All the sheep entered in the Showare subsequently sold through the ring on the second day.

Many of the Association’s breeders are involved in Registered Health Schemes for Maedi Visna and Scrapie

Monitored Negative Accreditation and are able to provide stock for the home or export market.

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CREATING YOUR FLOCK Choosing the right Breed If you are to be involved with sheep for the first time or are considering a change of breed, it is of utmost importance that you choose a breed that has potential but is also easy to manage. Take a close look at your locality and the land on which you keep your livestock, and any other farming/recreational facilities with which you are involved. It is imperative that your sheep fit your requirements whether they be location, economic or personal preference as to type. If you require a sheep to fit in with your dairy system or for the full utilisation of buildings or pasture then look no further. The Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset Sheep is an obvious choice for virtually any sheep enterprise large or small as it is so adaptable and will dovetail into any existing system. Lambing can take place at any time of year to suit your requirements due to the frequent breeding characteristic of both the ewes and the rams. The lambs are early maturing and require little extra feeding to obtain “finished weights”.

OBTAINING GOOD FOUNDATION STOCK Apart from the Annual May Fair which is held at Exeter Market, Exeter, Devon, other recognised Breed Sales take place at Exeter, Liskeard, Llandovery, Worcester, Carlisle, and in Northern Ireland during the summer months. It is advisable to buy registered stock from a registered breeder to create your own registered flock as this is a stipulation of membership. The Breed Secretary will be pleased to supply a list of registered breeders in your area on request.

RECORDING YOUR FLOCK There are several systems of record keeping available depending on your requirements. Some, such as the Signet system are computerised or a simple card system may be perfectly adequate for your needs. The Association can help assess your needs or even supply you with a card system. It is essential that records be kept with regard to the sire and dam of offspring and that lambs are given an individual identity number to ascertain this. A “year letter” is used to identify the year of birth (e.g. the letter Z for 2001) followed by the individual identity number. This enables any animal’s blood line to be

traced back. This can be done by either tagging or tattooing – if members choose to tattoo it is an Association requirement that the member’s Society Flock number be tattooed onto one ear and the year letter appertaining to the year of their birth and individual number in the other ear. If members choose to tag, the members Society flock number and year letter must be included on the tag. In addition to recording the sex, identity and parentage of an animal any additional information can be added such as birth details or medication. Weights can also be recorded to ascertain performance with regard to Sires, and this will enable you to build an accurate profile of each animal and ascertain its costing and viability within the flock.

SELECTING YOUR STUD RAMS Ideally the new breeder will have bought the best quality ewes that they can afford, but we do not live in an ideal world and there is always room for improvement. A careful inspection of the ewes to be mated should therefore be made before selecting a ram, to ascertain any potential weakness that may be present. The appropriate sire can then be selected with a view to correcting or accentuating any point. Always remember that a ram is equivalent to half your flock and his offspring will show this. Size is not of prime importance in a ram but conformation is. A Sire Reference Scheme has been established and is available to members of the Association, and many members have semen and embryos available. For information on any of the above please contact the Secretary.

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STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR POLL DORSET AND DORSET HORN

RAMS Bold, masculine appearance, with good length, strength and of robust character, and head of great beauty. With regard to the Horn Ram, strong and long horns growing from the head well apart on the crown in a straight line with each other and coming downwards and forwards in graceful curves as close to the face as may be without cutting. EWES Appearance bright with feminine characteristics. With regard to the Horn Ewe the horns much smaller and more delicate that in the Ram.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS HEAD: Broad, full and open at the nostril, well covered with wool from brow to poll, face

white with pink nose and lips free from pigmentation. EARS: Medium size, white and firm, well covered with hair. MOUTH: Even, well set jaw with flat chisel shaped teeth, meeting a wide pad with a firm

bite. NECK: Short to medium length and round, well sprung from the shoulders, with no

depression at collar, strong and muscular, especially in the Ram. CHEST: Well forward, full and deep. FORE FLANK: Full, with no depression behind the shoulders. SHOULDERS: Well laid and compact. BACK & LOINS: Broad, long and straight, with well sprung ribs. QUARTERS: Full, broad and deep with flesh extending to the hocks and well muscled thighs. TAIL: Well set up in a line with the back, wide, firm and fleshy. RIBS: Well sprung from the back and deep at the sides. LEGS & Medium length, well placed at the four quarters and free moving, straight between PASTERNS the joints, with strong bone, well woolled to the knees and hocks with pasterns well

set up and straight. WOOL: Fine “down” type wool, dense and firm handling, free from kemp and colour. COLOUR: White, with pink skin.

NDBC Male champion, Yorkshire Show 2013

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DESCRIPTION RAMS: Bold, masculine appearance, and may weigh up to 113.5 kg (250lbs) when mature. EWES: Medium size and naturally prolific, so that depending on management, lamb crops

may attain any figure from 130% - 170% or more. Growth rates of up to 0.45 kg (1lb) per day are frequently recorded producing carcasses from 16 kg (34 – 36lb) dressed carcass weight at 10 – 16 weeks of age. Ewes have a bright appearance, skin colour is pink, whilst the face, legs and ears are white.

WOOL: Fleece of good staple and quality, compact and firm to the touch. The breed is recognised for its docility and ability to breed naturally out of season. This wide breeding pattern allows the ewes to take the ram at most times of the year and they are ideally suited to lambing three times in two years. The outstanding milking ability means that lambs will finish sooner with little, or no additional feeding. The Dorset is noted for its early maturity in both the males and females. It is also a long lived breed and this combined with its longevity gives a highly productive and profitable sheep. The rams are noted as being especially active workers and increasing use is being made of them as prime lamb sires. This prime lamb makes an excellent carcass for the present requirements and is available at any time of the year, and therefore times of peak market prices. Dorset ewes have excellent maternal characteristics as well as being milky and produce a good return on investment being early maturing and long lived. Versatility and adaptability come naturally to the Dorset for climate, altitude, traditional or intensive production methods.

RULES FOR SHOWING The official breeding year begins on 1st September and ends on 31st August. All sheep born prior to the current year must be bare shorn from 1st February with exception of female sales in April or May of current year, unless stated otherwise in the show schedule. Lambs may be exhibited in the wool or shorn. The age of Rams and Ewes to be determined by year letter (not teeth). Lambs must have NO adult teeth breaking the gum surface. All sheep must have Flock Number tattoo in one ear and the year letter appertaining to the year of their birth and individual number in the other ear. At the shows after 1st September the judge must use their discretion. Dress Code : All exhibitors MUST wear white coats and/or the new approved breed uniform whilst showing.

MANAGEMENT OF THE BREED INTRODUCTION The objective of the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset breeder is to have a flock which will lamb regularly lamb out of season and produce the maximum number of lambs for sale, either as well grown breeding ewes or as prime lambs for the current requirements of the meat trade. To achieve this objective replacement breeding stock should be sought from flocks that have regularly lambed at the period you require for the farming calendar. Most breeders will keep precise records of their flock’s performance, thus making your selection easier.

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THEBUCKENHILL FLOCKEst. 2005 Flock No. P85

Miss L. Crowther, The Grange, Buckenhill, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4PG (Lou 07976877978 Matt07909793455)

Thanks to all that purchased stock in 2015.

Rams Used:

Buckenhill Toby (top left)(now owned by Steve Williams,

Ithon Flock)

Sandelford Ultan (bottom left)

Buckenhill SupertedHilltop Lloyd

Sandy Lane Wally (Horned)

Now running 115 ewes withthe introduction of 24 HallLane ewes from the recent

dispersal sale and also introducing our new flock of 21

Horned ewes (top right)

Show Highlights from 9 shows

Supreme Champion at Smallholder Show Builth (top left)Interbreed Group of 3 at Smallholder Show Builth (above)Native Breed Champion at Moreton in Marsh (top right)Champion Wool on the Hoof at Tenbury Show 6x Champions at North Somerset, 2 x @ TheSmallholders, Shropshire County, 3 Counties RareBreeds (horns), Moreton4 x Reserve Champions at Shropshire County, Bath andWest, Tenbury and Burwarton shows

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THE BLACKHILL FLOCK OFDORSET HORNS & POLL DORSETS

THE HOME OF CHAMPIONS

Organic Scrapie Monitored Signet Recorded MV Accredited

Visitors always welcome

JIM & JOE DUFOSEEFARNICOMBE FARM, UPTON SCUDAMORE, WARMINSTER, WILTS BA12 0AD

Tel: 01985 214559 Jim: 07977 121169 Joe: 07525 208053

E-mail: jim@jdufosee.f9.co.uk www.jdufosee-pedigreelivestock.com

Richill TractionMay Fair Champion 2013

Downkillybegs UltimateMay Fair Champion 2014

Riverview WasabiMay Fair Champion 2015

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THE FLOCK Whatever time of year you decide to plan your lambing , make sure your ewes are not excessively fat prior to tupping. This can be achieved by intensifying the ewes onto a smaller acreage, condition score, particularly the older and less fit ewes and adjust nutrition accordingly. This will enable you to flush the ewes prior to tupping efficiently. The rams are good workers and are particularly well suited for early covering if used in a commercial flock. Many Dorset ewes will have a slightly shorter gestation period, averaging about 145 days and the first cross females will often inherit the frequent lambing ability. Concentrate feeding prior to lambing need normally be kept to a minimum at most times of the year. If winter lambing is decided upon then some additional feeding will be necessary either in the form of a high energy feed block, as the grass deteriorates, and then a suitable concentrated cereal feed, up to 70 gms (1.5 lbs) per day, plus roughage or roots prior to lambing. SIRES “The ram is more than half of the flock”, so the old phrase goes, and it is certainly as true today, if not

more so in these times of tight profit margins. Buy the best rams you can afford and look after them throughout the year. Make sure they are regularly drenched, vaccinated and their feet trimmed. Exercise is always important and do not let them become over fat. Well before tupping check each ram over carefully and a few weeks before use increase their nutrition. EWES The same rules apply for the care of ewes as that of rams, and do not let them get over fat at any time particularly around lambing and weaning the lambs. LAMBING The Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset ewe is an excellent mother and has good milking ability. Flock Masters may need to assist, as with any other breed, hoggets lambing for the first time. Hygiene at lambing time is of paramount importance whether lambing indoors or out, and good record keeping will always assist you to make your flock as profitable and trouble free as possible. FEEDING AFTER LAMBING Traditionally root crop feeding or folding, with a separate creep for the lambs has been practised but more recently with the introduction of precision drilling and pre-emergent sprays etc. many incorporate main root crops like swedes or kales, together with later sowings of stubble turnips and the like. This can lend itself to various arable systems, e.g. early potatoes, winter wheat and barley breaks. Flocks may also be maintained entirely on grass leys, the ewes utilising quality silage or hay during lactation with some concentrates being offered in severe weather conditions of if available feed lacks quality. As with traditional methods lambs should also be given creep feed.

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FREQUENT LAMBING SYSTEMS If frequent lambing is to be practised, a high level of management and shepherding is required, but high lambing percentages and outputs are achieved annually and the income per ewe and acreage is rewarding. It has to be asked initially how this will fit it with ones other farming enterprises and the labour available. The aim is for lambing to occur at eight month intervals. OPTIONS 1. If run on natural lines, with suggested lambings in say November, March and July, with tupping

being restricted to 5 weeks maximum at each time, a strict discipline by the Flock Master is required to take rams out at the end thus preventing lambing becoming continuous.

A teaser ram running with the ewes for 2/3 weeks prior to tupping can be advantageous as the lactating ewes will have lambs running at foot. The percentage of ewes which conceive may vary at times. Factors which may result in lower conception rates are a low level of nutrition at tupping, or adverse weather conditions, for example, drought. Body scoring of ewes near to these tupping dates, at whatever time of year, can be beneficial, but should be done in time to make whatever adjustments necessary through feeding for optimal conception. A rising of condition is ideal. It is most vital that rams are in prime covering condition. It must also be considered that this system demands additional enclosures in order to keep the level of management at its peak with two ages of ewes and lambs in groups. Female flock replacements can be lambed as hoggets at 16 – 20 months of age or introduced into any lambing batch.

2. A more scientific approach to frequent lambing of “Dorsets” is also being practised: by

synchronising oestrus and the use of vaginal sponges pre-tupping, thereby aiding batch lambing. Once again a close study of ewe nutrition is vital to successful flushing and through the first month of gestation. The early weaning of lambs at 8 weeks or so has been introduced, resulting in non lactating ewes at tupping. Sheep housing may be practised more with this system, December/January born lambs would be lambed inside, then early weaned and fattened fast for the Easter trade, as may the previous batch born in August/September. The ewes too may be housed or yarded for a large part of the year, enabling a rigid profile of diet and management to be maintained. High profit margins are being achieved on such systems at these. For further information contact the Breed Secretary.

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NORTHERN DORSET BREEDERS CLUB

www.northerndorsetbreedersclub.co.uk

Working to promote Dorsets in the North

Contact:

Mr Alec Steff (Chairman) Mrs Karen Hodgson (Secretary)Tel: 01282 411154 Tel: 01946 726245Mobile: 07970 920220 Mobile: 07988 885120

e-mail: wasdaleheadhallfarm@hotmail.co.ukalecsteff@yahoo.co.uk

Social Events

Flock Visits

Club Classes at GreatYorkshire Show

Chelford Show & SaleSaturday, 6th August,

2016

Advice & Information

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In the recently published Signet report: “A Decade of Genetic Progress in the English Sheep

Industry” (can be seen on the Signet website) The Gortleigh Flock was selected to represent theDorset Horn & Poll Dorset breed.

Sam Boon, Signet Manager writes: “The Gortleigh flock has made the highest rates of genetic gain

for maternal traits of any Dorset flock in the past ten years. This achievement is more remarkable as Gortleigh is also one of the leading flocks for terminal sire traits”.

Contact : Gill and Richard Trace, Gortleigh Farm (NW Devon) Tel: 01409 231291

Poll DorsetsSIGNET

RECORDED

MVACCREDITED

MALE &FEMALESTOCK

AVAILABLE

STOCK RAMS used for Autumn 2015 lambing include:Terminal Maternal

Downkillybegs Wonderboy W0097 417 342(1st

Signet class, May Fair, ‘15)

Downkillybegs Wallaby W0103 366 280(5th

Single Poll class, May Fair, ‘15)

Huish Top Flight (May Fair, ’13) T4150 302 293

Gortleigh T-Rex T1189 404 353Gortleigh Thickset T0948 453 338Gortleigh Unit U1681 409 334Gortleigh Winner W1936 496 340

(Figures taken from Signet evaluation 09.03.16)

Semen available from Huish Top Flight and Gortleigh Pacman, pictured above, as well as other rams.Pacman’s Indexes 398 & 332.

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Celebrating 51 years of regular frequent lambing

Renowned, Prolific,Frequent Breeders selected Rams from top recorded lines on offer throughout the year

Also: THE TREGUDDICK HERD of South Devon Cattle “Mostly Natural Polled” and Red Angus

D J Thomas & SonTreguddick Manor, South Petherwin, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 7JN

Tel: 01566 86201/86770

BENNACHIE POLL DORSETSEst. 2007

James RoyanThe GranaryPutton Mill

DunsBerwickshire

TD11 3HT

“Quality over quantity is the vision of this small but perfectly

formed flock”

Tel: 01361 882991Mob: 07786150637Email: j.royan@sky.com

Bennachie W13Supreme Champion

Carlisle Show and Sale 2015Sold for 750gns

Est. 1965 M V Accredited Flock No. 994

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A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Traditional breeds of sheep and cattle have to pay their way for farmer-butchers,father and son Roger and Tom Elliott on 1,000 principally rented acres inNorthamptonshire.

The Elliotts run 200 suckler cows and lamb 1,200 ewes, supplying low-input,mainly grass-fed beef and lamb for their two Elliott’s Butchers’ shops - the familybusiness dating back more than 100 years. Maintaining a traditional, family-run business has been key to its success.

we try to minimise the feed we buy in,” said Tom. “We claim no Single FarmPayment on the rented ground so everything has to look after itself. We don’t carry any passengers.”

Poll Dorsets have been a favourite with the family for more than 25 years. Tomand his sister Ann were keen to get involved with the sheep when they wereyounger and the docile breed was ideal for them to handle.

a trained butcher - and no extra staff.

The early lambing portion of the Dorset flock of 50 ewes bred pure are lambed inNovember which are run around the cattle ground.

The lambs get no creep feed and the intention is to keep ewe lambs as flockreplacements so they aren’t pushed too hard.

They own 50 acres and rent the remainder of the grazing ground either on an annual or summer agreement, which includes threefarms, within a five mile radius of The Homestead, Kislingbury, Northampton.

“All the livestock is extensively run andfarmed. We don’t grow any cereals and

They fit in well to the livestock systemwhich is run on commercial lines with minimal inputs of feed and labour.

“As well as being docile, they are easy tolamb, are a meaty breed with the rightlevel of fat cover and they are good converters of grass,” said Tom who runsthe livestock enterprise with his father –

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Ewe lambs are separated from the ram lambs and all that are not kept for breeding are finished by Easter.

The early wether lambs this year were weighing 23-24kg deadweight grading Rand U and 3L and 3H. The aim is not to produce too muscly or shaley a lamb butone which is easy fleshing off grass.

Both groups are lambed over an 18-21 day period with the later lambing ewes andlambs having access to buildings.

The flock is not scanned, but lambing percentages run at up to 170 and lambmortality is good.

All the lambs are finished, either for the butchers’ shops or deadweight to RandallParker Wales through a local collection centre. The early 2015 Berrichon crosslambs were finishing at 18-20kg deadweight and grading U.

It is a real quality product.”

“We run our sheep enterprise on the expectation of lambs being a pretty low priceand, then hopefully, if the price is good we can make some money on them”.

The later lambing group of Dorsetewes are crossed with the Berrichonto lamb from March 20.

The ewes are fed somesupplementary feed and minerals fora fortnight before lambing and thecrossbred finishing lambs arefinished off grass.

The Elliotts are increasing the number ofDorsets to 150 to go to the ram this year -the largest number they have had.

Most of the sheep lamb outside and the majority of the cattle calve outdoors - and they are grass fed. "We believe grass-fed lambs and cattle produce better qualitymeat – it eats well and has a good taste.

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The sheep give a good, consistent supply of lamb over seven months of the year for the butchers shops and for deadweight sales which helps with cash flow and produces a better average price. Sheep numbers have been built up to include 150 Dorsets, 300 pure New Zealand Romneys which graze the poorer ground, 200 Clun Forests graze the better ground and Aberfield rams are being used to breed commercial flock replacements which make up the rest of the 1,200 ewes to minimise disease risk and save the cost of buying in sheep. The suckler cows are also traditional breeds - South Devon and Beef Shorthorn. The best of the pedigrees are bred pure while Saler Bulls are used on the heifers and the Simmental is used on the remainder of the cows. All are calved away from home from the beginning of March and when the weather allows they are calved outside. The cows are fed hay and are kept in as lean a condition as possible to avoid calving difficulties. Steer calves are sold at seven to eight months old. Heifers are either kept as replacements with some sold for breeding and the remainder finished and put through the farm shops. The butcher’s shop in Kislingbury opened 100 years ago and Roger, the third generation of the family, took over the business 30 years ago, opening a second shop in Towcester 20 years ago, which now incorporates a delicatessen producing a huge range of foods from its own kitchen as well as from other local suppliers. Pork and free range chicken is sourced from local suppliers. Elliotts dry cure their own bacon and make an extensive range of sausages and burgers. The two shops employ five full time butchers as well as part time staff with the kitchen and delicatessen sides amplifying another six people full and part time. Tom’s sister, Ann Hull with her husband Edward continues to be committed to the Dorset, running a pure bred autumn lambing flock of 150 ewes in Essex alongside suckler cows.

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WELSH DORSET CLUB

11th Annual Show & Sale in Llandovery Market( Clee, Tompkinson & Francis )

Saturday, 25th June 2016

Club Contacts:

Chairman: Rowland Davies 01970 832224Vice Chairman: Geraint Jones 01974 261521Secretary: Elin Hughes 01974 261521Treasurer: E M James 01974 821626Auctioneer: Derfel Harries 01550 720440

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED

M V AccreditedHorns Est. 1959 Polls Est. 1971

Winner of theMedium Flock Competition, 2012

P W Baker & SonEastfield Farm, East Chinnock, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 9EP

Tel: 01935 863160e-mail: philip.eastfield@googlemail.com

CHINNOCK FLOCKFlock No. 796

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AUCTIONEERS, VALUERS, LAND & ESTATE AGENTSSuccessfully covering an area from

THE COTSWOLDS TO WEST WALESwith

FIVE LIVESTOCK CENTRESSelling all classes of stock and ½ million Prime lambs annually

PROUD TO BE SELLINGDORSET HORN & POLL DORSETS

Society Show & Sale WORCESTERSaturday, 9th July 2016

Further details fromThe Heath Meadow, Nunnery Way, Worcester, WR4 0SQ.

Tel: 01905 769770Website: www.mccartneys.co.uk Email: worcester@mccartneys.co.uk.

Breeding stock available at May Fair, various sales or direct from farm.

All females homebred and vaccinated with Hep P+

Sires Used (All ARR ARR): Burhos U724Poorton Possum P140Polgreen U900/U901 (Both sons of Tattykeel Blue Print 214-07 (Australian)

Andrew & Chris KingdonKingdon’s Farm, Gummows Show, Summercourt, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4PP

Tel: 01872 510636

Flock No. 1050 Established 1973

MV Accredited

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DORSET EWES FIT IN WELL AT FOWBERRY FARM IN BAMBURGHON THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST

Dorset ewes which lamb out of season fit in well on a Northumberland farm whichruns a herd of traditional beef cattle and also capitalises on the tourist trade with a small camp site.

Christina Johnson shares the passion for the docile Dorset breed with her fatherAlistair who established the flock in 2008 and now she has taken over the runningof the sheep from him at Fowberry Farm, Bamburgh, on the picturesqueNorthumberland coast.

The 50-ewe pedigree Bamburgh flock grazes 150 acres of parcels of mostlyrented ground in the shadow of Bamburgh Castle along with a herd of 60commercial Aberdeen Angus suckler cows and followers.

The system perfectly suited organic management, which the farm has been underfor 10 years, although increasing costs and less of a premium for the organicstock sold is leading the Johnsons to re-consider the viability, although theirpreference is low inputs of pesticides and bought in feed.

Christina, 25, with her mum Lesley,manages to juggle running thelivestock enterprise and the Caravan Club five pitch CL campsite atFowberry with looking after her young daughter, Henrietta. Her partner,Henrietta’s father, Simon Gregory and his family, farm at the neighbouringSpringhill farm and he is on hand tohelp out.

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“My Dad has always been one to research things and he decided on going intoDorsets in 2007 when he bought 20 ewes from the Sydling Estate in Dorset in2007, registering the flock the following year,” said Christina.

ewes with a further 25 to 30 ewe lambs, around 10 of which will be kept as flockreplacements. No females have been bought in with five of the original ewes stillin the flock. Only rams have been purchased, selected mainly on their EBVs, to improve the bloodlines and genetics.

Rams have been bought principally at the Dorset association’s annual May Fair inExeter. The first was from David Rossiter’s Huish flock in Devon, Huish Liamwhich has made its mark on the flock.

Manor Croft Pride was bought from Tom Clarke’s flock in Crediton, Devon, andmore recently, Downkillybegs Union Jack from Northern Ireland breeders Williamand Karen Carson. An investment of up to 1,000gns is usually made in a ram.

The ewes lamb from the beginning of September for a month with a view to producing ewes and rams for sale at the May Fair. The lambing percentage runsat 200.

In 2015 for the first time ewe lambs were lambed successfully and without anyassistance in January.

“They all lamb outside in as tight a period as possible. We bring them in to carryout the usual procedures and then turn them out again.

“The Dorsets are such good mothers and the lambs are quick to get up and feedthemselves. The ewes get some supplementary feed after lambing but in theautumn we put them on a field which has been shut off to provide extra grazing.

“I love the sheep. They are so easy towork with and so docile and they are ahardy sheep. Their ability to lamb atany time of year is perfect for us aswe calve the cows in March and Apriland then we have all the visitors forthe camp site during the summer,”she added.

Over the last seven years flocknumbers have been increased to 50

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Rams are also sold at the NSA Kelso sale and at the Dorset society sales atChelford and Carlisle. So far, the top price has been for the ram sold at the 2012May Fair Bamburgh Boje for 850gns.

The Bamburgh flock has been Signet recorded since 2010 and, with the use ofmainly recorded rams, the flock’s overall EBV for both maternal and terminal siretraits is improving year on year. Rams are in demand from commercial breedersbut the ultimate aim is to sell rams to other Dorset breeders.

Dorset and the ram is likely to be put to this year’s ewe lambs for Januarylambing.

All the Dorsets are bred pure and all females which are not retained as flockreplacements are sold for breeding, mostly through the ring at Carlisle.

All the male lambs are kept entire and those selected for breeding are either soldthrough the ring or privately - one purchaser has been Richard Hodgson, of RedStead, Howick, near Alnwick, who has been using a Dorset ram from theBamburgh flock to cross on Texel ewes.

The 60 suckler cows which are crossed with the pedigree Angus bull achieving more and more pure bloodlines have 20 heifer calves, half of which are retained tomaintain the herd and the rest are sold for breeding.

Bullocks are sold through the ring at 18 months old achieving prices of up to£1,250.

“Few Dorsets are currently kept in Northumberland but it’s about getting the word out and getting people in the region to know and like the breed,” said Christina.“Once the sheep get their coats off people can see what their conformation is likeand they are surprised.”

“I am continually trying to improve the flock by sticking to selecting rams onconformation and good EBVs,” said Christina, who studied food andagriculture at Harper Adams Universityfor a year before returning to the farmin Northumberland.

The ewe lambs this year were put tothe 2014 May Fair purchase,Sherborne Warfare from Rob Hole in

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Why not visit us to see our new stock ram

Oliver Tree Wimborne Minster N97/W256

We are excited about his first year’s progeny.His Dam is Oliver Tree N8 A consistent show winner

Semen Available

CROSSROADS COTTAGECRIGGION SY5 9BD

e-mail: meadencarole@gmail.com

Mobile: 07983 661833

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Keresforth

‘Temptress’ – Double Supreme Champion 2015

Stock Sire – ‘MANOR CROFT URANUS’ – three wins from four shows.

Windrush Farming Partners

Windrush Farm, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. GL54 3BY.

Tel: Ben Stayt on 07795 816951

Web: www.windrushfarm.co.ukAlso pedigree Berrichons & Whitefaced Woodlands

W88 M.V. ACC

25

SOUTH HAM FLOCK

DORSET HORN & POLL DORSETSMV Accredited

Member of Centurion SchemeSignet Recorded

Flock No: E04 Established Polls 1982, Horns 2003

Reliable and consistently strong stock, rams and females, available from this hardy, prolific flock, which specialises in frequent lambing

on a grass-based system.Roger & Dodie Huxter

Welland Down FarmSandford, Crediton

Devon EX17 4ENTel/Fax : 01363 775928

e-mail: wellanddown@hotmail.co.ukwww.wellanddownfarm.co.uk

MV Acc

Contact : Marianne SheedTel: 07570277110/ 01464 861152Email: mariannesheed@live.co.uk5 Essie Crescent, Rhynie, Huntly, AB54 4GS

www.strathbogie-dorsets.co.uk

Set in North-East Scotland, 1 hour fromAberdeen.Visitors Welcome by arrangement

Flock S26

Est2005

26

Est – 1978 MV Accredited 12 years Scrapie Monitored Flock Code – C3

DOWNKILLYBEGS WHIZZ KID

Record Dorset Breed muscle depth, scoring an impressive 45mm muscle score.

Whizz Kid is an exciting outcross sire to compliment our high musclescored females.

W & K Carson

161 Whitesides Road, Downkillybegs, Ballymena, County Antrim BT42 2JG

Tel: 07841 746705 e-mail: downkillybegsdorsets@gmail.com

POLL DORSETS-: High Health Status Flock :-

Centurion Group Member

GenomicTested

ScrapieGenotyped

SignetPerformance

Recorded

MyomaxMuscleGenes

LoinmaxMuscleGenes

27

28

SIXPENNY & BROCKENHURSTPOLL DORSET & DORSET HORN

EST: 1991 & 2013

QUALITY STOCK ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Contact Nicky: 01725 552340/07950 886563

Founded 1988

Signet Recorded

MV Accredited

Reared on the edge of Bodmin Moor

Ram Lambs and Shearlings usuallyavailable, females may be supplied by

arrangement

Visitors Welcome

Tel: 01579 320334

The Gorgie Flock

51 Gorgie Road. Edinburgh EH11 2LATelephone: 0131 3374202Gorgie Utopia U4

Sold in lamb to Shearer at Carlislesale for 380gns.

Connect with us on

Contact: Denis RankineMobile: 07852 724440e- mail: denis.rankine@gorgiecityfarm.

org.uk

Established with ewes from Bennachie, Sherborne and Downkillybegs

POLL DORSETS

29

Youth dominates at

HUISH,

experience dictates!

*Ewe lambs win their section of the flock competition*

Champion Shearling Ewe – Carlisle 2015

Young Sires – Stars to Shine in the Future

Poorton Sherlock – Highest Indexed Poll Lamb at Poorton 2015

Bamburgh Watson – Highest Indexed Lamb at Bamburgh 2015

Huish Wanaka – Tornado Son, Highest indexed Lamb at Huish 2015

Huish Whistler – Highly Muscled Son of Downkillbegs Strongbow

Huish Windsor – Pick of the Lambs from the outstanding Kippers last crop

Signet Recorded M.V Accredited Scrapie Monitored

Contact: D.W Rossiter 01548 561210

R.W Rossiter Mob 07549938198

Email:rossiterburton@gmail.com

Burton Farm Galmpton Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 3EY

U

K

0

3

6

4

4

3

2

Flock

No.

A26

30

Looking for a market for your Dorset breed lambs?

DALEHEAD DORSET BREED, LAMB GROUP.We purchase ‘New Season’ Dorset Breed lamb from

January to May each year.

If you:- Farm in the West Country of England or in Wales Have, registered pedigree Dorset breed ewes and/or rams Like the concept of different price options that all reward for quality. Want to be a member of a producer group and successful supply chain

with a committed Retailer.

Please contact:- Dylan Laws on 07876 845882 or Alex Coles on 07788 368438

31

� �

�

EST. 1997

MV ACCREDITED

www.sandylanedorsets.co.uk

sam.driver1@btinternet.com

07811141860

32

FARMING IN THE BLACKMORE VALE

The ability to lamb Poll Dorset ewes in September and December provides the perfectcomplement to a heifer rearing and beef business in the Blackmore Vale.

The pedigree Poll Dorset Sherborne flock run by Rob Hole and his father, Richard, at Hill Street Farm, near Sherborne in Dorset has been established for 50 years this year and, thanks to the success of the system and good margins from early lamb sales to Waitrose, flock numbers have been doubled to 430 ewes in the last 20years.

Between 300 and 350 ewes lamb indoors in September with the remainder, along withewe lambs, in December.

on sheep - and work closely with their dairying neighbours.

“We’re in the heart of dairying country in the Blackmore Vale with very few sheep,” saidRob. “We contract rear 120 Holstein heifers for two dairy farms. We also finish 80 beef heifers,” said Rob.

Lambing in September makes the bestuse of the grass and the buildings. Ewesand lambs are housed at night and outduring the day and are turned out tograss three or four days after lambingand the housing is used from the lastweek in October-first week in Novemberfor the 220 head of cattle.

The 360 acre farm originally had a smalldairy herd but with continuing in milkproduction requiring a huge investment,Richard and Rob decided to concentrate

“The cattle and sheep enterpriseswork together so well.

We also have two big dairy farms next door and the sheep go ontoboth units to graze both new leys and permanent pasture and they improve the quality of the swards.

“When the ewes are in lamb in the summer we can reallyconcentrate the stocking densityand free up grazing for the cattle.

33

By running the two enterprises together we have also found worm counts for the main flock are very low - in fact none have been wormed since the autumn.

“Lambing in September is an absolute joy as the weather is generally warm and the lambs get off to a great start - and it’s good for the public to be able to buy home-produced, new season lamb early in the year,” added Rob.

18 months old weighing 560-580kg and go to ABP’s Langport abattoir in Somerset.

The September-lambing ewes are split into two groups a month before lambing, withthose carrying twins getting high energy feed blocks for the final fortnight. Singles justget hay at night and grass during the day.

A small amount of nitrogen fertiliser is applied at the end of August to boost grass growthand quality.

The lambs are finished on first and second year grass leys, which are grown in rotationwith the spring wheat and brassica crops, at between 14 and 22 weeks old at anaverage carcase weight of 19kg. Most have gone well before mid-February.

Of the last crop, 93% graded U and R at 2 and 3L. They are marketed by Waitrose asDorset Farmhouse Lamb and the Holes have been supplying the scheme for more thana decade. Feedback on individual carcase weight and quality is important for theimprovement of the flock.

The heifers come to Hill Street atfour to five months old andreturn to their respective farmstwo months before calving afterhaving run with the AberdeenAngus bull or served by AI.

The Holes also rear 80 Angusheifers a year for Blade Farmingwhich arrive on farm at threemonths old and are finished at

The sheep then go on to hybridbrassica Swift and stubble turnipsand dry silage from the third week inOctober until weaning just beforeChristmas.

All the lambs have access to an 18%protein creep pellet from two or threeweeks of age, with twins also fed250g of lamb rolls a day.

34

The December lambing ewes and ewe lambs are kept in a single group for ease ofmanagement and are housed over the winter. Ewes are fed just over 1kg of 18% proteinrolls and ad-lib first cut silage, with lambs getting creep feed from two weeks old.

“They finish very quickly – some singles get to 42kg liveweight at 10 weeks old,” headds. “We’ll wean them at 10-11 weeks to allow the ewes to rest before going back tothe tup in April.

Rob acknowledges that tupping conditions are not as good in April as later in the year,but the forward contract price from Waitrose for the lambs and the production ofpedigree ewe lambs for sale outweighs the disadvantage of the lower lambingpercentage.

“We’re running a large flock of Dorsets here - the biggest flock of pedigree Dorsets in thecurrent national breed flock book. The only labour is myself, my father, who is in his 70sand still works eight hours a day, and my eldest son Harry who feeds and beds the cattlefour mornings a week. Silage making and shearing are carried out by contractors.

“The sheep have to stand up commercially - the figures have to stack up.They have towork with the cattle enterprises,” said Rob. “We have a good relationship with Waitroseand we are producing large numbers of pedigree breeding sheep for sale.”

The foundation flock was formed from the Bradstock Flock dispersal, bred by Rob’sgrandfather, the well-known Bunny Lenthall, who was responsible for the importation ofthe first polled Dorsets into the UK from Australia, and it still retains this qualitycharacteristic.

Flock expansion has included the purchase of stock from all of the top Dorset flocks inthe UK, plus the inclusion of some Australian bloodlines. All ram lambs for sale aregenotyped and only group 1 rams are bought in.

Ewe lambs weighing more than55kg go to the ram in July tolamb at 14 months old. Rob saysthey make fantastic mothers andthis gives them an advantagewhen they enter the main flockthe following year.

Lambing percentages average150% sold for the Septemberlambers and 179% for the laterbatch.

35

There is a high health care policy for the flock, with regular worm counts and workingclosel with the farm’s vet to establish a health plan.

also using the opportunity to purchase future breeding stock from the country’s topbreeders,” said Rob.

“The sale is not only vitally important for Dorset breeders, but it also sets the tone for theseason’s up and coming sheep events,” he added.

The Sherborne flock retains 100 ewe lambs as replacements with the remainder soldeither direct from the farm or through the other society sales at Llandovery andWorcester.

Demonstrating how the breed’s popularity has spread over the years, Sherborne soldlarge numbers of ewe lambs to Northern Ireland and Scotland in 2014 to establish newflocks.

************************************************************************

2016 NSA EVENTS

The Society will be having a stand at the following NSA Events in 2016

NSA Scot sheep, Blyth Bridge, Peebleshire Wednesday, 1st June

National Sheep Event, Malvern Wednesday, 27th July

While the flock is run oncommercial lines, it is Signetperformance recorded and is amember of Centurion (PollDorset) Sire Reference Scheme,the flock still uses the breedsociety sales as a yardstick forits breeding policies.

“The main sale in Exeter in earlyMay (the May Fair) is the flock’sfirst major sale, not only sellingindividual rams and females, but

36

from

37

Cornwall J1 Kerlow Susan Body on 01579 320334 and treweathaxx@hotmail.co.uk

Devon N84 Blackdown Graham Langford 01823 680086 and greatgarlandhayes@gmail.com

H46 Gortleigh Gill Trace on 01409 231291 and trace.gortleigh@byinternet.com

A26 Huish David Rossiter on 01548 561210 and rosssiterburton@gmail.com

E04 South Ham Roger Huxter on 01363 775928 and wellanddown@hotmail.co.uk

Dorset 0359 Poorton Francis Fooks on 01308 485509 and francis.fooks@btinternet.com

0990 Sherborne Rob Hole on 01963 23263 and robhole7@gmail.com

N Ireland C03 Downkillybegs William Carson on 07841 746705 and downkillybegsdorsets@gmail.com

Wales W07 Corvale Hugh Cory on 01446 760264 and maendyfarm@btinternet.com

Wiltshire D26 Blackhill Jim Dufosee on 01985 214559 and jim@jdufosee.f9.co.uk

Yorkshire P43 Hall Lane Edwin Pocock on 0114 2364761 and hallaneflock@totleyfarm.co.uk

The Centurion “Ram of the Year and Select Sale”

will be on 9th April 2016 at Sedgemoor

Select a performance ram and ewes to allow lambing in this autumn

38

www.nidorsetclub.co.uk

57 years actively promoting Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset Sheep in Northern Ireland and further afield.

2016 Club Dates and Events

14th March 3rd Annual Spring Ram Sale25th July 44th Annual Premier Show & Sale12th August 5th Annual EU Export,

Hilltown Show & Sale12th October 27th Annual Autumn Show & Sale

Further details available from:

Chairman Michael Maybin 07712 828811Vice Chairman Amy McConnell 07729 807679Secretary William Carson 07841 746705

39

POLL DORSETS

Where Conformation and Performance come together

Call Edwin Pocock on 0114 2364761/07710212753Totley Hall Farm, Totley Hall Lane, Sheffield, S17 4AA

email: halllaneflock@totleyhallfarm.co.ukwww.totleyhallfarmenterprises.co.uk

MV Accredited Signet Recorded Centurion MemberHigh performance sheep reared commercially on the edge of the Pennines

A BIG ‘THANK YOU’

to all the breeders who bought stock at our main dispersal sale

at Sedgemoor last October, making it a great success.

We still have a few Rams & Females for sale, some of which

will be for sale at May Fair.

40

Blackdown flock wins Most Improved Flock Award for the Dorset breed

Bred at just under 1000 feet above sea level a few miles from the Wellington Monument, the BlackdownFlock is managed by Graham and Anne Langford with help from their son Joss, and his family. The flockhas been recognised by EBLEX as the Most Improved Flock of Dorset sheep in England for 2014.

The award is presented by the EBLEX Better Returns Programme (BRP) to the recorded flock that shows thegreatest genetic gain for commercial characteristics over a 12-month period. There is a separate award for eachof ten UK breeds.

The Langford family established the Blackdown flock in 2002. They’ve farmed at Great Garlandhayes, near Taunton, for almost 20 years, and have 110 acres of land, mostly permanent grassland within aHigher Level Stewardship Scheme. The Dorset breed have wonderfully milky mothers and are easy tomanage without dogs. The family maintain a flock of 125 pedigree breeding ewes, alongside their rentedcottages business.

Blackdown Ewe with twins

Recording to balance terminal and maternal breeding values

“My philosophy is ’if you do not measure it then you cannot manage it’ and that can be applied to allenterprises,” comments Graham.

“From the outset we have recorded with Signet to ensure our stock have full information on pastperformance of sires and dams, and to give an idea of potential for progeny.”

Following the Warwick University study on feet issues some years ago, they had a cull of stock with footproblems and all routine trimming was stopped. This has paid dividends in foot health and associatedlabour costs. Similarly any ewe requiring intervention at lambing does not remain in the flock, nor any ofher progeny.

“I have concentrated on achieving an evenly graded flock with high breeding values in both the TerminalSire and Maternal Indices,” Graham said.

“We are careful to encourage a genetic balance between the two indices. Rapid, early muscledevelopment for well-conformed, fast growing lambs is key for the commercial market place.

“That is combined with the continual improvement of the litter size and maternal traits to promotesuperior replacement ewes and vigorous rams.

The Centurion Group of Polled DorsetBreeders collectively form their ownSire Reference Scheme Group.

Graham and Anne purchased aboveaverage in-lamb stock from Centurionmembers, and became part of thisgroup of breeders. Through artificialinsemination they were able to usesemen from the Centurion Ram of theYear for four years, taking quality andwhole flock figures to a high level.They won this award in 2003 as aresult of early work and did notexpect to win it again!

41

“All this is done against a background of minimum feed input other than grass and forage in a totallyoutdoor lambing and rearing regime.”

With the objective that the Blackdown flock improves as a whole, they keep sight of breedcharacteristics to ensure the phenotype remains sound. This will enable wider genetic choice of lambs toretain for breeding, compared to a narrow targeting of just index enhancement.

A balanced approach to breeding values

Lambing in the autumn, the ewes are provided with some supplementary feeding before and afterlambing only, and lambs are weaned at Christmas. Mating design is organised to bring higher TerminalSire index rams with the ewes that are down a little in their figures, and higher Maternal index rams tocompliment ewes lacking in this area. In addition to blending the indices, careful attention and acomplicated spreadsheet help to ensure rams with higher litter size traits are put to ewes that needimprovement. Ewes are sorted into their groups ready for tupping in April.

Blackdown lambs

This year they also supported the Performance Recorded sale on 11 April at Sedgemoor Auction Centre.The majority of Blackdown stock is sold directly off the farm to both pedigree and commercial buyers. Inthe past they have shown and won at County shows for stock, wool on the hoof and fleececompetitions.

“The show arena does not lend itself to best seeing our performance recorded stock, and as we don’tsupplementary feed our stock, their condition is not always comparable.

“We do not cull our ewes with lower figures; instead we choose rams to enhance their progeny. Wehave ewes in their ninth year lambing, and these by definition are way behind in terms of index whencompared with younger females in the flock,” Graham said.

“As we do not chase indices for individual sheep, this award provides recognition for the overall qualityof the flock and for our efforts on our approach to balanced breeding values within the flock.”

Commenting on the win, Signet Breeding Services Manager Sam Boon said: “Rates of geneticimprovement in Signet recorded flocks are at an all-time high. The difference between the best high EBVbreeding stock and average animals is increasing year on year.

“This means commercial producers have more to gain when investing in rams with superior genetics.Pedigree breeders can capitalise on these differences too and this is exactly what the Langford family has done. The improvement in the genetic merit of their flock is clear and they are to be congratulatedon their achievement.”

Ewes are pregnancy scanned inearly July, and any empties areturned straight back out with aram. Lambing commences fromSeptember with returns producing in November/December, noDecember born lambs are retainedfor breeding.

Graham and Anne find it difficult toget away from home so they makeuse of their own website to marketstock available for sale.

42

43

TEN REASONS WHYDORSET HORN & POLL DORSET SHEEP MEAN

HIGHER PROFITS1. Rams work at a younger age. The Dorset, being one of the earliest maturing breeds, will work

at a younger age, hence more lambs are sired during a ram’s working life.

2. High lambing percentages. Many breeders are achieving170% lambing rates, and this coupled with a frequent lambing system of 3 crops in 2 years, can give annual averages of around 250%.

3. Faster weight gain. The ewes are excellent milkers and are thus able to achieve very quick growth rates with prime lambs being fit for the butcher at around 10 weeks of age.

4. Top prices. Lambs sired by Dorsets, both pure and crossbred, are much in demand for the qualityretail trade, and found on many supermarket shelves. The carcase has a high % of lean meatrequired by the butcher and the housewife resulting in premium prices.

5. Excellent crossing ability. Dorset rams have the unique ability to sire quality prime lambs from any breed of ewe, but with the all-important asset of imparting their out-of-season breeding characteristic to their female progeny.

6. Adaptability and versatility. The Dorset is able to thrive and adjust to a wide range ofconditions, both in the UK and abroad. Altitude and climatic conditions whether it be cold, high rainfall areas or drier, more arid conditions present no problem to this versatile sheep.

7. Cash savings. Lambs sold at an earlier age mean there is less valuable time spent on their management and expensive drenches, inoculations etc.

8. Higher stocking rates. As lambs are carried for a shorter time, more ewes can be run to thehectare.

9. Better workers. You need less rams in large flocks because of their ability to mate all the year round in frequent lambing systems.

10. Long life. The ewe is particularly noted for longevity, thus reducing frequent flock replacements.

For further information, contact:

The Secretary, Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Association,

Agriculture House, Acland Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EF.

Tel/Fax: 01305 262126e-mail: dorsetsheep@xlnmail.com

Website: www.dorsetsheep.org

44

BREED DIRECTORY

P W Baker & Son (Chinnock) Messrs. J & J Dufosee (Blackhill)Eastfield Farm Farnicombe FarmEast Chinnock Upton ScudamoreYeovil, Somerset Warminster, WiltsBA22 9EP BA12 0AD

Tel: 01935 863160 Tel: 01985 214559Mobile: 07977 273569 Mobiles: Jim: 07977 121169e-mail: philip.eastfield@googlemail.com Joe: 07525 208053

e-mail: jim@jdufosee.f9.co.ukMr W Bradley (Dulas) www.jdufosee-pedigreelivestock.comHome Farm, DulasHereford, Herefordshire HR2 0HJ Fooks Bros. (Poorton)

Manor FarmTel: 01981 241108 North Poortone-mail: willandmaddy@homefarmdulas.co.uk Bridport, Dorsetwww.homefarmdulas.co.uk DT6 3TH

W & K Carson (Downkillybegs) Tel: 01308 485509161 Whitesides Road e-mail: francis.fooks@btinternet.comDownkillybegsBallymena W L French (Wilsey)County Antrim, Northern Ireland Higher ScarsickBT42 2JG Treneglos

Launceston, CornwallTel: 07841 746705 PL15 8UHe-mail: downkillybegsdorsets@gmail.com

Tel: 01566 781372/07870 981118The Centurion Group e-mail: heatherfrench@btconnect.comc/o Graham Langford

Gorgie City Farm (D J Rankine) (Gorgie)Tel: 01823 680086 Gorgie City Farm

51 Gorgie RoadMiss L Crowther (Buckenhill) Edinburgh, ScotlandThe Grange EH11 2LABuckenhillBromyard, Herefordshire Tel: 07852 724440HR7 4PG e-mail: denis.rankine@gorgiecityfarm.org.uk

Tel: 07976 877978/07909 793455 Mrs S Gray (Burley)e-mail: goatgrange@aol.com Goit Stock Farm

Eastfield LaneMr S Driver (Sandy Lane) Burley in Wharfdale9 Sandy Lane Ilkley, YorkshireChisworth LS29 7QUGlossop, DerbyshireSK13 5RZ Tel: 01943 864476/07717 623052

e-mail: polldorsets@gmail.comTel: 07811 141860e-mail: sam.driver1@btinternet.comwww.sandylanedorsets.co.uk

45

BREED DIRECTORY

Harrison & Hetherington KivellsBorderway Mart Exeter Livestock CentreRosehill Matford Park RoadCarlisle, Cumbria Exeter, DevonCA1 2RS EX2 8FD

Tel: 01228 406230 Tel: 01392 251261www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk e-mail: livestock@kivells.com

www.kivells.comR & R Hole (Sherborne)Hill Street Farm G & A Langford (Blackdown)Holwell Great GarlandhayesSherborne, Dorset Clayhidon, DevonDT9 5LJ EX15 3TT

Tel: 01963 23263/07813 975050 Tel: 01823 680086/07771 984966e-mail: robhole7@gmail.com e-mail: greatgarlandhayes@gmail.comwww.sherbornepolldorsets.co.uk www.greatgarlandhayes.com

R & D Huxter (South Ham) Mr J Larder (Byeways)Welland Down Farm Walden AcresSandford Byeways LaneCrediton, Devon Sandford, SomersetEX17 4EN BS25 5PG

Tel: 01363 775928 Tel: 01934 852196/07824 333995e-mail: wellanddown@hotmail.co.uk e-mail: joelarder@hotmail.comwww.wellanddownfarm.co.uk

Mr D Lewis (Pembroke)Miss C A Johnson (Bamburgh) LlangwathenFowberry Farm NarberthBamburgh, Northumberland Pembrokeshire, WalesNE69 7AT SA67 8UB

Tel: 01668 214421/07850 881992 Tel: 01834 862748/07814 794266e-mail: enquiries@bamburghpolldorsets.co.uk e-mail: ddlewis619@gmail.comwww.bamburghpolldorsets.co.uk www.davidlewispedigrees.co.uk

A& C Kingdon (Polgreen) J B May & Son (Newtoncoombe)Kingdon’s Farm Coombe FarmGummows Shops Sweets HouseSummercourt Bodmin, CornwallNewquay, Cornwall PL30 5ALTR8 4PP

Tel: 01208 872417/07773 191633Tel: 01872 510636 e-mail: gkeithmay@hailmail.net

www.newtoncoombe.co.uk

46

BREED DIRECTORY

McCartneys Mr & Mrs T W L Pratt (Deben)The Heath Meadow Halleys CottageNunnery Way, Worcester 239 Ashe RowWR4 0SQ Campsea Ashe

Woodbridge, SuffolkTel: 01905 769770 IP13 0PSe-mail: Worcester@mccartneys.co.ukwww.mccartneys.co.uk Tel: 01728 747549/07970 240855

e-mail: farm@wantisden.co.ukMr G Meaden (Criggion) www.debendorsets.co.ukCrossroads CottageCriggion D W Rossiter (Huish)Shrewsbury, Shropshire Burton FarmSY5 9BD Galmpton

Kingsbridge, DevonTel: 01938 570194 TQ7 3EY

Meakin & Body (Kerlow) Tel: 01548 561210Treweatha Farm e-mail: rossiterburton@gmail.comDobwallsLiskeard, Cornwall Mr J Royan (Bennachie)PL14 6RT The Granary

Putton MillTel: 01579 320334/07854 917190 Dunse-mail: treweathaxx@hotmail.co.uk Berwickshire, Scotland

TD11 3HTNorthern Dorset Breeders Clubc/o Alec Steff/Karen Hodgson Tel: 01361 882991/07786 150637

e-mail: j.royan@sky.comTel: 01282 411154/01946 726245 www.scottishdorsets.come-mail: alecsteff@yahoo.co.ukwasdaleheadhallfarm@hotmail.co.uk Mrs M Sheed (Strathbogie)www.northerndorsetbreedersclub.co.uk Aldinnie

5 Essie CrescentNorthern Ireland Club Rhyniec/o William Carson Huntly

Aberdeenshire, ScotlandTel: 07841 746705 AB54 4GSwww.nidorsetclub.co.uk

Tel: 01464 861152/07510 277110Mr E Pocock (Hall Lane) e-mail: mariannesheed@live.co.ukTotley Hall Farm www.strathbogie-dorsets.co.ukTotley Hall LaneTotley, Sheffield David J Thomas & Son (South-Win)S17 4AA Treguddick

South PetherwinTel: 0114 2364761/07710 212753 Launceston, Cornwalle-mail: halllaneflock@totleyhallfarm.co.uk PL15 7JNwww.totleyhallfarmenterprises.co.uk

Tel: 01566 86201/01566 86770/07977 058184e-mail: coombeorchard@outlook.com

47

BREED DIRECTORY

Thornbank Farms (Thornbank)ThornbankGosforthSeascale, CumbriaCA20 1HT

Tel: 01946 725207/07736 596461e-mail: thornbank.gosforth@gmail.com

C H Trace & Son (Gortleigh)Gortleigh FarmSheepwashBeaworth, DevonEX21 5HU

Tel: 01409 231291e-mail: trace.gortleigh@btinternet.com

Tucker & Jesse (Brockenhurst)Master A Jones (Sixpenny)Manor FarmWest WoodyatesSalisbury, WiltsSP5 5QS

Tel: 01725 552340/07950 886563

Waitrose Ltd.

Dylan Laws - 07876 845882

Alex Coles - 07788 368438

Welsh Dorset Clubc/o 01970 832244

Windrush Farming Partners(Keresforth)Windrush FarmCold AstonBourton-on-the-WaterCheltenham, GlosGL54 3BY

Tel: 01451 822920/07795 816951e-mail: btstayt94@hotmail.co.ukwww.windrushfarm.co.uk

48

GUIDE TO COSTS AS AT 1 JANUARY, 2016 (These costs are correct at time of printing, but may be subject to alteration by Council at any future date).

Item Cost

Annual Subscription £55 Annual Subscription (Junior, 16 and under) £10 (for first three years) Associate Membership £25 (to include Flock Book) Ewe Registration £2.00/female (under 12 months)

£2.60/female (over 12 months) Individual ram registration £20.00 per head Sale entry fee for Rams at May Fair £10.00 per head Sale entry fee for individual females at May Fair £5.00 per head Pens of females at May Fair £10.00 per vendor Pro forma pads for ram registration Free of charge Approved Ewe Inspection Fee £25.00 Approved Ewe inspection cost per ewe £2.50 per ewe

COST OF TATTOOING EQUIPMENT

Tattooing Forceps £85.00 (2nd hand, if available, £40) Hire of Special tattoo block £43.00 Letters & Numbers £5.00 each Blanks £2.00 each Green paste – 2oz. tube £8.40

SALES LIST

Hard Back Flock Book £25.00 Badge £0.50 Ties £10.00 Trailer Sticker – red logo £1.25 Windscreen Sticker – red logo £0.32 Mugs £3.75 Caps £6.25 Record Cards £0.10 The Baa Book £2.50 History of the Dorset Horn Book £5.40 Adult Softshell jacket with logo & prefix Child Softshell jacket with logo & prefix

£30.83 £24.83

Adult Sweatshirt with logo & prefix Child Sweatshirt with logo & prefix

£20.83 £16.83

Adult Polo shirt with logo & prefix Child Polo shirt with logo & prefix

£14.58 £12.58

Adult Hoodies with logo & prefix Child Hoodies with logo & prefix

£22.92 £19.92

Postage and packing will be charged on above items. All prices are plus VAT.

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APPLICATION FORM FOR MEMBERSHIP

REGULATIONS FOR ENTERING THE FLOCK BOOK:

1. Applications for the Registration of Sheep are received only on the understanding that the applicant agrees to the inspection of their flock, if considered necessary by the Council, and that they agree to abide by the decision of the Council as to the eligibility of their flock for entry, and that they agree to pay the expenses of such an inspection if the Inspecting Committee decide that such a flock are not pure Dorset Horns or Poll Dorsets.

2. No flock shall be eligible for entry except such as shall be proved to be true Dorset Horns or Poll Dorsets. 3. The Council reserve the right of declining the right of any entry. As of 1st September, 2012 members have been given the option of tattooing or tagging their sheep for Society identification. You will be given a Society flock number which ever option you choose. If members wish to tattoo you will be issued with a tattoo block with your own personal number on it at a cost of £43. Other tattooing equipment is available from the Breed Society office. If members wish to tag, the tag must include your society flock number and year letter (appropriate to the year of birth). Please tick below which option you are choosing as appropriate, and send a cheque, made payable to The Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders Association or DH & PD SBA, with the full amount with your application form, A receipt will be sent. I HEREBY APPLY to be admitted a member of the DORSET HORN & POLL DORSET SHEEP BREEDERS’ASSOCIATION and agree, when elected, to abide by the bye-laws of the Association. Adult: £55 per annum plus VAT at the current rate (Tagging) = £55 + VAT Adult: £55 per annum plus VAT at the current rate (Tattooing) £43 for Tattoo block plus VAT = £98 + VAT

Junior: £10 per annum for first three years (Tagging) = £10 + VAT

(16 & under) Please state date of birth: _______________________ Junior: £10 per annum for first three years (Tattooing)

£43 for Tattoo block plus VAT = £53 + VAT (16 & under) Please state date of birth: _______________________

Associate Membership : £25

Renewal of Membership fees fall due on 1 September each year. NAME: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. ADDRESS: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………. POST CODE: ………..……………………………… TELEPHONE: ……………………………………. e-mail:…………………………….............................. Fax: …………………………… UK Flock No………………………………………… PROPOSED PREFIX: 1st choice : …………………………… 2nd choice : ……………………………… MV ACCREDITED: YES/NO (Please delete as appropriate)

PLEASE FILL IN DETAILS OF SHEEP AND QUESTIONNAIRE OVERLEAF

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When completed please tear out and return to The Breed Secretary, Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Office, Agriculture House, Acland Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EF with your cheque made payable to the Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Association or DH & PD SBA.

DORSET HORN/POLL DORSET FLOCK established by the purchase of:

Quantity Horn/Poll Rams/ewes/hogs From

The Flock now consists of : …….… Ewes …….… Hoggets ….…… Rams & Ram Lambs N.B. ONLY ANIMALS WHICH ARE TATTOOED OR TAGGED IN THEIR EARS WITH THE APPROPRIATE FLOCK NUMBER AND YEAR LETTER ARE ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION. Where did you hear about the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Society?: Website: YES/NO May Fair: YES/NO Breed Stand at Agricultural Show: YES/NO

If Yes, which show: ______________________________ Newspaper/Magazine: YES/NO If Yes, which one: ______________________________ Word of mouth: YES/NO

Other (please specify): ______________________________

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APPLICATION FOR INSPECTION OFPUREBRED UN-REGISTERED EWESFOR ENTRY TO THE FLOCK BOOK

NAME: ……………………………………………………………

ADDRESS: ………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………..

POST CODE: ……………………………………… TEL. NO.: …………………………..

UK Flock No.: …………………………… e-mail: ……………………………………………….

NUMBER OF EWES FOR INSPECTION ………………………. HORN/POLL

IF YOU ARE AN EXISTING MEMBER PLEASE STATE YOUR :

PREFIX : …………………………… FLOCK NUMBER: …………………….

IF YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER AND IF YOUR EWES ARE APPROVED WHAT IS YOUR PROPOSED PREFIX?

1STCHOICE : …………………………. 2ND

CHOICE : ………………………….

INSPECTIONAll sheep to be inspected must be female and over 6 months of age. They will be inspected by an AssociationInspector and will be required to be of a high standard. If accepted for registration they will be ear-tagged andknown as Approved Sheep. Their progeny, if sired by a registered ram, will be eligible for full pedigree status.

Ear-tagging will be carried out by the Association’s Inspector at the owner’s risk. Please make sure clean water

and disinfectant are available.

Fee: £25 plus £2.50 per ewe inspection fee, plus VAT at 20% must be paid in advance and sent with thisapplication form. We will issue an invoice/receipt for this. In the case of rejection, or, if for any reason any ewes to be inspected are unavailable, the fee is non-refundable.

As of 1st September, 2012 members have been given the option of tattooing or tagging their sheep for Societyidentification. You will be given a Society flock number which ever option you choose.

If members wish to tattoo you will be issued with a tattoo block with your own personal number on it at a cost of£43. Other tattooing equipment is available from the Breed Society office.

If members wish to tag, the tag must include your society flock number and year letter (appropriate to the year ofbirth).

Please tick below which option you are choosing once your ewes have been approved.

Tattooing Tagging

New Flocks which are approved following inspection will have their first year’s subscription to the

Association and the Flock Book free of charge.

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2016 SHOW & SALE DATES

MAY FAIR

SHOW DAY – TUESDAY 3RD MAYSALE DAY – WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY

EXETER LIVESTOCK MARKET

LLANDOVERY SHOW & SALESATURDAY, 25TH JUNE - LLANDOVERY MARKET

WORCESTER SHOW & SALESATURDAY, 9TH JULY - WORCESTER LIVESTOCK MARKET

44TH BALLYMENA ANNUAL PREMIER EXPORT SHOW & SALEMONDAY, 25TH JULY - BALLYMENA LIVESTOCK MARKET

NORTHERN DORSET BREEDERS CLUB - CHELFORD SALESATURDAY, 6TH AUGUST - CHELFORD AGRICULTURAL CENTRE

CARLISLE SHOW & SALEFRIDAY, 26TH AUGUST - BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE

27th BALLYMENA AUTUMN SHOW & SALEWEDNESDAY, 12TH OCTOBER - BALLYMENA LIVESTOCK

MARKET

FOR DATES OF 2016 NSA EVENTS – SEE PAGE 35