Press release

New rams and farms sought as RamCompare Phase III funding announced

Improving efficiency and reducing costs are both key drivers for any business. But for sheep breeders involved with the RamCompare project, investing in a ram with the right genetic merit for their system has proved to tick both boxes.

After the initial five years of research, funding has now been confirmed to allow the third phase of the project to get underway later this year.

Britain’s sheep producers are being encouraged to fill out national breed survey

Sheep producers in Britain are being urged to fill in the national Sheep Breed Survey, which is out this week. Jointly funded by AHDB, QMS and HCC, the national Sheep Breed Survey is an important reference point for researchers, funders and policy makers.

Those registered with British Wool will receive a postal copy, but all other sheep producers are being urged to take part in the survey and can acquire a copy online or by contacting AHDB directly.

Major changes to the way farmers evaluate the genetic merit of hill sheep are set to make the selection of hill rams easier and more profitable, following the relaunch of Signet's performance recording services for hill sheep producers as part of the Hill Ram Scheme.

Fourth-year results of the RamCompare project reveal how sires with key breeding traits can drive productivity and optimal new sire purchases.

The latest update shows a great spread of rams among the most recent lists of trait leaders. Signet Breeding Manager, Sam Boon, urges breeders to focus on those traits that deliver the greatest profit to their system, and source recorded rams with the right EBVs to deliver them.

The cancellation of agricultural shows and breeding sales due to the measures and restrictions put in place as a result of the pandemic, has left sheep and cattle producers struggling to source their breeding stock in the usual way. With the new breeding season fast approaching, commercial producers can use Signetdata.com to find breeding stock and local breeders.

Signet database heralds a new era for sheep industry

Sheep producers are set to benefit from a new online tool which makes it easier to find the right ram for a production system.

AHDB has invested in a new database and website for Signet Breeding Services which helps commercial and pedigree producers profit from performance gains associated with genetic improvement.

AHDB news release  New Estimated Breeding Values to help improve results The value of investing in a ram with the right genetic merit for your syste ...