Shropshire Strategic Farm: Buying rams today for success tomorrow

         

 New House Farm, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 2BG
 Tues 6 September, 12:30pm – 3:30pm Book online

 

 

 

New House Farm is home to 800 North Country Mules and homebred Suffolk-X ewes. Suffolk
tups are bought to go over the mules, crossbred terminal sires to go over the Suffolks and
homebred Blue Texels for mating ewe lambs.
Since tupping 2020, Neil has looked closely at his ram team and purchased several high genetic
merit rams from Signet recorded Suffolk breeder – Matt Harding, Bentley Suffolks. On this
occasion, Neil bought his tups from Matt privately, however Neil also buys rams from markets
and the conversations to be had between breeder and buyer are relevant no matter how
purchases are made.
We’ll also be joined by Sam Boon, Signet Breeding Services, who can help explain how to
interpret basic estimated breeding values (EBVs) no matter what breed you’re in the market
for, and show us the benefits of using EBVs using results from RamCompare – The UK’s
Commercial Progeny Test.
Join us for this event where Neil, in conjunction with Marches Farm Vets and AHDB will be
joined by Matt Harding, Pedigree Suffolk Breeder; Sam Boon, Signet Breeding Services –
AHDB and Emily Brown, Marches Farm Vets.
The following topics will be discussed:
• What Neil looks for in a ram and how he decides what his priorities are
• What Matt does as a pedigree breeder to ensure Neil gets the right rams for his system
• The benefits of using Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and how to interpret them at
sale
• RamCompare – The UK’s Commercial Progeny Test and what it tells us about the use
of EBVs on commercial farms.
• The importance of choosing ‘fit for purpose rams’ and correct quarantine procedures to
ensure flock health is maintained
Lunch and refreshments will be served so please advise us of any special dietary requirements.
We look forward to welcoming you to the event. You can register for your free place by booking
online, emailing [email protected] or calling 01904 771218. Attendees must be over
16 years of age and suitable footwear must be worn.