Hill Ram Scheme searches for Welsh commercial flocks
29 April 2021 |
The scheme s expression of interest window will open next week
Welsh hill flocks have a chance to join a sheep genetic improvement scheme that will put performance recorded rams to the test in a commercial setting.
Flocks are needed to join the Hill Ram Scheme to compare the performance of two rams on a selected group of performance monitored hill ewes.
The expression of interest window will open next week, on 3 May and will close on 21 May.
Farmers who take part will be able to see which of their rams has produced lambs and ewes that perform well on their farm.
Hill farmers in Wales have seen ample benefits after only a year of being part of a major research project that aims to boost the performance of pedigree sheep flocks. In 2019 an additional 24 flocks joined Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC)’s Hill Ram Scheme, and now, having been performance recording their flocks for over a year, are starting to decipher their reports with support from the project staff. The Hill Ram Scheme is designed to bring the latest technology to upland flocks in Wales with the aim of strengthening the Welsh sheep sector through long-term breeding improvement and smart use of data. Investing in breeding technology also has benefits for the environment, reducing emissions from agriculture.
Hill farmer joins major sheep genetic improvement project
13 January 2021 |
Ben Williams aims to boost the performance of his ewes and to sell rams with Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)
A hill farmer from the Cardiff area is one of 24 producers who recently joined a major research project in Wales that aims to boost the performance of sheep flocks.
Ben Williams, from Pentyrch, has around 800 South Wales Welsh Mountain ewes on his 550-acre family farm.
The Williams main motives are to increase the performance of the ewes, and to sell rams with Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC)’s Hill Ram Scheme welcomed the Williams and an additional 23 hill farmers to the project in 2020.