July 2015

After an unusually cold May and early June, we eventually got a good first cut of haylage bailed. With grass now getting well ahead of the sheep we will no doubt land up with a surplus, which is where I like to be. During the summer we rigorously graze on a paddock system, so this should provide further good grazing through the summer, and will avoid too much additional pasture topping.

During June we weighed all lambs at the 8 week mark as usual. What has really impressed me this year has been the date adjusted daily growth rates. Well over 50% growing at between 300 – 400 gms/day and 12% over 400 gms/day. (Excl kades). Lambing was between 35th March – 15th April). We wean at 3 months.

There will be around 200 registered shearling ewes for sale this summer, plus both shearling registered rams and unregistered commercial rams. Although no decision has been currently made, as usual I also expect to let a couple of my 2 shear rams go. (Details of shearling rams with Signet EBVs along with details of those tested for the MyoMax gene are listed on the Stock Available spreadsheet. Those high lighted in yellow were approved; the others are purebred commercial)

We always welcome visitors to the farm, something I always recommend before buying any stock.