The Farmers Mart Jun/Jul 2016 - Issue 46 | Page 25

Farm News Bright future for Hebridean Half-breds »»THE THRIFTY BLACK SHEEP with origins in the Hebrides have proven themselves to be leaders in conservation grazing and award winning as gourmet meat, andare popular with sheepdog triallers for training. Breeders have more recently turned to the production of half-bred ewes Hebridean half-breds by NC Cheviot with lambs by Beltex that can take the hill, marginal or environmentally sensitive ground. North Country Cheviot and Blue-faced Leicester tups have been the most popular crossing choices. The gimmer lambs from these crosses are generally white woolled. They are hardy and fine boned animals. Their small dark hooves are resistant to foot problems and they have a robust dentition that provides for longevity as productive ewes. Their half-breds lamb readily to any terminal sire and the lambs are thrivers. The breed society is holding its first sale of halfbred Hebridean gimmer lambs and gimmer shearlings at Lanark on 2nd September HEBRIDEAN SHEEP Hardy, versatile, economical sheep Succesful cross breeding with all commercial rams, and produce excellent half-bred ewes. Come and visit our stand at the Great Yorkshire Show, opposite the sheep lines and have a look at pure bred and half-bred ewes with lambs at foot. Breeders will be on hand to answer your questions The Hebridean Sheep Society represents breeders of registered pedigree Hebrideans throughout the UK. For further information visit www.hebrideansheep.org.uk or email [email protected] SPONSORS CNS Clinwil Nutrition Services ‘the trace element specialists’ ® Mineral Range Cattle Dairy Sheep Limousin NLS Ad_180x121mm_06_16.indd 1 23/06/2016 10:59 www.farmers-mart.co.uk Jun/Jul 2016 25