Leigh Smith
THE BREED
may not, but it is worth it when it is successful.“
Leigh’ s ambition is to breed a Ram Lamb good enough to sell at the Scottish National sale at Lanark.
Judging by current events, it is an ambition likely to be fulfilled.
Leigh’ s early career was as a professional rugby player. He was signed up from school to play for Workington Town and went on to play both League and Union. He even signed a deal to go to Australia to play and enjoyed the experience but admits the Aussies gave him a rough time on the pitch once they discovered he was a“ Pom””
A shoulder injury ended his rugby days but he still keeps fit
which is essential in managing his hobby.
Leigh is married to Lynsey and they have an eight year old daughter, Freya, who is passionate – not about sheep- but about dance and gymnastics, at which she excels. He also has two sons, Connor( 23) and Jai( 15) from a previous relationship.
“ I have set myself clear goals and work hard towards achieving them, but it doesn’ t seem like work because I enjoy it so much,” Leigh said.
As a former successful rugby player, he is well used to goals and we wish him further success in winning more recognition for his efforts in the years to come. Of that, there seems little doubt.
ALAN TUER TRAILERS www. alantuertrailers. co. uk
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THE TEXEL SHEEP originates from the island of Texel off the Dutch North-Sea coast. Crossed with Lincoln, Leicester and Wensleydales in the late 19th century, the small native Texel breed developed into a large nd prolific sheep which became popular for its well fleshed but lean carcass.
First importations came from France in the early seventies, followed by direct imports from Holland at the end of that decade.
There are many different types of Texel across Europe and other continents, each developed to perform in their specific environment. The British Texel is a medium sized sheep with a long rectangular body, well-proportioned with a level back and medium bone structure. The Texel’ s outstanding qualities are its pronounced muscling and long loin coupled with the unique leanness inherited from the original Texel sheep.
In pedigree terms the British Texel’ s head should be covered with fine white hair, the nose preferably black with the occasional black spots on ears or eyelids. The body must be well proportioned with strong loins, a solid square stance and round welldeveloped gigots. The fleece has a high loft with a staple of medium length and is highly crinkled. Fibres are classed as medium, 34 microns and less.
The Texel is hardy, tough and docile. Ewes are frugal and proven to excel in grassbased rearing systems. Lambs are famously vigorous at birth with a great will to survive. The breed is moderately prolific with 1.7 lambs per ewe.
Because of the breed’ s adaptability and excellent carcase quality, which it passes on to first cross progeny, Texel rams have become the UK producer’ s preferred choice of Terminal Sire, in particular the increasing number of recorded rams, which deliver reliable performance in all environments. Changes in the growth potential of Texel sheep have been immense since the initial imports during the seventies enhancing both the efficiency and profitability of carcase production from Texel sired lambs.
The Texel breed has a structured Performance Recording System, an on-line flock book is available which can be viewed from the Texel Society website.( www. texel. co. uk)
Source: The Texel Society
Pleased to be associated with Leigh Smith & wish him all the luck in the future
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