185: Beef & Lamb: Sourcing replacements, forage supply and what to expect at livestock markets

In part one of this episode, independent sheep consultant Liz Genever talks to two of AHDB’s Challenge Sheep farmers, Sam Jones and Rob Hawke, about their approach to sourcing replacements this year, given the restrictions associated with coronavirus. There is also mixed forage supply following a dry spring, so she explores whether this is influencing their decision to retain more animals or opt to buy in replacements. Liz also covers health precautions and things to consider when buying in replacement stock.  In the second part of this episode, Liz is joined by Ted Ogden who is the Farmstock Sales Manager & Auctioneer at CCM Auctions in Skipton, North Yorkshire. As a member of the Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA), Ted gives an update on the availability of sheep sales this autumn within livestock markets and provides reassurance on the changes we can expect to see given the current coronavirus restrictions. There is also the option of sourcing replacements online, such as Signet Breeding Services who are offering the ability to buy pedigree ewes and rams from their website this year.  Further information Challenge Sheep Sam Jones and Rob Hawke are part of AHDB’s Challenge Sheep research project. The aim of the project is to understand the influence of the rearing phase of ewe lambs and shearlings, and how it affects their lifetime performance and productivity. Sam Jones runs a third-generation sheep farm in Worcestershire. He has 1,050 breeding ewes and he buys in and breeds his own replacements. Rob Hawke farms with his wife Anna near Salisbury in Wiltshire. They are first-generation farmers and they have been farming for 12 years. They run 1,000 performance recorded Romney ewes and they breed and keep their own replacements. Both farmers discuss their key findings from the project so far. Visit https://ahdb.org.uk/challenge-sheep to find out more about the project.   Signet Breeding Services Signet Breeding Services are offering the ability to buy pedigree ewes and rams from their website this year with their new sheep for sale page.  They also have a flock finder page to identify the nearest recorded flock to you. Visit https://www.signetdata.com/ to find out more. Livestock markets The advice from the Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA) is for farmers around the country to continue to support their local livestock markets and engage with them as they try and come out the other side of the pandemic. Vendors are now allowed back in the ring but with only one vendor representing their stock. Buyers need to contact the market to pre-book a place within the sale ring. Social distancing must be observed, and a face covering must be worn. Expect there to be clear perspex screens around the ring. It is a different buying experience, but farmers can still go and sell or buy their livestock. Visit https://www.laa.co.uk/ for more guidance.   If you would like further advice on sourcing the right replacements for your flock, please speak to your regional Knowledge Exchange Manager who can be found at the bottom of our Beef & Lamb homepage https://ahdb.org.uk/beef-lamb