He said that producing lambs to the right specification and for the right price was a constant challenge, but the hot weather was the main issue at the moment – despite ‘predictable rain’ often being cited as an advantage of the local climate.
Ed Smith from the Texel Society then talked about the many years of work that goes into measuring and improving the genetics of a breed. Mr Smith said that performance management was the ‘backbone of genetic success’, enabling breeders to select stock that met their requirements and those of the breed as a whole, which ultimately would provide better financial returns.
There was an update from NFU chief livestock adviser John Royle and regional policy manager Alex Stevens about the NFU’s work on behalf of the livestock sector, including improving export markets and encouraging producers to take advantage of the Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) for West Country beef and lamb.
The presentations were followed by a farm walk and the chance to see Mr Martyn’s award-winning sheep both in the sheds and out in the field and discuss ways of improving sheep health, with farm vet Philippa Page talking about the importance of taking a preventative approach and seeking advice at an early stage – which apart from anything else is cheaper.
