Workshop aims to help Shire sheep producers

A workshop to help sheep producers make the most of genetics and management to improve flock performance is to be held in Alyth this month.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is hosting the event at Shealwall Farm on Monday, August 20.

Organisers said the practical session will guide participants through identifying the best rams for flocks, ewe selection, ram MOT-ing, ewe body condition scoring, flock health and ewe nutrition pre and post-tupping.

The workshop will be led by sheep veterinary consultant Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health, who works with veterinary surgeons, farmers, processors and retailers in the UK and abroad.

Dr Lovatt is also closely involved in a number of sheep breeding projects, including AHDB Beef and Lamb’s ram compare and challenge sheep.

She will be joined by vet Graham Baird, who is also a specialist in sheep health and production.

Dr Baird has worked in mixed practice, as a small ruminant specialist for Zoetis and in SAC’s VI Centres in Inverness, St Boswells and Perth, where he was involved in disease surveillance and health schemes.

Emily Grant of QMS said:“Even though the 2018 lamb crop is still largely on the ground, as ewes are weaned and ram sales approach we’re heading to the sheep equivalent of new year.

“Whilst the sales offer the opportunity to select the best new genetics, early preparation up until and just after mating sets the ewe’s production potential for that next crop.

“Given the challenging spring and summer and low forage availability, getting ewe condition right during this period will be crucial to next year’s performance.”

The workshop starts at 10.30am with coffee, followed by a mix of practical sessions and presentations to cover the key topics.

Lunch will be provided and booking is essential.

Clean clothing and disinfectable footwear must be worn.

Go to www.qmscotland. co.uk to book a space.