Lamb producers are being invited to attend a free practical workshop on September 12 (10 am – 1 pm) that will explore the complexities of lamb selection and marketing. Organised by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project at Broadford Farm, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, the training will be led by Peter Morris of Cross Consulting in association with the Dracup family. Britain’s sheep farmers are used to the ups and downs of our climate but the weather in 2018 has created the ‘perfect storm’.
A challenging lambing and cold spring turned into a long hot summer, putting pressure on grass and forage supplies and stretching the finishing period for prime lambs. Add in the uncertainties surrounding Brexit and it’s never been more important to make informed marketing decisions to maximise returns. Peter Morris is involved in sourcing lambs for a number of the major processors and he understands the challenges faced by producers when meeting market specifications. He said: “After sheep farmers have gone to so much trouble looking after their lambs, it’s important that they fulfil their potential by selecting them correctly for the chosen marketplace. Doing this can make a significant difference to financial returns and ensures that consumers get a first class lamb product”. The workshop will explore the market for lambs and how consumer trends influence demand supply chain requirements. This also dictates carcass specifications and value so participants will look at both the UK and international markets highlighting threats and opportunities to trade. The workshop also includes practical handling of finishing lambs to help improve selection and grading on farm.
Peter Morris said: “Understanding the type of lambs suited to different marketplaces and supply chains can be quite a challenge. Lamb is sold in butchers shops, restaurants and supermarkets and is exported to many different countries and ethnic groups. With such a variety of consumers, there is demand for all types of lambs but the trick is making sure that those produced on farm are sold into the market that best suits them”. Broadaford Farm which will host the workshop belongs to the Dracup family who run a flock of 500 highlander ewes. They have been working hard to understand performance of the sheep enterprise. Will Dracup has focussed on improved monitoring systems and grassland management which will be explained in detail at the workshop. His father John said: “We are pleased to welcome the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project to Broadaford Farm and look forward to sharing with Peter and the group our current livestock system. The day should be a great opportunity to discuss the challenges of sheep farming and how we can add value to our businesses through improved selection and marketing”. The free workshop is supported by the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and will run from 10 am to 1pm with handouts and a pasty lunch provided. To book a place or for further details please contact the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project on 01822 890913 or email hfp@dartmoor.gov.uk