ROGER and Hilary Bell farm around 250 acres just outside Kells, Ballymena which falls between 650 and 850 feet above sea level.
They currently run a sheep flock of 600 ewes comprising mainly of Texel x Mule types which they consider to be the ideal cross for their flock.
“I work out full time away from the farm and Hilary is in full charge of the day to day management of the flock, therefore we put considerable emphasis on selecting the very best ewe to suit our farm,” states Roger.
The winning formula on this busy sheep unit is a blend of Texel x Mule which produces a prolific, milky ewe with the ability to lamb and rear quality progeny year after year.
The current lambing percentage of 201% bears testament to this.
Lambing kicks off from mid March onwards and is carried out indoors.
As soon as the lambs are ready for outside with their mothers they are moved to pasture where they remain until weaning.
The Texel cross ewe has the ability to produce lambs a cut above the rest and have exceptional mothering ability.
Roger and Hilary are able to follow the progress of their ewes and lambs with the assistance of electronic tagging.
“We are able to follow the performance of all of our flock using data from the tags.
This has highlighted the positive contribution the Texel ewe has had in terms of longevity, superior production, and subsequent improved margins,” adds Hilary.
Texel rams are sourced at NI Texel Club Show and Sales as this is where Roger feels the best quality is offered by breeders.
The NI Texel National Show and Sale takes place at Ballymena Mart on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th August when 548 rams, gimmers and ewe lambs will come under the hammer.
All stock is eligible for export. Sponsorship is kindly provided by the Northern Bank.
For catalogues please contact Ballymena Mart on 028 2563 3470
Meat Trade News Daily Supporting British Pig Farmers
Source: farminglife
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