Join us on the 5th of September for an evening flock visit and ram viewing with Edd Williams, Upper Wenallt, Talybont on Usk, Powys. 

Start: TBC

The opportunity to boost sheep profit and performance in Welsh hill flocks by recording is being proven within a Powys flock.

Figures from the ‘Wenallt’ flock at Upper Wenallt, Talybont-on-Usk, show the value of genetic gains driven through estimated breeding values (EBVs).

Since 2016, there has been a 3.2kg increase in eight-week-old lamb weights, a 2.9mm increase in muscle depth at scanning and a 5.9kg increase in scanning weights.

The pure-bred Welsh Mountain flock is largely made up of ewes with an EBV in the top 25% for their breed on performance.

It all started in 2010 when the Williams family started performance recording, recognising it as an important tool for genetic progress.

“We could see it was the way forward,’’ recalls Edward, who farms with his parents, Glyn and Lynne.

Edward says the figures allow him to make better breeding decisions, both within his own flock and when breeding rams for his commercial and pedigree customers.

“If we wanted to get to the very top I didn’t want to have to pump an animal with feed, I decided that performance recording was a more genuine way to achieve that and commercially the most viable, and that probably is the case.

“Although our rams are not making thousands and thousands like some do in the traditional sales we have a solid average and with the fixed pricing structure we’re not selling any rams below the cost of production.’’

All 11 Welsh rams retained to sell as breeding stock in 2023 are in the top 10% of the breed and all are positive for their maternal ability and muscle and fat depth.

Join us to learn more about Edd’s system – we look forward to seeing you there.