A new five year project which aims to strengthen the Welsh sheep sector through genetic improvement has been launched.
The Hill Ram Scheme, launched by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC),is the first of its kind in the UK.
It aims to encourage more hill farmers to use performance-recorded rams to help produce lambs that meet market specifications for a wide range of markets at home and abroad.
Seven leader flocks have been recruited for the first year of the project and more flocks will join the project over the next 5 years, with a target of 35 flocks participating by the end of the project.
The leader flocks are a core and geographically diverse network of hill farmers who produce a variety of native hill sheep breeds, including north Wales mountain type and improved Welsh.
They will help mentor new recruits in the coming years by sharing their initial experience of the scheme.
Farmers taking part in the project will be using the latest technology, including DNA parentage, to monitor and record genetic data and key performance indicators within the flock.
They will receive support and training throughout the scheme to market their flocks and establish a performance recorded hill ram sale.
HCC’s Gwawr Parry, who leads the Hill Ram Scheme, said: “Typically Welsh hill flocks produce lighter lambs; traditional markets for these lambs have declined in recent years.
“The use of improved genetics in hill flocks will allow farmers to target growth and finishing – ultimately producing lambs that suit a wider range of markets
“In a traditionally stratified system hill ewes form a significant part of lowland production and so through identification of the elite genetics in the hill flock the benefits will cascade throughout the Welsh lamb industry’
“Additionally, by increasing the overall efficiency of hill sheep systems, farms will be more financially resilient and have the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Hill Ram Scheme is a 5-year project, which is funded by the EU and the Welsh Government.
It is just one of three projects within the Red Meat Development Programme which aims to strengthen Wales’ important red meat industry.
