The NSA sheep event was surely a warm one, but the heat didn’t keep people away and the stand had a good flow of people throughout the day. Key questions from prospective breeders and keepers were raised. It was clear from the morning that there was a large number of commercial farmers looking to change the Sire they currently opt for. Many choosing the popular continental sires, instead looking for a native breed that finishes on grass, lambs that are hardy and thrive from the moment they hit the ground. versatility is key finding we could strike a chord with everyone we spoke to on one element the breed could bring to their flock, with many people not realising the progeny from a Dorset cross also carries the ability to lamb out of season. The potential also in the female first crosses for retaining within the flock, the commercial trade for breeding ewes or as recipients for Embryo transfer.
With the Raffle ram standing proudly on the end of the stand, many people pleased to see such shape is achievable from a humble native breed. Producing lambs with not only tremendous carcass, but also fat lambs displayed in the central pen with clean faces and without colour enhancing the trade potential in fat stock markets.
Advertising the breed in its many ways was imperative for us at the sheep event, for those farmers that approached the stand inquisitive about the breed but essentially happy with they’re setup we had the option of talking teasers. This opened up another avenue for the Dorsets, a hardy teaser who is naturally virile all yer round, mature at a young age making them an ideal breed choice. And of course those people choosing to keep Dorsets and their first crosses, having that market available, to retain a number of entire males to cut for teasers. This all helps to boost the income the Dorset can bring to the farm. Sadly we are all too aware of the poor price paid for wool, however it was still discussed by people visiting the stand, those people who utilise it within spinning, creating bespoke products which are becoming more popular for the eco credentials and wanting to create a greener planet.
Although a lot of our interest was directed at the more commercially appealing poll Dorset, we mustn’t forget the core of the breed, the Dorset Horn. With the all the same amazing qualities as the polls of course but with the advantage of being on the RBST watchlist, this in turn appeals to people wanting to apply for grant schemes with enhanced payments made for keeping rare breeds.
The judges gave us some very pleasing feedback, the stand was professionally displayed. Being so informative in a clear concise way was the key we had over the other breeds. With sheep displayed in working clothes representing the breed in a functional aspect, pens on the new stand labelled as such so people could see an example of a poll ram lamb, central pen contained a Texel ewe with her commercial lamb sired by a poll Dorset and finally two stock ewes one horn one poll, demonstrating there is no difference bar the horns.
This breed stand looked brilliant, as I am sure many of you are only too aware of the hard work that goes into it, all the small details that all come together on the day. The pictures didn’t do it justice, we can just hope that a few more people have been encouraged to try a Dorset! As the days have followed we have all discussed already how we think the breed stand could be improved and encourage anyone to contact the society if they have any idea they would like to bring forward, or be a part of the stand going forward.