A flock of Lleyn breeding ewes was formed in 2015 to maximise the grass on a recently purchased farm. We started by keeping to pure Lleyns but are now using Aberfield and Highland Innovis rams to improve performance and profitability.
Rather than trying to fight nature and the elements of the North York Moors we have stopped lambing in late February and March, lambing now starts late April.
The aim is to finish as many lambs off grass as possible, as quick as possible reducing the need for creep feed.
We will be lambing Aberfield and Highland cross shearlings for the first time this year, so it will be interesting to monitor their performance.
After weaning the ewes are spread out over all the grassland to clean up after the cows. They are then housed when that grass has been grazed down, so that the regrowth is saved for turn out in the spring.
While they are inside, they are fed silage and fodder beet. If there are any leaner ones they are separated and fed to improve their body condition.
Depending on grass growth and weather the twins and singles are turned out in late March to lamb outside. The triplets remain inside to lamb.
It would hopefully be the aim to have enough high performing ewe lambs for sale in the near future.
Changing to this system has certainly reduced feed costs and labour but is still work in progress.
