A WELSH sheep farm producing tailored replacement ewes featuring Innovis genetics within a traditional stratified system is proving to be a win-win venture for two sheep farming businesses; so much so it could offer a template for other producers to take up.

And to prove the point, Ben Anthony and Diana Fairclough of Frowen Farm, Whitland, will be holding an open day on June 2 to give other sheep farmers an inside view of their operation.

Over the last three years they have taken annual direct delivery of up to 170 Aberfield cross Tregaron Welsh replacement ewe lambs bred and reared by Irwel Jones, of Llanwrda, and by-pass the live market ring.

“Since taking over Frowen Farm from Diana’s parents in 2010, we realised the sheep enterprise comprising Suffolk cross and Texel cross ewes had to change from finishing lambs and breeding replacements to focus on finished lamb production,” Ben explains.

“Agreeing a gentleman’s arrangement with Irwel has enabled us not only to buy in all our replacements from one source to minimise disease risk, but also secure ewe lambs bred from performance recorded and proven genetics.

“These Aberfield cross Tregaron Welsh ewe lambs are growing into lighter, more prolific ewes, an average 65kg compared with 80kg for the Texel and Suffolk crosses they are replacing,” Ben explains.

“Consequently, they’re enabling us to increase stocking rate whilst we expand the flock. We’ve proved they’re suited to the low input forage based systems we’re developing, whilst they are also capable of contributing towards increased lamb output. Scanning has improved from 150% in 2011 to 195% in 2016.”

For Irwel Jones, replacing a breeding strategy featuring traditional Welsh Mules with Aberfield crosses followed by finding one ewe lamb purchaser has introduced a new dimension and added value to the business, he says.

“We introduced Aberfield rams in 2011, that first purchase is still with us and we now have five rams on farm. We find the male lambs easier to finish than their Mule counterparts, consistently finishing to 42kg to 45kg at six months of age.

“As far as the ewe lambs are concerned, then trading direct off the farm to one buyer is much less fuss than selling through the live ring. I agree with Ben and Diana a price in advance based on the finished market plus a bonus, together with delivery date in late August. Last year we did the deal on the phone. In turn, they’ve given me very good feedback on my sheep which has provided me with new impetus along with a new level of security.”

Irwel says as the two partners have built up a level of trust, future plans are for Ben and Diana to help him select new Aberfield rams with specific traits to breed their future replacements.

“We are ambitious to expand the flock to 600 ewes and beyond, and the correct genetics suited to our management system will make a significant contribution to its future success,” says Ben. “We’d also recommend establishing a breeding stock supply chain as the way forward for other producers too.”

• Sheep farmers will be able to find out more about Ben and Diana’s sheep farming strategy on Thursday June 2 when they open their farm gate for an open day organised by Innovis.