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TEXEL SUCCESS GROWS
TEXEL rams are still taking
an ever greater share of the market for terminal
sires as hill and lowland flock owners seek to produce higher value lambs in
the post Fischler reforms era.
The heartening news from Club chairman Wilson Kennedy for members at the
Northern Ireland Texel Sheep Breeders’ Club AGM in Greenmount College,
Antrim.
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| Unlike most farming
events the well attended Northern Ireland
Texel Club AGM was attended by many younger
members of the rural community. |
“Ours is not only the largest, but also the most active Texel Club
in the UK with 11 sales, four prime lamb competitions, an open night, a flock
competition and a dinner dance during 2005” explained
the Ballyclare vet.
“Sales included a new annual event in Hilltown Mart’s excellent
premises and at the Premier Sale in Dungannon there was a tremendous trade for
gimmers and breeders’ ram lambs. Several
made four figure prices and a top price of
5,500gns was paid for Milestonehill Landlord.
“Despite all the difficulties associated with running an export status
sale it is essential as the Irish Republic
is a major market for Northern Ireland Texels. Above all, this Club must continue
to work hard at promoting the breed so that members do not have to sell across
the water to get good prices.”
But the Ballyclare vet had a word of warning
based on the lessons from history for his fellow
breeders. “Look back to 1946 and the
Oxford Down with the rising terminal sire at
sales in Kelso and Lanark. Then times changed
and the Border Leicester was king of the ring,
only to be usurped by the once discounted Blue
Faced Leicester.
“We can also recall how just a few years ago the Suffolk, not the
Texel, was the nation’s favourite terminal
sire. The lesson from this ever changing fortune
of breeds is very clear.
“Unless a breed keeps progressing to match customers’ needs
then commercial flock owners will switch to
a sheep that does meet new market demands.
“The Texel has a great appeal both as a terminal sire and in
providing crossbred Texel ewes, which are hardy and easily maintained on forage
with little need for concentrates. Texel lambs are famed for having tremendous ‘get
up and go’ and require little assistance to suckle. They also stay relatively
clean at pasture before grading well in the meat plant. After all Texels are ‘the
carcass breed.’
“But as history warns we cannot be complacent. Greater use of recording
and increased emphasis on current and indeed
future commercially vital traits is essential if we are to remain in pole position.
With ewe premiums gone and farmers facing an increasingly global and free market
the trend must be to easier care systems. Time indeed to place even more emphasis
on producing Texels requiring an ever lower labour input.”
Texel Club treasurer David Workman then reported on a successful and profitable
year. The number of new and young members in the Club was most heartening as
was their willingness to go that extra mile in helping promote their breed. However,
it was vital members up dated their bank standing orders as unpaid, late or incorrect
membership fees meant no entry to sales!
The AGM concluded with an up date on breed affairs nationwide from British
Texel Society Chief Executive Steven McLean. This was followed by a resume of
progress made in animal breeding technology from Australian vet Jon Hunton of
Britbreed in Edinburgh.
TEXEL POLE TOPPERS
FOUR new
committee members were elected in a close run
contest at the NI Texel Sheep Breeders’ Club
AGM held on Greenmount College campus.
Those agreeing to serve are a mix of genders, youthful enthusiasm, age
and experience with Maura Hill, Ballyclare joining Club president Barbara Gamble
to become the second lady on the committee.
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| Newly elected Texel
committee members, from left, standing
Maura Hill, Ballyclare, Alex Thompson,
Islandmagee, Brian McAllister, Kells
and Philip Hammond, Cookstown. Office
holders for 2006 are, from left, seated,
treasurer David Workman, Hillsborough,
chairman, Wilson Kennedy, Ballyclare,
and vice chairman Austin Shaw, Larne. |
Another new face on the team is Sandholes,
Cookstown young farmer Phillip Hammond with
the invaluable experience that comes with age
added by Alex Thompson, Larne and Brian McAllister,
Kells, who both held office before at the turn
of the century.
Ballyclare vet Wilson Kennedy remains chairman for a further 12 months
before current vice chairman Austin Shaw of Larne takes over for two years. As
before David Workman is treasurer with Rodney Magowan, Rodney Magowan Press & PR
Agency, secretary and PRO.
The AGM attracted almost 80 members and concluded with two charity cheque
presentations. The Motor Neurone Disease Association gained £1161
from a charity auction held at the Texel Open Night hosted by the Shaw family
last summer. A further £420 was awarded to Antrim Action Cancer Support
group having been raised at the club dinner dance Tombola in the Highway’s
Hotel, Larne.
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