News

8th August 2011

Lanark Texel Sale to be broadcast live

Society members unable to make this year’s Lanark Sale on Thursday 25th August will be able to take advantage of a new service offered by the Society to keep abreast of the sale action.

Because, in what is believed to be a UK first for a pedigree sheep sale the sale will be broadcast live on the internet.

The broadcast, which will be viewable on the British Texel Sheep Society’s website is being staged in response to the massive interest in the breed from both pedigree and commercial breeders across the UK and the world, explains Society chief executive John Yates.

“Last year we produced a video of the sale highlights which has received more than 8700 views on YouTube. Following on from that successful initiative, the Society is keen to offer further improved services to members, helping to involve more of our community in our popular flagship show and sale.

“We know there are a lot of breeders both in the UK and further afield who will be unable to attend the event and this will help them keep up to date with all the action from the sale as it happens. The broadcast will be produced using a team of three TV production staff, with extra footage also being used for future promotions of the breed.”

A new transmission device is to be used that multiplexes signals across 3G phone lines. So is a first in many ways offering greater flexibility, adds Mr Yates. “But of course strength of connection to the internet from viewers’ own computers will affect the final viewing quality as well.”

And, while there will doubtless be many overseas breeders and breed enthusiasts taking advantage of the live broadcast, there will also be a sizeable delegation of French Texel breeders at the sale getting a first hand look at the quality of the British Texel, says Mr Yates. “This is just one of the many delegations from overseas we are welcoming this year.”