• Beltex Performance Recording – Alison
Glasgow of Signet gave a very in depth presentation of what was
involved with the MLC’s Signet Breeding Services for performance
recording. The different Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) that
could be recorded for Beltex sheep and how theses traits can
be measured were explained at the meeting. Performance figures
will allow you to compare your rams within your flock and with
other performance recorded flocks. Membership to the scheme costs £100
plus £3 per ewe. There is also an addition fee for on farm
scanning. Information on recording if you have not already received
it is available from the Beltex sheep society. There is a performance
recording open day at the Bush Esate on the 23rd of April and
if you intend on going please pass on you name to Rachel for
numbers attending. This is also a reminder to that if you are
planning on performance recording this year to weigh your lambs
at approximately eight weeks of age and the scanning will be
done at a later date.
• Beltex Journal – The
2008 Beltex Journal is expected in March. It was decided by
council to just update the Beltex Scotland club page but keep
the same photo of the line up of shearling rams from the Royal
Highland show two years ago.
• Flock Open Day 2008 – After
such a successful open day at Newton farm it was hoped that
another Scotland Club flock open day could be held during 2008
in a different part of Scotland. This was if it is possible
to organise without clashing with Scotsheep, shows and the
Society AGM towards the end of the year. It was also suggested
that at the open day there could be a chance for a EBV workshop
for both pedigree and commercial breeders to help us understand
how they work and how to use them within you flock. The possibility
of this would be discussed again at the next council meeting.
Any suggestions of flocks or volunteers please contact any
member of the council.
• Scotsheep– A
non MV stand has been booked for Scotsheep and after a discussion
it was decided that in the two pens it would be best to have
a commercial Beltex ram and a pair of commercial lambs either
weaned or on a ewe to show sheep farmers in the area what a
Beltex ram can do for their commercial flock. There will also
be some new additional promotional banners at the show. A competition
for guessing the weight of the pair of lambs will be available
for people who come on the stand. The Club are also looking
for club members to come along and help man the stand at Scotsheep
this will be a great opportunity to promote the breed on a
day totally focussed to the sheep industry. If you can spare
any time on that day please contact a committee member to let
them know how long you can spare and at what time during the
day.
• Trophies – It
had been raised by several members at the AGM in Lanark that
there are no trophies for both the Beltex Classes at the Winter
Fair at Ingliston and the Carcass class held later at Perth.
There was a very kind offer of a trophy from Brian and Andy
Ryder in memory of their father. It was decided at the council
meeting that this trophy should be given to a more high profile
club event such as the flock competition or a new yearly prize
for the Scottish Beltex Enthusiast to be awarded at the club
AGM in December.
• Beltex Prime Lamb Classes - Beltex
sired prime lamb classes at some selected markets around Scotland
are going to be organised later in the year to help promote the
breed as the terminal sire. The dates and venues will be announced
at a later date when the Marts have been approached about holding
these classes.
• Flock Reduction Sales – It
has been felt that large reduction sales at the annual in lamb
sale at Lanark have been detracting attention from sheep being
sold at the club show and sale. It was therefore raised at
the council meeting and to try and prevent this in happening
in future years, anybody planning on having a large flock dispersals
should let their intentions be known and these dispersal's
can be either held at the Ram sale earlier in the year or a
specific date arranged by the club committee or auction mart.
• Flock Competition – The
club committee members had a lengthy discussion on the subject
of trying to logistically organise a flock competition for
the Scotland club members. No conclusion was found as it was
felt that the total costs and distances involved with organising
a club competition that could potentially involve flocks from
all parts of Scotland from Orkney, Tiree, Wigtonshire and the
Borders would be to much to ask of a judge. Splitting Scotland
and having two judges was also discussed but again this would
still involve having an overall winner again this could possibly
involve both judges travelling all over Scotland. We would
invite club members that have any ideas on how to solve these
potential problems so we can get a competition off the ground
are invited and please pass them on to committee members.
• Beltex Merchandise - Beltex Scotland
fleeces, t-shirts, caps, ties and rugby shirts can be still ordered
and the order form can be downloaded from the Scotland Club page
of the website or by contacting Ross Williams directly. There
is a delay from ordering to receiving merchandise of around three
to six weeks depending on how busy the printing company are.
• Save Paper!!! – If
you would prefer to receive this news letter by email and save
both paper and postage please send your email address to rosco687@hotmail.com for
an electronic copy.
• Scotsheep - Please come and visit
the Beltex Stand at Scotsheep on the 4th of June.
• Royal Highland Show - Beltex judging
starts on Friday at 2.00pm and the BBQ follows the judging on
Friday 20th June. Tickets are available during the judging.
• NSA Tent at Highland Show - We are
looking for Beltex society member volunteers to help with manning
the Beltex stand, and any amount of time you can give from half
an hour to 3 days and all the coffee you can drink. A great opportunity
to promote the breed and your flock in particular. Please inform
a committee member if you are available.
Beltex
Scotland Merchandise Order Form
