Top-quality flocks with conservation
Top-quality flocks with conservation
MANAGING a commercial hill sheep enterprise and caring for the environment go hand in hand, according to a Highlands-based finalist.
Campbell Slimon and his family run 1450 ewes and 50 out-wintered suckler cows at Breakachy, Laggan, Newtonmore – close to the coldest place in Britain. The farm, which extends to 3640ha (9,000 acres), has about 81ha (200 acres) of arable in-bye land, the rest being hill grazing and forestry.
Until recently, Mr Slimon also rented summer grazing at Drummochter, but with fewer producers putting sheep on this land, it became increasingly difficult to ensure ewes stayed within their heft. "Ewes were spreading out, and consequently we were losing unacceptable numbers – an average of 60-70 each year. However, I do feel that the loss of these ewes on the hill is detrimental to the environment. "
This loss has meant a change of policy at Breakachy. The land currently used for wintering sheep will become the summer grazing, with consequent increasing pressure on the in-bye land during winter.
"Because of this, we aim to reduce sheep numbers to about 1000, and increase the suckler herd by about 20, although Im not confident that it is the right move!"
The loss of grazing has meant that Mr Slimon is content to maintain a lambing percentage of about 90. Swaledale tups were used in the past in an attempt to boost prolificacy, and after a five-year break, they are to be reintroduced as Swaledale cross ewes sell successsfully in local markets.
Ewes are scanned, and grouped accordingly, with twin-bearing ewes receiving additional feeding besides being grazed on lower pastures.
"We also plan to use a Texel or Suffolk on some of the older ewes to produce lambs with better carcass quality in an attempt to boost profitability. I fear that many store lamb buyers will not be in the market next year, so finishing lambs will be a better option."
Besides selling some lambs as stores, finished lambs are sold at a deadweight average of 16-18kg. Rape and turnips are grown on the in-bye land for finishing rations, fed alongside baled silage.
For ewes, grazing is maintained by a planned burning programme, which also benefits grouse and other moorland birds, according to Mr Slimon.
Tree planting is also well planned, with a policy of producing small shelter belts. To this end, three 2.4ha (6 acre) plots of Caledonian pine have been planted under the Farm Woodland Grant scheme, with nine further 1.2ha (3- acre) plots being fenced off from sheep and rabbits to allow regeneration of overgrazed birch.
Besides these small areas, there are two Farm Woodland Grant regeneration schemes of 65ha (160 acres), and 11, 1.2ha (3- acre) plots of native species planted under the Forest of Spey Expansion Challenge Fund, while wetlands and stone dykes on the farm come under the umbrella of a local ESA.
As well as helping to divide the farm into five manageable areas, these plantations have provided shelter meaning that Mr Slimon now over-winters hoggs at home. "This also reduces the risk of taking scab back to the farm after away-wintering."
"Besides enhancing the environment, we are producing sheep that are quality and health assured, and regularly command top prices at Perth and Kingussie markets," adds Mr Slimon.
SLIMON STRATEGY
• Hill flock.
• ESA, Woodland Grant Scheme.
• Producing better finishing lambs.
Campbell Slimon maintains hill grazing and conservation with a planned burning programme.
SLIMON STRATEGY
• Hill flock.
• ESA, Woodland Grant Scheme.
• Producing better finishing lambs.