In the late nineteen seventies some of the “founding fathers” of the breed set up the original Lleyn Sheep Breeding Group. This was based on a nucleus flock, and sought to improve the performance of the Lleyn sheep as a maternal breed through performance recording. The Breeding Group evolved into the current Sire Reference Group.
In 2009 we decided after several years of selecting a “Supersire” whose semen was made available for each member to use on a number of their ewes, to change over to a system of exchanging ram lambs.
High Indexed Lleyn Yearling Rams
Every autumn the Sire Reference Group holds a Selection Day at Worcester Livestock Market where members bring their highest index ram lamb or lambs. The members judge these ram lambs on breed type, confirmation and figures and the first placed ram lamb is presented with the Graham Martin Memorial Trophy. The Group also has the benefit of a Signet/Eblex breeding specialist who attends the day to give advice and answer any queries the Members may have.
Each member of the group is entitled to select one of these ram lambs to use on their own flock that season, thereby introducing new bloodlines, superior genetics and increasing connectiveness to their flocks. By doing this, the accuracy of the EBV figures increases.
High indexed Lleyn ewes before lambing
We are always looking for new, enthusiastic members; so if you are a Lleyn Breeder who would like more information, please contact the Secretary on 01373 834206.
