Scotsheep breeds area is biggest ever

A record number of 32 breeds will be on display at the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) Scotland event at Quixwood Farm, Grantshouse

Organiser Euan Emslie said: “The interest from the breed societies has been tremendous. All the major sheep breeds will be represented which, along with individual pedigree flocks, will make for a total of 39 exhibits.”

He expects more than 150 trade stands: “All the latest development will be on show. NSA Scotsheep will give sheep farmers a unique opportunity to catch up with advances in genetics, technology, animal health, management and husbandry.” Other features will include a farm tour, practical and technical demonstrations, advisory and educational exhibits, seminars, sheepdog trial, stockjudging, ATV competition, sheep shearing and farmers’ market.

Attendees also have the chance to view the 2500-acre Quixwood and its flock of 1500 ewes, 700 suckler cows and 600 acres of arable crops. Breeds on show will include Beltex, Berrichon Du Cher. Blackface, Bleu du Maine, Blue Texel, Bluefaced Leicester, Border Leicester, Charollais, Cheviot, Dalesbred, Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset, Easycare, Hampshire Down, Highland Mule, Jacob, Kerry Hill, Lleyn, Meatlinc, North Country Cheviot, North of England Mule, Oxford Down, Rough Fell, Roussin, Ryeland, Scotch Mule, Shetland, Suffolk, Swaledale, Texel, Vendeen, Wensleydale and Zwartbles.