Time to find a tup

Ready to start breeding this year? Liz Shankland has some advice on how to select the best ram for the job.

- Liz Shankland

New smallholders just love buying stuff. Machinery, tools, work clothes, trees - you name it and it will be somewhere on the shopping list.

Most exciting of all, of course, is going shopping for livestock, and this is the time of year when attention turns to the ram sales. If you've followed my advice and learned to be a sheep owner before becoming a sheep breeder, you should be well-prepared by now and ready to take the next step. Always remember that, whatever species you decide to take on, it's important to know how to look after those animals before you start thinking of creating more.

Buying your own ram - or "tup" as you will often hear it called - is a significant purchase, and your choice can have a massive impact on your lambs. There are lots of old adages bandied about in farming circles, but the saying, "A tup is half your flock" is worth remembering. However good your ewes are, your tup will provide half the genetics of every lamb your ewes produce, so your decision can improve or weaken your flock.

WHERE AND HOW TO BUY

If you're new to sheep, start by going back to the person who sold you your ewes. They should be able to give you advice on where to go to find an unrelated tup suitable for your needs. Unless you really know what you're doing, buying direct from a breeder who has been recommended is always the best bet, and much less risky than turning to online adverts or buying at auction.