New project: Hill Radnor Sheep

We are starting a new project, rare breed sheep namely Hill Radnors. They are a local breed with only 900 pure breeding ewes left, they are classed as vulnerable by the Rare Breed Survival Trust, only three breeds are more at risk. Hill Radnors have been use for cross breeding with other local breeds such as Shropshire and Clun Forest,they became rare as breeding practices changed.
We are hoping to use them for hogget and mutton production, they are a slow growing breed so produce good quality meat, but are not as suitable for lamb production compared to the modern fast growing breeds. So far we have bought three ewes, we were couldn't to get more last year because of the restrictions on replacement ewes for organic flocks. We'll be building the flock this year and buying a new Ram at the society sales in autumn.

Hill Radnors are as the name suggests a hill breed but are larger than most and have a distinctive brown face and legs with a grey muzzle which enlarges as they get older. They also have the best fleece of all the hill breeds. So far they seem more timid than out present Lleyns but that may change as they get used to us.
More on this project in the coming year.