Glyn Arthur Final Project Update - January 2025

Key Results:

Scanning:

  • 2023: 103%
  • 2024: increased to 105%
  • 2025: Increased to 111%, progressing toward the 120% target

Barren Rate:

  • 2023: 8% barren rate
  • 2024: 12% barren rate
  • 2025: Reduced to 4% barren rate, achieving the below 5% target

Body Condition Scoring: Improvement from 2 to 2.5 at weaning 2024 to 2.5 to 3 at tupping 2024.

Deaths between weaning and sale are below 2% in 2024, achieving targets.Targeting maintaining this for the 2025 crop.

Forecasting a 10% Increase in lambing percentage for 2026 could equate to £3,500 increase to total store lamb sales based on current figures.

By optimizing ewe productivity, the operation achieves a savings of £2500 amount per year, reducing the number of ewes but maintaining the same lamb output.

Background:

Glyn Arthur Farms, located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, spans 330 acres of upland grazing, managing 650 crossbred ewes of Welsh Mountain and Cheviot genetics. With a long-standing family history, the farm’s management recently transitioned to Sarah Hammond. Historic data highlighted the need for improvements in flock health and productivity, focusing on increasing scanning percentage, reducing barren ewes, and tackling lamb deaths, particularly in young lambs. The project aimed to address these challenges through targeted interventions.

 Purpose of the work:

The primary goal of the project was to enhance flock performance. This involved:

  • Investigating causes behind key performance issues (e.g., scanning percentage, barren ewes, lamb mortality) and implementing targeted solutions.

  • Addressing specific health concerns, such as joint ill in lambs, using preventive and corrective measures.

  • Optimising farm management practices, including body condition scoring, health planning, and mineral supplementation to improve overall flock productivity.

What We Did:

The project began in November 2023 with the ewes already with the rams, and key interventions were implemented immediately to begin addressing identified issues.

  • Body Condition Scoring: Regular scoring at gatherings to ensure even grazing distribution, focusing on thin ewes and lambs.

  • Health Plan Development: Created an active health plan with regular updates to address issues such as Toxoplasma gondii and parasite resistance.

  • Faecal Egg Counting: Monitoring lambs for parasitic infections, aligning treatments with SCOPS advice.

  • Blood Testing & Vaccination: Tested barren ewes for abortive agents, with recommendations for future vaccinations.

  • Post-Mortems & Joint Issue Investigation: Examined lambs for infections causing joint issues, with new hygiene and vaccination protocols put in place.

  • Mineral Audit: Conducted a thorough mineral audit of forage, blood, and liver samples to correct trace element deficiencies.

  • Ram Health Testing: Tested rams for fertility issues, ensuring high-quality breeding stock.

Outcomes:

As the project started in November 2023 with the ewes already with the rams, it was recognised that some KPI improvements may not be seen in the first year.

  • Lamb Mortality & Joint Issues: Post-mortems revealed several lambs died from navel infections, clostridial infections, and pasteurellosis. Vaccination protocols and hygiene practices such as quarantining bought in rams, were adjusted accordingly.

  • Mineral Deficiencies: Trace element issues were identified, particularly low iodine and selenium. A bolus containing copper, selenium, and iodine pre-tupping.

  • Ram Fertility: Four rams required retesting, with two failing fertility tests, highlighting the need for regular fertility monitoring.

  • 10% Increase in lambing percentage could equate to £3,500 increase to total store lamb sales

How to Apply on Your Farm:

  • Body Condition Scoring: Implement regular scoring to ensure ewes are in optimal condition throughout the year.

  • Develop a Health Plan: Create a tailored health plan for your flock, revising it as necessary based on emerging health concerns.

  • Monitor Parasite Levels: Perform regular faecal egg counts and implement selective treatments based on findings.

  • Blood Testing: Test for any mineral deficiencies and use supplementation as needed to prevent deficiencies affecting your flock’s productivity.

  • Fertility Testing for Rams: Prior to breeding, test rams for fertility to ensure only fertile rams are used.