This year’s AGM will be held on 12th of December at 7pm at Pinegrove Hotel,262 London Rd, Carlisle CA1 2QS. Tea and Coffee will be provided.
READ FULL STORYThe Office will be closed from 5pm on Monday 23 December, through to 9am on Thursday, 2 January. Wishing all our members and breeders a very merry Christmas and all the best for 2025
READ FULL STORYHaving evolved a management strategy to achieve the best prime lamb returns throughout the season from their 950-ewe flock, the Musgrave family, Dalston, Carlisle adhere to it from year to year.
The sheep share the 1030-acre Cardew Hall Farm with 350 commercial milkers which calve all year round, and some 300 acres of cereals, maize and fodder beet for home use. Being a dairy farm, the sheep are always on quality grass or, when they are inside for lambing, the same quality silage as the dairy cows get.
READ FULL STORYThe overall sale average was up on the year and a 94% clearance of the 977 catalogued entries was achieved. According to Harrison and Hetherington’s Jimmy Little, himself a breeder, the strong trade was down very much to breeders’ time
READ FULL STORYThe new deadline date for Fully Registering your 2022-born lambs is fast approaching and must be done by Friday, 31 March, before late fees apply – £20 + VAT per lamb. Complete your Flock Survey and Fully Register your lambs
READ FULL STORYA note from our Chairman, Kevin Buckle: “Due to the likely late start of the AGM which was to be held after the evening sale at Carlisle on 8th December, it is now proposed to re-schedule the AGM to
READ FULL STORYCumbrian farmer and longtime supporter of the Beltex breed, John Hall of Inglewood Edge Farm, has been announced as the winner of the David Thomlinson Award which was presented at Borderway Agri Expo, for the second year running after its
READ FULL STORYIt is with regret that the Society has had to take the decision to cancel the AGM weekend planned for the 7 – 9 October 2022 due to the low numbers who have shown interest in attending. Our thanks and
READ FULL STORYFollowing a meeting of the Beltex Sheep Society Council, concerns have been raised over spiralling costs to the membership. It has therefore been decided that DNA testing of stock rams and flushing ewes will, from 10 August 2022, be voluntary
READ FULL STORYThe ballot was drawn today for the Premier Sale 10 – 12 August 2022 Schedule – will be confirmed in the catalogue Wednesday 10 August Arrival of stock Thursday 11 August Arrival of stock and inspection. Stock must be in
READ FULL STORYSummer shows will be making a very welcome return this year and here’s a wee look at your judges for the major shows. Balmoral Show Kevin Buckle 11-14 May I along
READ FULL STORYBreeders who applied for Scrapie Qualifying Status prior to 31 December, 2021, will be able to reclaim some of their expenses thanks to the expansion of the Movement Assistance Scheme. Taking effect from 1 April, 2022, the support will include
READ FULL STORYAs the UK experiences a phase of heightened Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) risk, a new survey is now open for vet students on lambing placement to identify the prevalence of deformed lambs, which is an indicator of presence of SBV across
READ FULL STORYThe Beltex Sheep Society has appointed Cumbria-based Pedigree Livestock Services which is run by Andy Ryder to take on the complete administrative roles for the breed Society. Society Chairman Kevin Buckle said the current and long serving Society Secretary, Barbara
READ FULL STORYPremier Sale dates after the recent AGM it was decided to run a survey regarding the days for the Premier Sale
Pre-Covid: Arrive Wed and sell Thurs & Fri OR Post-Covid: Arrive Thurs and sell Fri & Sat
Your response is important to the Council and Society
A new Export Health Certificate (EHC) is now available which permits, subject to certain conditions, the return to Northern Ireland (NI) of cattle, sheep and goats which originate in NI and are moved to Great Britain (GB) for an approved
READ FULL STORYBreeding and production sheep and goats Importing any new animals into your herd or flock obviously increases the risk for introducing disease – these include: Maedi Visna Complex which affects Goats and Sheep. The disease is an infectious, incurable, very
READ FULL STORYThe Society Office will be closed from 12noon Thursday 23 December 2021 until Tuesday 4 January 2022
READ FULL STORYFlock masters wishing to export breeding sheep and goats throughout the EU may have their flock or herd monitored under the provisions of the Scrapie Monitoring Scheme administered by SRUC Veterinary Services. Registered flocks and herds undergo an annual flock
READ FULL STORYAs reported at the Beltex Sheep Society’s recent Annual General Meeting, which took place at the Pinegrove Hotel, Carlisle, on Thursday, 9 December, the Society remains in a strong position despite a challenging couple of years for the agricultural industry.
READ FULL STORYFlock masters wishing to export breeding sheep and goats throughout the EU may have their flock or herd monitored under the provisions of the Scrapie Monitoring Scheme administered by SRUC Veterinary Services. Registered flocks and herds undergo an annual flock
READ FULL STORYThe team at Flock Health is inviting British sheep farmers to participate in the sheep scab survey 2021 whether or not their have experienced sheep scab in their flock before. The survey aims to understand opinions, experiences and decisions made
READ FULL STORYThe Society’s AGM will be held on the evening of Thursday, 9 December, at the Pinegrove Hotel, Carlisle. The meeting will commence at 7pm and will be followed by a buffet supper subsidised by the Society. Please could members advise
READ FULL STORYIt is with an extremely heavy heart that the Beltex Sheep Society notifies its members and Beltex breeders of the sudden passing of the Society’s Chairman, Jim Kennedy, on Sunday. A well-known and respected breeder of Beltex and other breeds
READ FULL STORYAs part of the Beltex Sheep Society’s 2021 Virtual Show Season, there will be special sections this year for groups of pedigree and commercial sheep, as well as young handlers classes. Such was the demand from exhibitors during the 2020
READ FULL STORYThe Premier Sale will go ahead on Thursday 12 to Saturday 14 August, with arrival of stock on the Thursday and judging of the President’s Award for pens of sheep (no individual show this year), before shearlings sell on the
READ FULL STORYFollowing on from the success of the 2020 virtual show season and coupled with the ongoing show season uncertainty, the Society has decided to run its virtual show season again for 2021. Although some events have been cancelled and others hope
READ FULL STORYImproving efficiency and reducing costs are both key drivers for any business. But for sheep breeders involved with the RamCompare project, investing in a ram with the right genetic merit for their system has proved to tick both boxes. After
READ FULL STORYGrassroots Online Registry replacing the old Pedeweb and introduction of the Grassroots Mobile App
READ FULL STORYThe UK’s exit from the EU on 1 January has created some (largely unexpected) roadblocks for moving breeding stock from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and the EU. The immediate problem is the lack of physical infrastructure at ferry ports
READ FULL STORYCovid-19 is already having an impact on the 2021 summer calendar with many shows and events making the decision to cancel or postpone this year. See below a list of amendments to the large show calendar that will continually be
READ FULL STORYCOVID Office Hours & AGM
READ FULL STORYChristmas Shopping 2021 New in for 2021 Beltex Calendar, available to pre-order for collection at the In-Lamb sales email the office on [email protected] Other items available on the Merchandise page Beltex Travel Mug and Cufflinks new for 2020
READ FULL STORYA statement from SRUC regarding Maedi Visna testing reads as follows: “As we outlined in previous correspondence, the current situation is that members who are overdue a routine MV test will have their status lapse at the end of December
READ FULL STORYBetween the Beltex Sheep Society and its members, £1700 has been donated to charities supporting the rural community.
READ FULL STORYFollowing the announcement from the Prime Minister of another full lockdown for England, starting on Thursday 5 November, the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) has confirmed that its member markets will remain open, and has set out updated guidance.
READ FULL STORYPlease Note: the Society Office will be closed from 4.00pm Friday 16th October and open again on Monday 26th October. We are taking a well-earned break, emails may be monitored intermittently throughout this period.
READ FULL STORYAs the Government Guidelines will reduce the volume of buyers being able to attend the sale, below are points Harrison & Hetherington ask for your co-operation in order for the running of Live Sales. This information is correct at the
READ FULL STORYMany of our breeders may not only be missing out on the social aspect of show season but also the pre-show preparations so the Beltex Sheep Society will be hosting a number of online shows to allow members to show
READ FULL STORYThe National Sheep Association has issued some documents for those transporting sheep during lockdown and to remind the public to act responsibly while passing through farmland. Both are available below should you wish to download (click on the document).
READ FULL STORYFollowing the announcement of a suspension of a flock’s MV status due to no routine blood testing being undertaken by vets, SRUC has announced an extension to the schedule which comes as a welcome relief for pedigree breeders operating under
READ FULL STORYWhile day-to-day farming continues for many across the country, there is no doubt these are unprecedented times for us all as we tackle the coronavirus pandemic and its knock-on effects will be felt for some time.
READ FULL STORYTemporary Office Closure – COVID-19
READ FULL STORYWe are in a challenging and quickly changing climate with the corona virus pandemic, this has now taken hold within the agricultural sector with early summers shows cancelling or rescheduling. The decisions made by those shows that cancel or re-schedule
READ FULL STORYIt is with sadness that the Beltex Sheep Society announce the death of David Prince, Highfield House Farm, Ashover, Chesterfield (Stonedge flock) on Thursday 30 January 2020. Matthew informed the Society office on Thursday that David passed away peacefully on
READ FULL STORYBy Bridget Lloyd, on behalf of the RamCompare team With 18,500 lambs recorded over four years, RamCompare is one of the UK’s largest and most high profile sheep research projects. Established to find the most profitable terminal sires for UK
READ FULL STORYBeltex lambs reigned supreme in both the live and carcase classes at the Premier Meat Exhibition on 13 and 16 November, winning the Supreme Championship in both sections. An entry from John Hall and daughter Joanne, from Inglewood Edge, claimed
READ FULL STORYYoung brothers, Richard and Jamie Jerman, made it two from two when they followed up their Championship win at the Borderway Agri-Expo to claim the Supreme Championship at the English Winter Fair on Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 November,
READ FULL STORYClaiming the Continental/Down Championship before going on to stand Supreme Champion at the Borderway Agri-Expo on Friday, 1 November, 2019, was a pair of 49.5kg lambs from Jamie and Richard Jerman, from near Brilley, Herefordshire. The duo were both by
READ FULL STORYA pair of ewe lambs from Ian, Mary and Richard Lancaster claimed the Supreme Championship at Countryside Live.
READ FULL STORYThe Society will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 26 October 2019 at the Preston Marriott Hotel, at 10.00am followed by farm visit to Withy Trees Beltex by kind permission of Andrew & Claire Wood. All Welcome Preston
READ FULL STORYA FAMILY renowned for producing quality stock in the North-east of Scotland has backed the Beltex breed for many years, reaping the rewards at shows and sales to put the breed on the map. Known for breeding pedigree Texels and
READ FULL STORYAs per information already given out in the Society Newsletter and in the Sale Catalogues Carlisle Premier will be the first of five sales including Welshpool, Skipton, Worcester and Lanark to include the presence of veterinary officers during pre-sale inspections
READ FULL STORYBeeston Castle Sale moves to Leek Livestock Market for 2019
READ FULL STORYRough hill ground in the south of Scotland may not be where you’d typically find Beltex sheep, but the Cavers family is making a name for itself by producing winning Beltex-sired lambs out of South Country Cheviot stock females. The
READ FULL STORYA word from Paul Bartholomew, Livestock Buyer for Vivers Scotlamb Ltd. “I’ve been very privileged to work for Vivers Scotlamb Ltd for the past 10 years, working alongside Livestock manager John Gibson, procuring around 5000 lambs per week, sold mainly
READ FULL STORYProducing improved lambs to meet market demands that sell sooner and for a better price was the reason for the switch to Beltex-sired lambs at Low West House Farm for the Beveridge and Cowton family. Gerard Beveridge bought the 227-acre
READ FULL STORYIt is a name that hit the headlines in the last year by setting a new breed record of 65,000gns for a shearling ram named Airyolland Castro, but the Airyolland flock of Beltex has long established a reputation for breeding
READ FULL STORYTwo newcomers to the Beltex breed have been touched by the support they have received from fellow breeders while setting up a new flock in memory of their daughters. Having sadly lost their two daughters, Esme and Lilly, at just
READ FULL STORYBeltex genetics play a strong role in the breeding programme at Frankland Farms, the host farm of this year’s NorthSheep event run by the National Sheep Association. The biennial event, which will this year take place on Wednesday, 5th June,
READ FULL STORYReminder to all members that 2019 Birth Notifications must be received at the office by the 31 May.
READ FULL STORYThe Society has had notification of two Trimming Days organised already, bit like buses none happening then two in less than a month! Both days are led by Geoff & Carol Watson, where you can watch, learn listen and practice!
READ FULL STORYBREEDERS in New Zealand have been flying the Beltex flag and welcomed two new ram lamb record prices at its second sale held at the Gallagher family’s Rangiatea property in Mid Canterbury at the start of the month. With many
READ FULL STORYA few suggestions for those struggling to come up with names beginning with E…
READ FULL STORY2019 Secondary Tag Colour – Northern Ireland It has recently come to the Society’s attention that the colour Blue for this year’s secondary Tag Number is not allowed in Northern Ireland. See extract below from DAERA’s Guidance for Keepers on
READ FULL STORYBeltex remain involved in RamCompare – winter update 2018. See how you can get involved.
READ FULL STORYIt was a good day for Beltex breeders at LiveScot when they secured the majority of the top awards on offer at Scotland’s winter primestock show at Lawrie and Symington’s Lanark centre.
READ FULL STORYBeltex sired lambs take all major prizes at the Scotish National Fat Stock Club and Premier Meat Exhibition *Live Sheep Champions and Reserve *Carcass Champion and Reserve *Champion Export Carcass
READ FULL STORYBeltex reign supreme at the English Winter Fair – November 17th – 18th 2018 *Supreme and Reserve Champion pair of lambs *Champion pair of purebred lambs *Champion and Reserve untrimmed lambs *RABI Champion single lamb *Reserve Champion and First prize
READ FULL STORYAgrifest South West 7/11/18 – Supreme Champion a pair of Beltex lambs from Robert Garth and Sarah Priestley, Bentham, Lancs and Reserve Champion a pair of Beltex lambs from Dafydd Lewis, Carmarthan
READ FULL STORYBeltex sired lambs swept the board at AgriExpo 2/11/18 *Overall Supreme Champion and Continental Champions *Overall Reserve Champions and Rerserve Continental Champions *First prize pair of Young Farmers lambs *First prize single lamb *First prize young handler under 8yrs and
READ FULL STORYWelcome to Kayley Kennedy as Breed Promotion Officer, and changes on Council as the Society welcomes Henry Jewitt and Andrew Bishop onto Council and incoming President Maimie Paterson.
READ FULL STORYAnnual General Meeting – Friday 26 October 5.00pm at the Doubletree by Hilton Queensferry Crossing Hotel, St Margaret’s Head, North Queensferry
READ FULL STORYNew Beltex Breed Record – Shearling Ram Airyolland Casto 65,000gns
READ FULL STORYMatthew Burleigh takes the Supreme Championship at the Pre-Sale Show
READ FULL STORYSecond Young Handlers class added for 2018
Class 5: Young Handlers (10 years and under) – Class 6: Young Handlers (11-16 years)
Hackney Beltex dancing in the fields – Hackney Cancan took Interbreed Championship at the Great Yorkshire Show 2018
READ FULL STORYRecord Entries of 1819 for the Society’s Premier Sale at Carlisle Thursday 16 – Friday 17 August 2018
Ballot now available
Interbreed Champion breeder from Royal Highland Show to judge Irish Beltex National Championships at Omagh Show
READ FULL STORYBeltex win Interbreed Championship at the Royal Highland Show
READ FULL STORYBeltex Sheep Society new website now up and running, feed back welcome…
READ FULL STORYAccreditation for MV in countries other than the UK does not mean sheep are automatically eligible to join UK accredited flocks
READ FULL STORYBimeda UK further their commitment to responsible sheep scab control by hosting a nationwide road shows and welcome farmers, vets, SQPs and all with an interest in sheep health, welfare and productivity to attend.
READ FULL STORYShowing Season in full swing for Beltex Breeders
READ FULL STORY
For all Beltex Sheep Society enquiries please contact secretary:
Beltex Sheep Society
Holme House, Dale
Ainstable
Carlisle
Cumbria CA4 9RH
T: 01768 870524
M: 07918 638197
Steph Ryder: 07518 519930
©Beltex Sheep Society 2024
