For Andrew and Rachel Marston of Easgill Head Farm, near Kirkby Stephen, Beltex sheep are proving their worth in a genuine hill farming system. Farming 400 acres, the Marstons run a mixed livestock enterprise made up of 300 Beltex yows, Swaledales and suckler cows, showing first-hand that the breed is not just suited to lowland or pedigree systems, but can thrive where commercial performance really matters.

Based in hill country, Easgill Head is home to a practical, commercially focused flock where sheep have to work hard and deliver. The Beltex ewes form a key part of the farm’s output, producing lambs with the shape, correctness and carcase quality the breed is known for, while still fitting into the demands of an upland farming business.

Alongside the Beltex flock, the Marstons also keep Swaledales, a traditional hill breed well suited to the area, as well as suckler cows. This mix of enterprises reflects the type of farm where stock must be hardy, efficient and capable of making the most of the ground available.

For Andrew and Rachel, the Beltex has earned its place by doing a job. On a 400-acre hill farm, the breed has to be more than eye-catching; it has to perform in a system where lambs need to grow, finish and leave a marketable product. Their flock demonstrates how Beltex genetics can add value without losing sight of commercial practicality.

The Marstons’ experience at Easgill Head provides clear evidence that Beltex sheep can suit hill farms. With 300 Beltex ewes running alongside Swaledales and suckler cows, the farm is a strong example of the breed working in a real upland environment, producing the type of lambs that meet both farm and market requirements.

As more commercial producers look for genetics that can improve carcase quality while still fitting into existing systems, Easgill Head stands as a practical example of what Beltex can offer. The breed’s ability to combine shape, style and commercial value makes it a useful tool for hill farms looking to get more from their lamb crop.

Want to learn more about Andrew and Rachel Marston and Easgill Head Farm? Watch the video here – https://youtu.be/EjW8lZz9G7k