High hopes of rise in prices
High hopes of rise in prices
SHEEP farmers Robert and John Baldwyn are hoping that Cotswold Lamb will help boost lamb prices.
They say that lamb prices need a tonic because this year they are on average £4/head down, says Robert, who hosted the launch of Cotswold Lamb at his farm in Hidcote Boyce, Chipping Campden.
"I hope it will lift prices, but it will take time. Its a pity it will not have an effect straight away, but the retailer wants feedback and conformation of success first."
Even so, he welcomes the initiative. "It is nice to know where your lambs are being sold and how supermarkets are promoting them."
The Baldwyns keep 700 mid-February lambing Welsh Mule ewes, which they buy in from Welshpool market.
"We buy ewe lambs from the first sale of the season, so we are looking for those that are well grown and with white faces." These, he says, are cheaper than speckled faced ewes and just as good mothers.
Ewe lambs are run dry for a year before joining the main flock as shearlings. Then they are put to Suffolk tups, producing 18-19kg carcass lambs which are sold from late May onwards. *