The genetics of our flock is strengthened by its diversity of bloodlines from different regions of the UK.
Our original ewes Barbara, Gale & Titch we bought from the Maesgwyn flock in Cardigan in Wales. We then returned to Wales a few months later to buy Fudge, Marble & Dotty from the Y Fenni flock in Abergavenny.
Our lovely ram we bought local to home from Great Torrington, from the Greenfield flock.
So as we wanted to expand numbers we advertised on the internet for shearling ewes. We would have quite happily bought local but the replies were fairly scarce from the South West. However one reply we did get and we are really pleased she did was from Michele Varmen, but she was far from being local!
Michele owns the Snelson flock and is based up North near Manchester. Back in May I was invited to Michele’s Ryeland Flock Book training day, which was excellent, so much going on and lots to learn.
Although the day was busy Michele was very generous with her time showing me her rams and their offspring she had for sale. It was evident from the start that we would be buying good stock from this lady. They were all in excellent condition, extremely well cared for, and a genuine passion of Michele’s, and above all they were quality animals. Michele has had numerous successes in the show-ring.
After much deliberation we agreed to buy 4 of Michele’s Coloured Ryelands, 1 shearling ewe and 3 ewe lambs. We are very pleased to have one offspring from each of her rams who she has done very well showing.
The 4 we bought are Winnie the shearling ewe, and Rachel, Laura and Twinnie the ewe lambs.
We showed Laura and Winnie amongst very strong competition at Mid Somerset Show and Laura was placed Reserve Champion, and Winnie was 2nd in her class. Laura has a twin brother who Michele is also selling as she has their close relatives, he has done well showing already…..funnily enough he is called Jason (official name is Snelson Xuberant) – will any of you spot the link in these two’s names? There is a story to tell there!
So our flock is now complete. We have a fantastic mix of bloodlines and qualities, and we are really looking forward to watching how our new additions mature and play their part in the Smeafield Coloured Ryeland flock.
Michelle’s website is: Snelsoncolouredryelands.co.uk
