RBST is running a series of sheep management courses for its members in Yorkshire and the Hull, Grimsby, Bridlington and Scunthorpe area. A holding number will also be required. 

Organised by RBST with partial funding from LANTRA and Yorkshire Forward, members will be given priority for bookings at a subsidised cost of just £15 per person.Two courses, designed specifically for keepers of rare and native breed sheep, will be available. 

 EID & Ewe Management   

 (7pm to 9.30pm - sandwiches & refreshments provided)

This course will inform breeders about the latest situation of EID and talk through the practicalities of derogation for those selling into the commercial market. The event will include a practical demonstration of tagging, readers and looking at the different farm software available. Sam Jones, the training programme co-ordinator says: “Although the industry expects EID to happen we do not yet know precisely what the regulations will be. There may be derogation for rare breeds, but that may not automatically be the best choice for breeders who sell into the meat trade where traceability is a requirement.”

Under the heading of ewe management, EBLEX will be presenting a range of topics designed to help inform members who may have limited practical husbandry knowledge. Attention will be on the ewe during pregnancy including the importance of nutrition and lack of stress, how to maximise survival of the embryos and how to monitor feeding levels. Selection of replacements will explore the identification of ewes with good maternal traits and lambing time. The course will also cover biosecurity.

 “Live to Dead”

(9.30am to 1.30pm - lunch included)

 The ‘live to dead’ lamb selection training will offer a hands-on approach looking at stock selection for slaughter for the meat trade to ensure a consistency in the carcasses supplied to the butcher. The training will take place in an abattoir. A further day will be held at each venue in January or February.

 To book a place on one of these courses, please complete the form below and return to the RBST office with a cheque for £15 payable to RBST. The lamb selection courses will be limited to 10 places per venue, so early booking is advised to secure a place.

Click here to download a booking form