The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: waterhouse on May 30, 2011, 09:55:07 pm

Title: Dartmoor crosses
Post by: waterhouse on May 30, 2011, 09:55:07 pm
Has anyone got experience of crossing Greyface Dartmoors?  We love the easy lambing of the Dartmoor but we don't have a ram or access to one, and the breed society doesn't appear to function.
Title: Re: Dartmoor crosses
Post by: woollyval on May 31, 2011, 08:23:01 am
Years ago I had a dartmoor ram given to me....crossed him with all sorts very successfully! More recently had a few ewes in the flock and crossed them with my Dorset Down rams....very good results. When I sold them their new owner crossed them with a Charolais x wensleydale x gotland!!!!!......real heinz 57......but always very easy lambing
Title: Re: Dartmoor crosses
Post by: Elissian on June 01, 2011, 02:19:47 pm
Have you thought of seeing if anyone will be showing at the agri shows this summer. That's how i found a local breeder for my wiltshire horns. He loans me a ram every year.
Title: Re: Dartmoor crosses
Post by: waterhouse on June 01, 2011, 08:16:54 pm
I think we're 100 miles from the nearest flock and  200 from Exeter where it all happens.  So we're looking for something a bit more accessible rather than a pure breed.  Easy lambing and tasty meat are the requirements