1

Sheep / Re: Silvernose and similar

« Last post by Bywaters on December 14, 2025, 09:07:23 am »

Thanks for that

The Dartmoor should get some hardiness into them.
The VBN suffer up here esp with feet

2

Cattle / Milking cows, micro dairy advice

« Last post by Thesemigoodlife on December 14, 2025, 07:56:14 am »

Hi there, we are currently getting set up to start keeping x5-6jersey cows for milk.
I am looking for advice in regards to the processing areas. It’s really hard to find information on micro set ups.
Parlour - simple system with twin pumps
Processing - Our plan is to use a 40ft x12 portacabin, with wipeable walls all over, pasteuriser, cooling tank, small bottling machine.
I’m looking for people’s advice on plumbing aspect of the parlour for pressure washing it clean every time, do you just have a septic tank or what would  be best, would a small slurry tank be needed when it’s only 5 cows? Would be for pressure washing it clean.
For the processing portacabin just a simple septic tank is needed?
Many thanks

3

Sheep / Re: Silvernose and similar

« Last post by SallyintNorth on December 13, 2025, 01:10:10 pm »

@SavageU hasn't been back on since posting, so I'll answer the queries about "what is a silvernose?"

Googling says it's a cross between Valais Blacknose and Grey-faced Dartmoor.  Doubling up the cuteness (but also the lots of coarse wool.)

4

Sheep / Re: Silvernose and similar

« Last post by SallyintNorth on December 12, 2025, 11:51:58 am »

Where there's a willy there's a way 

Don't worry about the rams doing the deed, they'll manage.  Crutching just makes it easier for the tup to get all the ewes first time, which can make a big difference to him if he has 50+ ewes on 00s acres of open moorland.  But with tiny numbers, any tup will get the deed done - especially the experienced lad, who knows what he's looking for! 

5

Sheep / Re: Silvernose and similar

« Last post by Bywaters on December 11, 2025, 09:52:18 am »

Just trim up the ewes round the back end to make things easier

I'm intreagued as well - what's a silvernose?

6

Sheep / Re: Silvernose and similar

« Last post by Rosemary on December 11, 2025, 08:29:46 am »

What's a Silvernose?
I'm not really understanding your question.

7

Sheep / Silvernose and similar

« Last post by SavageU on December 10, 2025, 05:47:55 pm »

Ok, so have a few of these and probably shouldn't have bought them but anyway, here they are.

First time in with the tup this time. One experienced tup, another first timer.

Didn't manage to be organised and have them clipped in late august prior to tupping (and have just now tidied them with the Jakotis) but I did wonder with all that hair/long tail - how on earth would my ram manage to impregnante a ewe?

I've only two to tup but would like a lamb out of them.

Could I just clip in May like I did this year and maybe aim for a late summer lambing? Is that possible? Assuming they are not in lamb now obviously.

8

Marketplace / FS metal feed troughs (Scottish Borders)

« Last post by shankendfarming on December 02, 2025, 09:03:01 pm »

2 feed troughs available for sale.

They are 6ft long metal troughs on legs. With a creep style cage welded on the top. I was using them as hay feeders but they aren't that suitable for horned animals and most of my animals have horns.
Would do for sheep, goats or calves.

Located in the Scottish Borders.

Price £60 each or £100 for the pair.

9

Pigs / Re: Butcher

« Last post by Fleecewife on November 28, 2025, 05:03:49 pm »

We used to use Jim Cairns in Law 01698 350 738.  He's a biker too so has been very accommodating.  He would fetch the carcases from Shotts and cut them as I wanted, then we would collect from the shop.

10

Pigs / Re: Butcher

« Last post by Jaymac76 on November 21, 2025, 09:20:37 am »

Just contacted Shotts slaughterhouse and they do pigs so will save a lot of travelling and money on fuel, do you have a butcher you use for the sheep that you could recommend.