[bloomer]

ok


this is half hypothetical as nothing is confirmed yet, i think i have found a residence that will allow me to rent some summer grazing :-)


if i wanted to get going this year rather than wait till next year is it possible to buy lambs at this time of year to graze the land and go in the freezer at the back end of this year (im guessing if it all went to plan id be looking for stock in early july)


tell me what i need to think about please all of you!!!

[SallyintNorth]

It is feasible to buy store lambs once the store marts start that will be away by the back end, yes.

You would need a holding number and a flock number.

The main risk, I guess, is that one or more of the store lambs isn't ready by the back end - got lame and lost condition, or other illness ditto, or just is a poor do-er, or was of a type that needs longer to finish.  So then you have to get off your grazing and have lambs that aren't ready to slaughter.

[twizzel]

Yes you could buy a few commercial type stores from market to graze over summer then kill in autumn. Great for filling your freezer, probably not much money in it if you're only keeping them for a couple of months but if they are a fairly good size but just need a little more weight to finish they should be fine.

I bought some texel store lambs in July last year and they went on 5th November just before the bad weather set in.

[Anke]

You could always get some hoggs (last year's lambs) of the traditional breeds, like Shetlands, graze them over the summer and put them into the freezer in the autumn. Great meat and should be a lot sturdier than lambs from this spring. Also won't break the bank...

[waterbuffalofarmer]

I would say buy lambs which were born in either jan-feb-march.
Also if they're any younger possibly fast growing lambs like suffolk and the like.
Hope this helps

[Brucklay]

Anke beat me to it - was going to suggest last year's primitives - finish over the summer and ready to go when you want and the look nice too 

[marka]

Bloomer - get some Castlemilk's - they will be a good start for you - low maintenance, hardy etc etc and will taste nice !

[SallyintNorth]

bloomer, and everyone who wonders why primitives and rare breeds aren't commercial - you may find it useful to read the post I just wrote in jaykay's 'disappointment at the mart' thread, detailing how lambs kill out and what return you can expect from a commercial type vs a primitive type.

[Young Ed]

i am in the same boat..... almost!
well the only difference being the grazing is my dads (i am 15 so live at home)

i will be getting 3 store lambs in july sort of time and then they will be off in october/november sort of time
fencing may be an issue on short term rented grazing as if it doesn't already have good secure stock fencing the land owner may not want you erecting that and you may not want to as it is difficult to remove and if you leave it there then what if you don't rent the grazing ever again. my dad doesn't want stock fencing as it is too permanent and on my half it is rather expensive, also as i am rotational grazing rather than set stocking it would make mowing rather difficult so i have gone for electric fencing.

i am now rather knowledgeable on this subject so shoot me a PM if you have any queries
i will be buying the 3 Lleyn lambs from a local farmer

anything else just ask and i will see if i can help
Cheers Ed