[Remy]

Is there a market for older sheep?  I have two big wethers whom I've had since orphans, they have to be about 6 years old now but I have to downsize my flock as I need to make sure I have enough grazing over winter - this year was awful and I was having to buy in loads.  The wethers are very big and should really go, it sounds awful and I'm fond of them but I have to concentrate on the breeding ewes.

[lachlanandmarcus]

Yes, but mainly for the halal kebab market, so depends whether that's ok for you....

[shep53]

WOW must be a lot of halal kebabs out there , quiet time for ewes , scottish markets  7-8000 per week

[lachlanandmarcus]

Ok pet food and burgers as well, I just dont like not knowing which route they went when it's an animal I've had for a long time, I prefer them to be done locally and me and the dogs eat them.

[Pedwardine]

I'm with L&M.

[VSS]

If they are in good condition, I would put them in a shed with straw to eat for a couple of weeks to thin them down a bit and then put them in the freezer - hang for at least 10 days, fortnight if you can manage it.

Older weathers need a bit of a diet as they tend to lay down a lot of body fat. Even so, you will probably need to trim a lot of fat off the carcass, but it will be delicious!

[Blacksheep]

We took some cull sheep in a couple of weeks ago, including a 10year old wether, he made the highest price,  at least £75, so yes there is definitely a market for them to my surprise.   Not easy to do but have to look on it as him having had a lot of bonus years and the older sheep start to get a problems with stiffness etc.