Understanding growth rates, medication use and carcase returns as well as other traits can help improve the financial performance of a flock. Identifying areas for improvement can also be driven by EID. Gains in productivity can be made from removing poorer performing animals from the flock and producers should consider the cost-benefit of various levels of recording from a flock basis to recording the parentage of individual animals.

“Basic recording could see huge improvements in flock performance in a relatively short time scale,” says Charlotte Johnston, Livestock Specialist with Innovation for Agriculture (IfA).

IfA will be running a four-hour training course looking in detail at how EID can be used to enhance flock management. The training will look at what drives performance and profitability on attendees farms to understand what data we should be recording.

Independent sheep consultant Catherine Nakienly says, “Making money from sheep requires a balance between maximising output and controlling costs. Knowing how your flock is currently performing is the first step in improving profitability and the course will provide an overview of the important measures to record on a flock basis and whether recording individual ewes is worthwhile or not.”

As well as looking at recording options, the day will focus around a practical session, looking also at what measures can be take to move your flock forward following data collection.

Places on this course are limited to 20 people on a first come first served basis. The cost of the course is £45 and includes lunch and refreshments. For members of IfA participating agricultural societies there is a 50% discount.

Monday 20th October, Myerscough College, Lancashire

Tuesday 21st October, Lemmington Hill Head Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland

Thursday 23rd October, Glenn Farm, Stafford, Staffordshire

Friday 24th October, Manor Farm, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Attendees are welcome to bring along flock information on the day for analysing/ discussion.

To book your place please visit www.rase.org.uk/events.

For further information or any queries, call Charlotte Johnston on 07779572598 or email charlottej@rase.org.uk

Draft programme:

Introduction
Why record?

What can and can’t be done with records?

Recording options

Practical session

Moving your flock forward