SUMMER IS HERE - WHAT ABOUT SHEEP HUSBANDRY COURSE OR SHOW PREPARATION

2016 National Ryeland ChampionAt Oakberrow we run courses throughout the year and at this time of year we run both sheep husbandry courses - these can be either for the novice sheep owner or someone who is looking at purchasing sheep and wants to learn about the do's and don'ts.

During last month we were truly International with trainees from Zimbabwe and also Germany.

This is also the start of the county show circuit and Oakberrow Ryelands and Greyface Dartmoors will be exhibiting at Devon County Show which starts tomorrow 17 May.  Steve is there with the Ryelands and the Coloured Ryelands which are being judged by Jane Pinches at 2.30pm tomorrow.  Go along and have a chat with Steve.

Our next show is Royal Bath and West Show where there will be a full show team of Ryelands, Coloured Ryelands and Greyface Dartmoors.  

LAMBING HAS STARTED AT OAKBERROW 2018

Greyface Dartmoors in lambing shedGreat - at last we have started lambing.  The first lambs to be born were triplets to S8 our show ewe and she has 2 boys and a girl who are all doing well.  They were born on 31st Jan.  Following on from that our beautiful Antonia (Greyfaced Dartmoor) had two pretty girls on Sunday 4 February and then last night my little Babe (Greyfaced Dartmoor) had her daughter.

From the 8th to the 10th we have nine ewes to lamb so it will be getting pretty busy at Oakberrow and then the remaining are all following on mostly during February.  We are lambing 43 ewes this year which is more than in 2017.

Lambing courses - we have flexibility as there is something due to lamb every day for the remainder of the month and then running into March, so if interested in a course do please get in touch.

Contact - dsg.oakberrow@gmail.com or phone us on 07971675162.

Lambing courses - dates to be announced for February 2018

Pupil lambing their first lambThis year at Oakberrow we have increased the number of ewes we are lambing.  The breeds we have are Ryelands, Coloured Ryelands, Greyface Dartmoors and Texel/Beltex ewes.  

They will be scanned in December and then lambing course dates will be posted on the web, but it looks like we will start from the first week in February through to the first week in March 2018.

We enjoy lambing it is always a great feeling seeing the new borns and how they develop.  

Our courses cover all aspects of lambing and we have had great feedback from previous years saying how much they learnt and really enjoyed the experience of attending a course at Oakberrow.

We already have a few people put their names down for lambing courses, so if you are interested please get in touch.  This year we are putting in a 12 hour course as well as the daytime lambing.

2017 Lambing courses - the girls are in the lambing shed

Ryeland ewes in lambing shedThe Ryelands, Coloured Ryelands and Greyfaced Dartmoor ewes are all in the lambing sheds enjoyng the comforts.

Lambing courses at Oakberrow commence 7th February and the girls are lambing in a tight pattern so we are full on from then until the end of February.  This does help with lambing courses as we have more days available.

At Oakberrow we are very friendly and make everyone welcome.  The numbers on the courses are limited to 4 so we can ensure that you get the mnost out of the day with us and can go home happy and confident in dealing with the lambing of your own flock.

We do have dates available, please contact us if you wish to attend a Lambing Course.

email dsg.oakberrow@gmail.com or phone 01531 640102.

Greyface dartmoor ewes in lambing shed

LAMBING COURSE DATES FOR 2017 ANNOUNCED

Greyface dartmoor lamb - so cute!!The girls were all scanned earlier this week and we have lots of singles, twins and also three sets of triplets due from our gorgeous ryelands, coloured ryelands and greyfaced dartmoors.

Exciting times ahead as we have used some new rams this year.  Our latest purchase from Ann Rickson of Sunnyside Greyface Dartmoors with Seb is going to be a first time Dad with all the girls in lamb to him. 

Woody our new Coloured Ryeland ram lamb has three girls in lamb and one of these is having triplets.

On the Ryeland front we used four rams - Untouchable whom we used last year and was Best Stock Ram in the Flock competition.  Oakberrow Tornado had four girls.  Our ram lamb Winston who won best retained ram lamb in the flock competition and son of Untouchable has three girls in lamb to him and our latest ram to the flock Uncle Colin had the majority of the girls and is going to be father to two sets of triplets.

COURSES WILL RUN FROM 7 FEBRUARY FOR THE MONTH. 

Please get in touch to book your place.  Courses run from approx 10am - 4pm, or later depending on what is happening in the lambing shed.  Lots of theory and hands-on.  Cost £95 per person and includes lunch. NEW 24 hour lambing running 10am-10am - limited numbers and includes bed and all meals. £200 per person.

email dsg.oakberrow@gmail.com - tel 01531 640102 or 07971675162

If you want further information, please do not hesitate to contact either Steve or Doreen.

If you or your partner are pregnant please read the advice from the NHS about lambing before booking your course