Suffolk sheep are deeply rooted in the Hyslop family of Wrangham, Wooler, where they have proved the ultimate terminal sire for more than four decades.
Wrangham Farm is run very much as a family affair with Stuart and Wendy Hyslop, along with their son, John, and three daughters, Leonie, Mary and Sally, all playing an integral in its operation.
The farm also benefits from the help of full-time shepherd Kris, alongside his mother Mandy Gray. Kris has been part of the farm since childhood, gaining experience and knowledge throughout his career at other farms before returning to Wrangham seven years ago.
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He plays a key role, continuing the shepherding legacy after his father’s passing in 2009. His father, David, more commonly known as Digger, tended to the stock since 1986. Prior to Kris’ return, Mandy, now in her late 60s, managed the flock for eight years, having worked with her husband over the years, and still remains a key part of the flock management today. Kris’ son, George, also plays a fundamental role in tractor and cattle work. Now aged 20, he has been working on the farm since he left school at 16.
Wrangham is just one cog in an expanding, diversified enterprise. The Hyslops also manage Easington Farm in Belford, Newham Buildings and Birchwood Hall, Chathill, accumulating a further 1500 acres plus additional rented pastures. Other ventures include a quality feed operation – Northumbrian Quality Feeds – a laying hen enterprise, holiday cottages, and a caravan business.
Their primary focus at Wrangham, however, remains on the breeding and management of the Suffolk and Mule cross flock, managed by Kris and Mandy. Over at Easington, Stuart manages the buying and selling of store lambs and cattle. All units have followed an organic policy, having made the switch some 25 years ago.
Kris said: “The organic system suits our ground and stock. We don’t struggle for grass and it adds a premium for fat stock.”
Situated 350-400ft above sea level among the rolling landscape of Northumberland, Wrangham spans 1000 acres and is home to a 50-ewe Suffolk flock which dates back to the early 1980s, as well as 1600 Mule and Blackface ewes and 130 suckler cows, of which 20 are pedigree Herefords.
The Suffolk ewes at Wrangham are managed via a straightforward yet effective approach. The flock is largely self-sufficient, grazing on organic pastures and requiring minimal supplementary feeding.
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“First and foremost, we aim to produce quality tup lambs to use on our Mule ewes. Selling tups is secondary,” said Kris.
Suffolk ewes lamb indoors from the second week in February, with an average scanning percentage of 175-180%. Three weeks before and after lambing, ewes are fed organic sheep rolls from the family’s feed mill alongside homegrown red clover silage.
During this time, ewes are brought in at night for the first week, and in the last two weeks before lambing they are housed in a large group before being individually penned with their lambs when they’ve given birth. They are turned out three to five days after lambing, depending on the weather.
Mule crosses and Blackfaces are lambed outside from the second week in April in two batches of 800, with the second batch beginning 10 days after which helps manage the workload.
Ewes are given an Animax Tracesure bolus both pre-tupping and pre-lambing.
Kris added: “Weaning commences at 12-14 weeks, depending on conditions, but the ewe will show when she’s given her all. We don’t creep feed the lambs – they move onto permanent pasture, and at this time of year they are on a clover ley and grass.”
Most of the early lambs are sold in July and August at weights around 45kg to Dunbia, Bridlinton. Any cast ewes are sold through Harrison and Hetherington’s Wooler Mart.
The Hyslops have resisted the move to artificial insemination, preferring natural tupping which they find more reliable for their flock.
“I’ve had some experience with AI but as you’re often using it on your best ewes, if it doesn’t work it can be challenging to get them back in sync for lambing with the rest of the flock.”
New genetics are introduced judiciously, with a new stock tup purchased approximately every two to three years. One notable purchase was a Northhouse tup bought for 1000gns, which significantly impacted the flock’s performance, yielding sons that sold well at 4000gns and also enhanced the flock’s overall quality.
“He didn’t owe us much when he went,” admitted Kris.
Breeding gimmers are retained from within the flock, with surplus sold to regular private buyers.
Commenting on the specific traits they look for when selecting a new stock ram, Kris said: “Skin is top of the list. I believe this can make a 5-10kg difference in the weights of the offspring. Tups must also have clean hair and carry a bit of flash about them.
“Previously, Suffolks got bad press for being dopey because they wouldn’t mother or suckle well as lambs. The breed is definitely changing to be livelier and more vibrant.”
This year, the team has 18 Suffolk shearling rams bound for Kelso. “Selling Suffolk tups at prominent sales like Kelso is a rewarding yet challenging task.”
Keeping the tups in prime condition throughout the year, free from fly damage, and ensuring they are well-presented requires daily effort. Despite these challenges, the financial rewards and positive feedback from customers make the sale all worthwhile.
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The Hyslops used to participate in local shows like Glendale, but the demands of the farm have taken precedence in recent years. “Pre-Covid, we would attend small local shows, but it takes a lot of time to prepare the sheep, and we don’t seem to have the time right now. But it’s something I’d like to get back into in the future.”
“I do, however, sense that Suffolks are becoming more popular. Five or six years ago, you could hardly give one away, but they’ve become a bit more commercial, and breeders are moving towards an easier-to-manage Suffolk.”
The Hyslops aim to continue their successful breeding programme using Suffolk rams on Mules to produce quality fat lambs and Suffolk cross-breeding gimmers. They foresee the Suffolk breed becoming more commercially viable, with a shift towards easier management traits.
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