Author Archive: Admin

Lamb Cam

Barn Cameras or Lamb Cams…!

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Keep Your Baa-bies Close, Even When You’re Not:

  • Setting Up a Dedicated Video Surveillance Camera for Lambing Season

January, like a new-born lamb, stumbles into being, bringing with it the flurry of lambing season. For us sheep farmers, and especially those who lamb early, it’s a time of endless cups of coffee, missed meals, bleating lullabies, and, well, let’s face it, a tad bit of worry. After all, you can’t be glued to the lambing shed 24/7. But fret not, shepherd! Technology offers a helping hoof with a dedicated mobile hotspot and security camera combo, letting you keep tabs on your ewes from afar.

What You’ll Need:

  • A dedicated mobile hotspot: This handy device uses a mobile phone SIM card and acts like a mini Wi-Fi router, broadcasting a signal you can connect your camera to. Choose one with good battery life and signal strength. Ideally you need a plug socket to power it. Here is an example picture, there are a few different types. (Read the reviews before buying one…!)

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  • A weatherproof security camera with night vision: opt for one with its own APP for easy viewing and recording. Motion detection would be an extra baa-nus! Again, there are many different types to look into, so read the reviews first. Most cameras are very similar to each other. Resolution is one aspect to consider, the higher the resolution, the better the picture.

Just a note, you can buy cameras now with a built in mobile hotspot. So read the specifications before you buy. These type can be a lot more expensive.!

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  • A SIM Card: Nowadays you can buy a SIM card at a very low monthly cost, and if you buy on a monthly contract, you can always cancel it when lambing is over. Check which networks have good coverage where you are. Remember it will be inside a building, so the reception needs to be good. You can use any of the major mobile network websites to check which signals are strongest in your area. You can check by postcode.
  • A local power source: Hopefully, as mentioned, you have a plug socket somewhere handy. (get that 50m extension lead out.!) But if not then consider solar panels or a 12v car battery to keep your camera juiced. A rechargeable ‘power-bank’ is another option.

How to Set Up Your Remote Lambing Watch:

Before I get into the detail, one thing to note is that ALL of this should be set up and tested at home first.! Its best to get the kit all working while you are sat in the warm having a cup of coffee.! You don’t want to be half way up a ladder in the freezing cold wondering what the wi-fi password is…! (Take my word for it.!)

Right…

1. Install the Camera APP. Make sure you have the camera APP downloaded onto your mobile phone or tablet. (Refer to the manual for which APP to use and how to configure it)

2. Place the hotspot: Find a central spot in the lambing shed with good signal strength. Remember, walls play hide-and-seek with Wi-Fi, so adjust accordingly.

3. Connect the camera to the hotspot: This will vary depending on your camera model, but generally:

  • Turn on the hotspot and give it a shepherd-worthy name and password.
  • You may have to connect your phone / tablet to the new hotspot wi-fi for the APP to work at this stage.
  • Put the camera in Wi-Fi pairing mode. (Consult the manual for the secret handshake!)
  • Select the hotspot network on the camera app and enter the password.

4. Tweak camera settings: Customize your lambing watch experience:

  • Motion detection: Get notified when something (hopefully a woolly wonder!) stirs. (This can be problematic, as you may get a notification every time the ewes move…!)
  • Night vision: See clearly even when the moon plays hide-and-seek.
  • Data usage: Check what your data download limit is on your chosen SIM card. As a rough estimate, streaming a 720p video feed, 4 times an hour for 5 minutes each time, 4 hours a day, every day for a week would use approximately 1GB per week. (Reducing frame rate and resolution will reduce data, as will using a H264 codec setting on your camera). I use a 12GB per month data plan and that is ample on three cameras. This plan currently costs me about £6 a month.

5. Test and adjust: Check the camera feed on your laptop or tablet or mobile phone (just like any Wi-Fi device!). Reposition the camera or hotspot if needed.

6. Monitor and rejoice! Now you can watch your ewes birthing remotely, offering them privacy while staying in the loop, no matter where you are. But remember, even with a camera, occasional visits are still key!

With a dedicated mobile hotspot and camera, you can watch over your lambing flock like a watchful sheepdog, ensuring their comfort and safety while giving you peace of mind (and maybe even a few adorable lamb videos to share!). Happy lambing season!

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OBSERVATIONS OF JACOB SHEEP

Observations of the Jacob Sheep

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Lesley Partridge

At the Central Region Autumn Open Day I took a selection of printed photo panels which I had made to illustrate different aspects of the Jacob breed. The two topics discussed on the day were Jacob markings and ear set and temperament. The following article expands on this discussion a little more.

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Although they don’t look it, Jacobs are essentially black sheep carrying two dominant black genes, Ed Ed BB. In the first three months of life in the embryo it is an important time for the distribution of pigment. Embryonic stem cells are called the Neural Crest where they generate a wide variety of cell and tissue types during embryonic and adult development. The cranial Neural Crest gives rise to the majority of the bone and cartilage of the head and face, nerves, muscle tissues and pigment cells.

There are three important sites where the pigment or Melanoblasts first start to develop, on the top of the head, near the eye, near the ear, and several other places on the body. Once the pigment cells have finished migrating they then take up positions at the base of hair follicles which are then referred to as Melanocytes. A few pigment cells then migrate outwards joining up to form larger patches on the top of the head. According to Cattanach 1999: “they then spread out until they meet under the chin, then spread down the sides of the body.”

There is a recognised importance for the black Melanocytes to be present on the brain area to regulate mood and temperament, but a failure of them not reaching there will cause seizures and diverse behaviour.

RECESSIVE WHITE SPOTTING

The Jacob carries a recessive white spotting ss gene which affects not only the change of black to white, but also the structure of the wool making the white areas much finer. This can be seen in lambs’ fleeces of the ‘patchwork/Intermediate’ type where the white wool appears short and fine, and the black is coarse and long. Experience in breeding Jacobs suggests that the recessive white ss gene in some sheep can produce different strengths of pink skin.

STRONG ss WHITE

In its strongest form it produces very blood red pink skin. Pedigree breeders try to select for ‘clean’ skin in their show and breeding stock. Some Jacobs will stay 90% clean pink skinned for most of their lives.

MEDIUM ss WHITE

Some sheep are born pink skinned but develop pale spots with increasing age. Skin blemishes can fade during the winter months only to appear again in the presence of the summer ultraviolet light. In others, the black base pigment can gradually show through as freckling allows fibres of black wool to grow from the spot of pigment.

WEAK ss WHITE

Although born pale, the whiter woolled skin areas can develop into a blue/grey colour, darkening with age .This skin colour was quite common in the early days before breed improvement had started.

BLACK PATTERN MARKINGS

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It seems there is very little scientific information about ‘Black Patterns Over White Spotting’ in livestock. My own field observations suggest there seems to be a big variation of intensity of the black marking gene over a recessive white gene background. The chart below shows the range of black marking variation I believe to exist:

  • Large body spots Plate 2 A, D and Plate 3 A,D,F
  • Small body spots Plate 2 B,C Plate 3 B,C,E
  • Head mask Plate 2 A,B,C,D Plate 3 A,B,D,F
  • Spotty feet Plate 2 B Plate 3 A,B,D,E
  • Black on leg – late 3 D
  • Dirty nose – Plate 3 B
  • White head Plate 2 C Plate 3 C, E
  • White on ear Plate 2 C Plate 3 C
  • Panda eye – Plate 3 E

In the seventeenth century Jacobs were known as ‘Spanish sheep,’ kept for their attractiveness in the parks of large English country estates by the landed gentry. Since those days the body conformation is vastly improved but the genetic marking structure is still present. Jacob Sheep Society members try to breed for the Plate 2 type which makes up the standard for the show ring.

Show your sheep

Why not show your Jacob sheep?

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A Friendly Invitation from the Society

If you’ve ever watched the sheep classes at a country show and thought, “I wonder if one of my Jacobs could be in there?”—this post is for you. Whether you keep a few Jacobs for their character, fleece, looks, or just because they’re part of the family, showing them could be your next great adventure. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert to start.

At the Jacob Sheep Society, we’re a friendly bunch. We know that trying something new can feel a bit daunting, especially if you’ve never shown animals before. But with a little guidance and support, you’ll find it’s not only possible—it’s really good fun. Here’s how to get started.

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🏡 Keep It Local – A Great First Step

A small, local agricultural show is the perfect place to begin. There’s less pressure, it’s easier to get to, and you’ll likely find other Jacob Sheep Society members there to support you. These smaller shows often have a lovely, relaxed feel and are full of friendly faces—many of whom remember exactly what it felt like to be in your shoes.

To get going, send off for a show schedule early so you can check the classes and entry requirements. If anything looks confusing, just ask! That’s what the Society is for—we’re always happy to help newcomers find their feet.

🐏 Pick a Couple of Jacobs and See How They Go

Start small. Choose one or two sheep that are in good condition and easy to handle. Showing isn’t about having the biggest or boldest animal—it’s about presenting your sheep in the best way possible and learning the ropes as you go.

One of the joys of keeping Jacob sheep is how naturally striking they are, with their horns and amazing fleeces. Even a modest home-bred ewe can catch the judge’s eye with a bit of preparation and care.

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🌿 Get a Head Start – Condition Matters

Jacobs thrive with good, steady care—and that’s exactly what will help them shine in the show ring. Don’t be tempted to feed heavily just before the show; what really matters is consistent nutrition and attention over time. Keep their condition healthy and natural, and their beauty will speak for itself.

For adult sheep, remember they need to have been shorn in the same calendar year. If you’re aiming to show a shearling, it’s a good idea to shear early and let the fleece grow back evenly before the show. Just make sure they’ve got somewhere warm to shelter if it’s still cold!

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🐑 Halter Training—Start with a Lamb if You Can

Many Society members start with lambs for their first show—they’re smaller, easier to train, and they often take to the halter surprisingly well. A bit of patience and positive handling will go a long way. Start with short sessions and gentle encouragement, and you’ll both build confidence quickly.

Older sheep can learn too, though they may take a bit longer. Don’t give up! Once a Jacob gets the hang of walking on a halter, they rarely forget.

And there’s something very rewarding about spending this extra time with your animals—it helps you notice their quirks, strengths, and personalities even more.

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🛁 A Bit of Bathing, Trimming, and Tweaking

Getting your sheep ready for the show is part of the fun. About a week (or maybe two.!) before the big day, wash your entries with mild soap or animal shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and allow plenty of time for drying, especially if the weather is damp.

Lambs benefit from gentle carding to fluff up their fleece, and older sheep might need trimming to bring out their best shape. A clean face, washed legs, and a dab of horn oil can really make a Jacob stand out.

If you’re not sure how to groom or prepare your sheep, just ask around. Many members are more than happy to show you how it’s done—we’ve all been beginners once!

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🧳 Don’t Forget Your Show Bag!

Here’s a checklist to help you feel organised and calm on the day:

  • White coat (or show jacket)
  • White halters
  • Towels, carders, combs, sponge
  • Animal shampoo or washing-up liquid
  • Clear oil for horns
  • Water (for you and your sheep!)
  • Completed AML1 movement forms (“on” and “off”)

A little preparation goes a long way—and having everything to hand means you can focus on enjoying the moment.

🤝 You’re Among Friends – The Society Is Here to Help

This is the bit we love most: you’re not doing this alone. The Jacob Sheep Society is full of friendly, experienced members who are more than happy to offer advice, lend a hand, or even just cheer you on from the ringside.

When you join the Society, you’re joining a community. We’re here to help you grow your confidence, meet fellow Jacob keepers, and get more from your sheep-keeping journey—whether that’s showing, breeding, fleece work, or simply enjoying your animals at home.

And who knows? That one local show could turn into a cherished annual tradition. Many of our members started “just to try it once” and now wouldn’t miss it for the world.

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So why not give it a go? Your Jacobs are gorgeous—and showing is a great way to share them with others, make new friends, and learn something new. We’ll be cheering you on

Wales March 2025

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WALES REGION

Regional Contact member – Alison Ross

I am writing this report after a welcome dry spell of weather comes to an end and the first rain of a gathering storm begins. For those of you that have finished lambing, I hope you are pleased with your new crop of lambs. For those who will be lambing well into April, I wish you well.

We had a good turnout for the Christmas lunch and prize giving at Cradoc golf club, sadly low clouds obscured the magnificent views of the central Beacons. The flock competition was well supported with the judges kept busy over two days; our thanks to Jean Simmons and Richard Chapman. I had lovely reports from several members to say how helpful and encouraging they found the experience. I don’t think anyone came away without a ribbon but top spots went to:-

Best large flock and champion flock –  Samantha Matthews, Mashbury.

Best small flock – Gwenllian Evans, Gwenerin.

Best homebred shearling – James Leonard, Grove.

Best Group of ewe lambs – Gwenllian Evans, Gwenerin.

Best homebred ewe lamb – Gwenllian Evans, Gwenerin.

Best ram Samantha Matthews – Mashbury

Best ram lamb – Euan Edmunds, Sable

Young handlers awards:

Senior – Gwenllian Evans

Intermediate – Harri Morris

Junior – Griff Morris

It is encouraging to see the enthusiasm and knowledge of our young handlers in Wales.

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Jackie and Gwyn Jones’ hoggets which weighed an average of 48.5 kilos and made £143 each at Welshpool Market

Plans for events in Wales are in hand with a trimming workshop at Grove Farm on May 10th that is open to all JSS members but numbers will be limited. If there is a demand, a second workshop may be held on May 11th. There will be a small charge to cover costs. My thanks to James and Hannah for hosting this.

The RWAS hold their spring show on 17th and 18th May and there will be a Jacob breed promotion stand. Please come along and support us.

An Open day will be held on June 8th in Ceredigion with two flocks represented. Thank you to Denise Doney and the Evans family.

The Royal Welsh Show dates are 21st-24th July.

The Regional Show and Sale is on Saturday 20th September.

There are plenty of local shows holding Jacob classes throughout our region, please see the website for more information.

Northern March 2025

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NORTHERN REGION

Regional Contact Member – Emma Chester

On Saturday 26th October the Northern Region held its regional AGM hosted by the FettleMead flock, Thirsk, North Yorkshire. The day was attended by 27 Northern members from all counties in the region and included both new and established JSS members. The day’s agenda consisted of refreshments on arrival and a meet and greet, followed by a talk and presentation from Lucinda Bird from the Benridge Woolworks on the potential market for raw Jacob wool fleeces. After lunch there was a walk and talk around the FettleMead flock and overview of the sheep looking at two and four horners sheep, and discussing the importance of supporting four horn breeding. The day finished off with the Northern AGM, questions and any other business.

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Emma introducing her flock at the open day at FettleMead

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Lucinda Bird processing Jacob wool at Benridge Woolworks

Lucinda Bird’s key points and topics:

The talk was about creating a viable business model for Jacob wool. Lucinda has a prosperous market for Jacob wool in saddle flocking and the art of crafting a quality saddle.

There’s also continued growth for the craft market, such as whole fleece rugs and peg loom rug making. We were all treated to seeing some examples of such rugs that have been handmade Lucinda states: “Farmers must be paid above the cost of shearing even if that starts small. Only waste wool should be for gardening or green burning. Therefore wool should either be sold to processors or the risk taken to process your own wool and sell fantastic products from it.” At the end, members spent a huge amount of time chatting and conversing with Lucinda with the many questions they had and further talking points that came up. With many excited with the potential for the versatile fleece our Jacob’s produce. I would like to say an enormous thank you to Lucinda for finding space in her extremely busy schedule to come to visit us all. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and were incredibly impressed with the information and details Lucinda spoke about. Everyone went away feeling inspired and motivated with the future prospects for Jacob wool and recognising the hard work Benridge Woolworks is doing for the raw wool market.

Going on from the topic of wool, FettleMead flock are also super passionate about raising the awareness of Jacob wool and what the fleeces have to offer and it sells most of the fleeces as private sales to spinners, weavers and crafters who appreciate the natural colours and long fibres this raw wool has to offer. Another part of what the flock prides itself on is the fresh meat side of it, rearing lambs for freezer ready lamb boxes in various pack sizes from whole through to smaller taste packs. Everyone who tastes Jacob meat admits how the flavour is leaps and bounds ahead of anything off the shelf they have tried. Jacob lamb is full of flavour with its meaty joints and chops with marbling throughout. When slow cooked it falls of the bone.

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A ewe and lamb from the Beacon View flock in West Yorkshire

Finally, I talked around how sheep from the flock are taken to local and national shows, and have also more recently been entered for regional Show & Sales which I enjoy and feel should be supported. I finished off by talking about how important I feel it is to keep supporting and breeding the four horn Jacob, which are bred in fewer numbers compared to the two horn Jacobs. I am passionate about keeping the four horners relevant and popular. Over the 15 years of the flock we have had a plethora of four horn sires bringing in excellent bloodlines, which has meant other flocks can continue the richness of having new four horned bloodlines. I also love the two horned sheep too, hence why FettleMead is a mixed two and four horns (but slightly weighted towards the four horners).

I would like to take the time to thank all members for attending and supporting the open day. Young member, Georgia Knowles, wrote: “Last year, me and my family attended the national, northern AGM at Emma Chester’s. One thing I found particularly interesting was meeting a lady from Benridge Woolworks and seeing just how special and popular the Jacob wool is. Another interesting fact we learned was that people particularly like Jacob wool to fill the main seat of saddles for horses. But thank you to everyone for all the hard work that went into organising it. Me and my family really enjoyed it.” It was great to host a regional AGM for the Northern members; especially to talk around many topical points that got all thinking ahead, but even more so getting everyone together to have a good catch up. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gifhttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif

I look forward to our next events this year, and already have dates in the diaries for 2025. As a parting note, if anyone would like to contact me about hosting a 2025 spring/early summer or autumn (possibly Northern AGM combined) open day please do not hesitate to get in touch. Many thanks in advance.

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Ewes at Fenton & Fozzard’s Greenacres flock

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Ewes from Jen Hurford’s Studley flock in winter

Scotland March 2025

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SCOTTISH REGION

Regional Contact member – Melanie Harper

As I write this it’s still early February and we’ve had a bit of sleet and snow this morning. Most of my Jacobs have lambed, only waiting on shearling ewes who went to a ram lamb and two old ladies who had a bit of fun with a ram lamb who came through my electric fence and left his mark. It was the last time he did it as he ended up a freezer pack. Ewes have had fantastic colostrum along with vast amounts of milk thanks to the usual mineral buckets, high protein nuts, hay and lots of fresh water. Yes, they are eating me out of house and home but they are rearing their lambs well and I can’t ask for any more. The ewes and lambs run in and out of the shed, and they love to get out in the morning. They are still shut in at night and will do so until the weather eases a bit. As for any show champions let’s wait and see where horns go and whether they break them off. I’ve probably had about a 50/50 split with regards to ewe and ram lambs. My daughter Stephanie’s Ruberslaw flock has given her a good supply of ewe lambs… She only had two last year.

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Young Gordon Connor helping with lambing at the Dun-Mor flock in West Lothian

The sad decision to cancel the National AGM Weekend was not one that was taken lightly, numbers were down and it wasn’t viable to run this. Maybe we need to rethink these weekends and look at a way that maybe we can encourage more people to attend and keep costs down. I’m always at the end of a phone or email if people have suggestions or thoughts. Can I take this opportunity to say thank you to Barbara along with the northern team who had put together a fun weekend. If you ever get the chance jump on a train and head north it is beautiful countryside in a very unspoilt part of Scotland.

The Royal Highland Show, June 19th – 22nd, will be with us before we know it, and it would be great to see a good turnout of Jacobs for our Welsh judge, Siwan Harris. I’m hopeful we will have a similar set up as in previous years with regards to pens and judging ring. We will have our usual after judging get together. The main judging day is on the Thursday, come along and say hello.

I can confirm our National Show will be held at Dalkeith Show on Saturday 12th July. Ady Hamilton from Ireland has kindly accepted the invite to judge, and we are very grateful to him for making the journey over to Scotland. I must thank Scott Brown, chief sheep steward, for his help as he is always at the end of a message and phone call. Many will know Scott as the voice of the RHS sheep rings. We are hoping for some good classes of Jacobs. A little change to the normal structure for the judging wil be that the Jacob championship will be judged in the main area, and Scott Brown will then give a brief explanation about the breed and why everyone should have them their fields. It’s a chance to showcase the breed and that can only be a good thing for us. If anyone needs a schedule or more information regarding the National, please drop me a message or a call and I will try to help.

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A ewe and lamb at Melanie Harper’s Deanburn flock in the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Show and Sale will take place on Friday 1st August at H&H Carlisle and our 2025 judge is Scott Dalrymple, part of the successful Dunmor Team. We have spoken with H&H and given feedback about the 2024 sale, hopefully this will be looked at and actioned. We are still fairly new to selling at Carlisle and teething issues will hopefully get ironed out. The team at H&H are very good and always keen to help which is what we need on sale day. We will continue to work hard to hopefully get venders and buyer the best for them on sale day.

Due to the cancellation of the National AGM, we are all a bit “up in the air” but Scotland are already looking at events to compensate for the loss of the weekend. We are in the early stages of planning but we will get details out as soon as we can, and we hope to incorporate a judges’ seminar/flock visits along with a social night, Watch this space. A flock competition will hopefully go ahead in the autumn, more details to follow.

A feeling that has come from members is one that we need to be encouraging younger people into the Society, they are our future, none of us are getting any younger and we need young people to come along and bring fresh ideas. Please drop me a message if you have any ideas. Many thanks to the Scottish Committee for their continued support.

Southern March 2025

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SOUTHERN REGION

Regional Contact Member – Peter Gorringe

Following on from the success of the Southern Region open day last October (full report elsewhere in this Journal), a lambing day was organised for members recently which proved a great success.

Southern Region member, Natalie Ceeney, writes: “On Sunday 9th Feb, the Southern Region JSS gathered in Peter Gorringe’s Shutecombe Flock lambing shed to discuss lambing tips. Joined by Ellie Van Mer from Plumpton College, and accompanied by the baas of Peter’s ewes we discussed good lambing practice and top tips as the rain poured down outside and the winds howled.

With cake and hot tea to keep us warm we found that even the most experienced amongst us had things to learn. We shared views on what probiotics to use at birthing, iodine techniques, tagging versus spray numbering new born lambs, CIDR versus natural timing of conception, and bedding/disinfectant techniques for the lambing shed. We had extensive debate about when to intervene in a difficult lambing, and even found time to discuss tips on getting sheepskins made, the best walk-in feeders for Jacob lambs, and castration versus leaving ram lambs intact.

Keeping us on our toes, we were then taken out in the rain and mud to see Peter’s stunning two and four horn rams, and were subsequently tested to see if we could tell which ram sired some selected lambs.  After admiring the wonderful lambs, having guessed correctly in most cases, we retreated to the local pub offering a roaring fire, draft ale, roast dinners and steak pies.

Many thanks to Peter, Tom, Frances and family for their hospitality and generosity in hosting a great event.”

Looking ahead, a trimming workshop to help members get ready for the showing season has been arrange by king invitation of Natalie Ceeney on June 8th at her Hallwood flock in Kent. Full details on the Southern Region webpage in due course.

Central March 2025

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CENTRAL REGION

Regional Contact Member – Kay Carpenter

I hope everyone has had, or is having, a successful lambing season this year and you have all been able to breed a future champion. We used fertility inducing CIDRS for the first time here at Lickhill and we were very happy with the result. I’m not sure if this was beginners luck but it has meant a tight lambing pattern, early on in the season and I’d be happy to discuss the pros and cons with members who have any questions.

The first of the January 2025 lambs at the Lickhill flock

Lambing at Terry and Berni Barker’s Saltway flock

Any fans of the ITV series ‘Fletcher’s Family Farm’ would not have failed to see a great episode bestowing the virtues of the Jacob breed and of how they “look good and just get on with it”. The episode covered Kelvin Fletcher and his daughter purchasing a 2021 aged ram, Blackadder Viper, bred by Haworth & Locker and sold by Matt Legge, in order for the family to breed their own replacement ewes. This year’s Worcester sale is confirmed as taking place on Saturday 26th July at McCartneys, Worcester. We take great pleasure in thanking Chris Slee from the South West Region for agreeing to be our judge on the day. I hope everyone can make it there but, if not, we will have Marteye available for online bidders if not.

Blackadder Viper sold at Worcester in 2024 by Matt Legge

Ahead of this showing season the region is the grateful recipient of a set of new awards for the best novice exhibitor, having only started showing in the last few years and who will be nominated by the judge for the award donated by Hayley Higginson of Meadowland flock.

The new novice exhibitor awards donated to the Central Region by Hayley Higginson

The best novice awards will hopefully encourage newcomers to the show ring and currently the awards are being presented at the following shows: Staffordshire County Show, Bakewell Agricultural & Horticultural Society, Hanbury Countryside Show, and the Royal Cheshire County Show. Joining the show circuit is a great way to meet members and learn lots more about the breed. If you would like to find out more about showing contact Kay Carpenter or Hayley Higginson. Also if you would like to sponsor a novice award for your local show please get in touch.

Future Events

The region currently has three events organised to date. The first is a Young Handlers’ Workshop to be held on Sunday 6th April at the Elmley Flock, kindly hosted by Lorna Hendey and Jerry Strong, Pershore, Worcestershire. The day is aimed at Jacob sheep young handlers from all over the UK and Ireland. The whole day is free of charge to any young handlers with an interest in Jacob sheep. The day will include activities such as: putting on halters, showing and standing up sheep, feeding – discussion regards hard food and hay, how to do your own faecal egg counts (FECs), sheep medicines, and a sheep showing competition

Willow Bramley, aged seven, casting her eye over potential 2025 show lambs from the Millvale flock

The second event is a wool workshop to be held here at the Lickhill Flock, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire and run by Barley Gould from the Southern region who is a very experienced crafter and wool enthusiast and who is responsible for organising our wool cup competition at the AGM each year. This is a workshop aimed at the complete beginner who would like to take home a finished product. This is to be a fun day to learn the basics so you can go on to make your felted projects or say never again, knowing you have given it your best shot. We have two different things to make; a wall hanging or a small bag. There may even be time for both. Due to felting needles, it is unsuitable for the under 12’s. To book your places on either of these days or if you would like further information, please contact Kay Carpenter on 07771 5511445 or email

Some of the Wool Cup entries on 2024

The third event in the region’s calendar is the English National Show 2025 to be held at the Royal Three Counties Show on Saturday 14th June at the Malvern showground. It was a fantastic turnout last year and we aim to impress the public and of course our judge on the day, Mr Scott Dalrymple from the DunMor Flock in Scotland, by having just as much of a super line up again this year. Deadline for entries is 16th April.

The English National Show overall champion 2024, Pard House Dynamo, owned and shown by James Leonard

Please get in touch if you would like to host an event for the central region at your holding. The usual timing for open days is one in the spring and one in the autumn. I’m happy to organise the day but require venues if any are available please.

South West March 2025

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SOUTH WEST REGION

Regional Contact Member – Richard Fenwick

What a great time of year. All the anticipation and hopes for the year, as well as a few disappointments, come to fruition as our flock present Class of ‘25.

A ewe and lambs at Chris Slee’s Halsbury flock in Devon

A new section is being introduced to the South West report in the Journal – “A South West Diary,” giving us an insight into the workings of a cross section of our south west members. This edition’s inaugural contribution comes from Steph Jasper (previously Cornelius) and her Treven flock. Do get in touch if you would like to share a few words about your experiences, interests or general ovine musings.

As a result of a few conversations within the region, I thought it would be interesting to collate some lamb gender numbers from a few flocks, highlighting the enormous variation. There appears to be no seasonal pattern and huge variation, but it does leave one wondering what factors could result in the very thought provoking 107:11 ratio.

Ram lambs Ewe lambs
107 11
7 14
24 10
5 12
13 13
31 16

Lambing at Chris Fisher’s Sparnham flock

A number of members have started shearing their better sheep ready for the South West shows. Please keep supporting the shows, especially those still with Jacob classes. It’s the only way we will keep these classes open. If you haven’t taken sheep to a show before, it’s a very enjoyable, social occasion and if you are unsure about the preparation and process please get in touch. There are lots of members who would be very happy to give you advice.

A South West Diary

by Steph Jasper

Here at the Treven flock, we cut back on stock numbers a while back – which meant early lambing for us in 2025 consisted of a smaller number than usual.  We’ve successfully used CIDRs for a number of years and this year proved no different – our ewes all lambed within a week and with great outcomes. Mainly doubles, two singles, one triplet and one quad. With a 60/40 spilt of ewe lambs and ram lambs. As I’m sure you’d all agree, one of the best qualities a Jacob holds is their natural ability to ‘”just get on with it” –  again, proven with us here when all but one lambed by themselves with no intervention needed.

Young handlers at Steph Jasper’s Treven flock in Cornwall

I’ve always loved how Jacob lambs get up on their feet quickly, and ewes are always attentive, maternal, and milky, a quality that I feel is sometimes lacking in other breeds. With our first batch lambed and attended to, it will soon be time to turn our attention to our next batch, all of which are pure Jacob ewes crossed with a Dutch spotted ram. For us, in the last 2 or 3 years, this has proven a successful cross. We like the Jacob ewe – milky, motherly and easy to keep, crossed with a Dutch spotted ram that’s meaty and stocky. The lambs that they’ve produced have proven to be just so –

Jacob looks (that people still find attractive) and a meaty carcass, resulting in a better finishing lamb and as a bonus they come back with no horns – which proves perfect for our children who are very keen on showing, but not so keen on the horns resulting in the perfect young handlers sheep.

As always, we’ve enjoyed our lambing so far, and now look forward to the next batch of cross lambs and then very soon we’ll be looking back to the pure batch to make a selection for the upcoming shows. Devon County, in the middle of May, isn’t as far away as it once seemed. Happy lambing one and all.

Lambs at the Treven flock in Cornwall

 

Eastern March 2025

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EASTERN REGION

Regional Contact Member – Tom Green

I hope everyone has had a successful lambing and your lambs are all growing well. As I write this lambing in my own flock happened in the last week of January, sponging worked well with them due on the 28th and the majority lambing from the 24th with the last two lambing on the morning of the 29th. Only half a dozen or so were remarked so they should be due Valentine’s day with a couple more due with the commercials in March.

Ewes deemed to be in poorer body condition score (less than 2.5) were wormed but most did not need doing. There was more colostrum and milk this year with the ewes having had access to Lifeline buckets from eight weeks before lambing and feeding starting five weeks before the lambs were due.

They are currently enjoying life in the mothering up pens with fodder beet and hay until the weather improves and the ewes will be given a Magnesium bolus that prevents staggers and head outside (note Magnesium boluses only last three weeks so there is no point in giving them while they are in). Once out lambs will be introduced to creep feed coarse mix.

A few lambs in sets of triplets and sets of twins on shearlings developed watery mouth but the majority were saved with a soapy enema and regular oral rehydration through a stomach tube as well as antibiotics.

Although there are a few lambs with closed blazes that stick out like sore thumbs there are also one or two smart lambs beginning to show themselves so hopefully there will be something to show later this year.

The regional shows with breed classes are as follows:

Suffolk County Show – Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th May – Judge Nicola Fletcher

Rutland County Show – Sunday 1st June – Judge Kay Carpenter

Royal Norfolk Show – Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th June – Judge John Dixon

Blaston Show – Sunday 29th June – Judge TBC

Heckington Show – Sunday 27th July – Judge TBC

Leicestershire County Show – Bank Holiday Monday 25th August – Judge James Leonard

The society will be having a breed promotion stand at the Royal Norfolk Show this year so I will be asking for volunteers to help me man this nearer the time.

I would like to welcome our new members who have joined since the last Journal, Sophie

Sotheby, Linsey Knocker, Helen Murphy and Isaac Curtis, Rose Hart and Rebecca Morcombe and wish you all well on your journey into the world of Jacobs.

Good luck to anyone still lambing and if I can be any assistance to anyone please do not hesitate to contact to me on 07800 817850 or