Innovis ewe lamb production: Offering sheep farmers commitment, security and long-term profitability
We work closely with our producers to create a crossbred ewe which will suit our client’s farming system. We work with the best UK hill breeds and mule producers, as well as with Poll Dorset breeders to produce a crossbred ewe with early lambing characteristics.
Innovis Aberdale and Aberfield crossbreeding programmes offer producers
- A guaranteed premium for crossbred ewe lambs (with a minimum price agreed one year in advance).
- Selected ewe lambs moved directly off the farm with no deductions (no tagging, commission or haulage costs).
- Ram/wether lambs that are faster growing, easier finishing with better carcass specification than the purebred or Longwood alternatives. Around 85% of lambs from Innovis contracted hill flocks hit UK retail specification.
- Access to exceptional rams carrying the best genetic traits with at minimal cost
Quality and traceability
All crossbred ewe lambs produced through our Innovis production programme are reared on contract to specified target criteria. We aim to supply crossbred ewe lambs which are capable of being tupped that year. Health audits enable us to match the health profile of the producer to our lowland customer’s flock
Got what it takes to be an Innovis ewe lamb producer?
We welcome producers who can offer us:
- Closed flocks with known health status
- Commitment to rear ewe lambs to a specified quality year on year
- Ideally a minimum of 300 ewes available for mating
Want to know more?
Ask the Innovis team
How does the contract system work?
Our producers lease an Aberdale or Aberfield ram to mate an agreed number of selected ewes and then contract rear the crossbred female progeny for us. The target selection criteria for the ewe lambs and the prices paid are agreed at the beginning of each year.
Why do I need to lease a ram?
The supply of consistent, high quality genetics is key to our breeding programmes so we try to match the right type of ram to each producer flock so that we can produce a more consistent crossbred ewe lamb. Leasing allows us to do this.
How many rams do I need to lease?
We supply Aberdale and Aberfield rams which we believe are fit for purpose and should easily be able to cover 80-100 ewes in mixed mating groups. For single sire mating groups we recommend 1 ram to 60 ewes. We expect 1 mature ram to produce at least 40 ewe lambs.
What happens if my leased ram dies?
If a ram dies whilst on lease Innovis will replace that ram for you.
How are the ewe lambs selected?
All Aberdale and Aberfield ewe lambs are selected on weight and quality and usually moved from the farm on an agreed date in August – October.
What happens to the ram lambs?
Ram lambs are retained by our producers and sold as stores or finished lambs. Producer feedback on the quality of these lambs is excellent. The superior growth and carcass characteristics of these wether lambs means that around 85% of these hit UK retail specification. Please note that Aberdale ram lambs do not carry the Inverdale gene.
Can I keep some ewe lambs for my own use?
We aim to secure orders for all the breeding females produced but we do have separate contractual arrangements for those producers who wish to retain some ewe lambs to breed their own replacements. Call us to discuss the arrangements for retaining ewe lambs and for self-replacing contracts.
Do you want to long-term profitability and security of your sheep enterprise?
Contact us on 01970 828236 or email enquiries@innovis.org.uk for more information on how our Aberdale and Aberfield ewe lamb production system can help your business to become more profitable and sustainable.
