Sheep winner gets EBLEX prize

SHEEP farmer Ashton Selway will be one of the first English farmers improving his flock's genetics under a new EBLEX programme after winning a special prize from the English Beef and Lamb Executive at the Royal Show.

The prize, for winning the National Lamb Carcase Competition in the 16 to 21 kg class - suitable for the UK and Continental markets - was a £300 contribution towards a high index ram from an English breeder.

The class was sponsored by Farmers Fresh and Ovimpex supported by EBLEX.

Mr Selway, of Sturminster Newton, Devon, also won the overall prize for best carcase in the contest .

Presenting the prize, EBLEX Chief Executive David Croston, said: "EBLEX isd elighted to be involved in this competition which is trying to achieve the same as our own Better Returns Programme - higher margins for English sheep farmers through targeting the right markets.

"The winning group of eight carcases demonstrates what can be done and whatw e would like to see many more English sheep farmers achieving."