I run: “A flock of 270 Blackface ewes on my 313ac hill farm and buy 700 store lambs to finish on winter grazings. I used to rent the farm before buying it 10 years ago. It is mainly rough grazing with 24 acres ploughable. I also work at the mart and do contract gatherings for other flocks in the area.”

Pedigree ewes: “I breed the ewes pure with Perthshire-type rams. Many of the Blackface rams are getting increasing bother with their horns curling into their face but with the Perthshire type it is less of an issue. This year, I’ve sold 10 rams for an average of £800 and a top of £2,000.”

Ireland: “I have been going to Ballymena sheep sale for many years and I love the enthusiasm for the breed over there. There has been a massive improvement in the Blackfaces in Ireland over the last 10 years. I would dare say their stock is every bit as good as ours.”

First generation: “My Dad was a shepherd on a farm so I guess you could call me a first-generation farmer.”

This week: “I have been running the ewes through the race for their annual MOT checking if they are fit to go to the tup. They all get a bolus for zinc, copper and selenium and the ewe lambs get inoculated for clostridial diseases.”

Finishing lambs: “I finish all the offspring and the store lambs off the farm on grass and fodder crops like turnips or kale. From 170 of my ewe lambs I’ll keep around 50 of the best as replacements.”

Breeding season: “The rams go into the fields on 12 November. I will put in 25 ewes per ram and have a few rams in each field to avoid a disaster if one doesn’t work for whatever reason. Shearlings will get a few more, maybe 45 ewes each.”

Quotable quote: “I don’t have a type of store lamb. I buy just something which looks like it could make money.”