International visitors from Uruguay, Chile and The Netherlands will make their way to the UK to see British Texels as part of the Texel Sheep Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
As part of the celebrations, the International Workshop will head to the society’s ‘Textravaganza National Show’ in Carlisle, Cumbria, on Saturday, July 6.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and AB Europe will hold a number of farm visits and technical workshops to mark the occasion, according to society’s chief executive, John Yates.
At SRUC, research staff will demonstrate how “cutting-edge” technology is being used to identify the most sustainable sheep that produce “high-quality caracsses” to form the next generation of breeding stock.
During the visit to AB Europe, the attendees will be able to see how “advanced breeding” technologies are used to track genetic progress and enable the export of genetic material.
Yates said: “Having had the opportunity to see how British Texel genetics have been influencing the sheep industries of a number of countries, it will be great to welcome these overseas breeders to the UK to explore the breed here.
“UK Texel breeders have put a huge amount of effort in to developing the breed over the last 50 years, focusing on key commercial traits to maximise the benefits the breed can offer the UK industry.
“This has been recognised by oversea breeders as they seek to improve productivity and sustainability within their own industries and they have sought out UK genetics to do so,” Yates said.
The chief executive continued that the society’s focus on genetic improvement has enabled it to collaborate with scientists and breeders across the world on research projects.
The visit will finish off with a round-up of Great British agriculture on display at the “Great Yorkshire Show” and social event at the Texel members’ reception.
