Robert Mitchell of Whitriggs Farm, Hawick soon pointed out that breeding your own flock replacements was one of the most satisfying and financially rewarding decisions he has made since introducing Lleyn blood into his flock.

Robert and Lesley Mitchell and their two sons Stuart & Alistair were hosts to the recent Scottish & Borders Lleyn Sheep Club Open Day. The 1000 acre Whitriggs Farm is home to a 900 ewe flock, half being pure Lleyn and remainder being Lleyn crosses, derive from the Scotch Halfbred ewes with many ewes now having several crosses of Lleyn through them.

Robert is impressed by the Lleyn ability to produce a maternal flock replacement as well as a quality prime lamb. Continental Terminal Sires are used on part of the flock to breed top quality prime lambs which are sold through the live ring at St Boswells Mart.

Robert also commented that by running a closed flock, only having to buy in rams, the health status of his flock had improved. Robert also adopts this practice in his Suckler herd by using the Beef Shorthorn & Angus bulls to produce his suckler cows.

During the event a raffle & auction took place and close to a £1000 was raised for Cancer Unit at Borders General Hospital, Melrose

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