Case Studies

“I noticed a marked improvement within three or four days of finishing a course of Footrite on a trial group of 20 lambs suffering from scald. The treatment was so successful, that I followed up by applying the gel to the other 20 sheep in the pen.

“The second batch included a couple of animals that were severely lame due to footrot, and I was surprised to find that their feet were also looking much better in the days following the final application.”

That is the view of Rachel Godschalk, who farms with her partner, David Scott at the 30-acre Low Thornberry Farm near Barnard Castle in County Durham. The couple also rent

a further 80 acres of grassland a few miles away from the main holding.

The sheep flock is made up of 190 Whitefaced Woodland females, of which 90 are registered under the Mortham prefix. Rachel, who is the secretary of the Whitefaced Woodland breed society, says the number of registered sheep has increased over the past few years.

 “The Whitefaced Woodland is classed as vulnerable by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, but it is gaining in popularity, partly because the ewes will produce a good quality lamb when put to a terminal sire,” explains Rachel.

“It is the largest of the hill breeds, with females weighing around 70-80kg, but it is also is hardy enough to be kept on high ground. The meat is marbled, so it is full of flavour.”

Rachel and David, who also have a small herd of Red Poll cattle, will be looking for a market for some 250 finished lambs this year. Flock numbers have expanded rapidly since the couple took on the farm tenancy in spring 2007, and Rachel admits that buying in sheep from a number of different sources has exacerbated lameness problems.

“Before I tried Footrite I would have used an antibiotic spray, probably progressing to an antibiotic footbath if there was no visible improvement.

“However footbath treatments are time-consuming and fairly expensive. They can also be wasteful, particularly if only a small number of animals are affected by lameness. The footbath usually becomes dirty very quickly, which can reduce the efficacy of the product.

“Footrite is quick and easy to apply, providing a useful alternative spot treatment. I will continue to use it on my flock in the future,” she says.

Jimmy Bell is known as the ‘Lamb Man,’ having built up an excellent reputation for selling meat direct to customers countrywide, and at local farmers’ markets. He has been using Ritchey’s RD 2000 tags for several years at East Wingates, Northumberland. The 300 acre farm supports a 450-ewe flock, which are put to the Texel tup. 

Having tried a variety of tags, Jimmy finds that he gets the best retention rates from the RD 2000. One advantage is its small size, compared with many rival brands. He believes this feature helps to minimise the risk of snagging. The RD 2000 is made from soft, flexible material, which makes it less prone to breaking.

Jimmy is also a fan of the RD 2000 applicator device, commenting that it is easy to manoeuvre into the correct position, between the ear cartilage. The quick release mechanism is another main benefit, he adds.

“In any flock, you will always have the odd sheep that loses a tag. It’s just something that sheep producers have to live with,” says Jimmy. “But it is possible to minimise losses, by choosing a tag that is well designed, with a lot of thought given to practicalities.”

To complement the standard RD 2000, Ritchey has produced an RD 2000 Flag tag, which includes space to add management information, such as sire or the flock owner’s surname. The Flag can be added at any stage, using a pair of castration pliers which attach over male part of the standard tag.

More information about the RD 2000 can be found on the Ritchey website, www.ritchey.co.uk or get in touch with your local agricultural merchant.

Jimmy Bell can be contacted via his website at www.thelambman.com

Robin Wilson has been preparing livestock for the show and sale ring for more than a decade, and believes that Ritchey’s showing products are second to none.

Based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, Robin worked as a stockman for three prestigious Limousin herds, before he became self-employed in 2009. The experience he gained while looking after the Drungewick herd in Sussex, the Dinmore herd in Hereford and the Brockhurst herd in Buckinghamshire, has stood him in good stead. Robin is in great demand by cattle producers, who use his expertise for preparing and showing their top quality livestock.

Around 95% of the products that Robin uses are provided by Ritchey. The list includes everything from show sticks, halters and blow dryers, to hoof knives, shampoos and coat conditioners. Limmoshine setting lotion is a particular favourite.

While he admits that Ritchey’s products are not the cheapest in the marketplace, Robin says they offer good value for money.

He points out that the effort and investment made in breeding cattle with the best possible conformation cannot afford to be compromised by using inferior products. This is particularly true when cattle are being prepared for sale.

“I’ve done very well in the show and sale ring, and Ritchey’s products have helped me in my achievements,” says Robin. “I have tried other brands, but they have not been as effective, and I have always returned to Ritchey.”

Robin’s website can be found at www.yorkshireshowteam.webs.com