The coveted Kelsey Trophy, awarded to the performance recording breeder making the most genetic gain in the year, has gone to David Taylor of the Bridgehaugh Flock for his 2022 crop of lambs. Using Signet Breeding Services performance recording, Mr Taylor was able to increase the average lambs genetic potential by a massive 62 Index points compared to last year.

To qualify for this award the flock needs to have been recorded for three years and have more than 20 lambs in the year.

The Bridgehaugh flock have a high average index (287) putting their lambs within the Top 5% of the breed.

Much of the credit for the win must come down to the astute purchase of Graylen Officer from the Premier Sale at Shrewsbury in 2021 where he was the highest index ram in the breed. He was bought for 4600gns – a breed record though quickly superseded in the record breaking sale.

The Bridgehaugh Flock based in Earlston, Scottish Borders started in 2018 and have already had much success selling commercial rams at Kelso for the last couple of years, this year reaching a top of £900 and averaging £560

Breeders with the biggest genetic gain:

Second place went to Amy Byford’s Lawshall Flock from Suffolk and third was the Clarendon Flock of Adrian & Emma Le Cheminant-Nicolle in Wiltshire

Fourth place – the Thorbeck Flock of Jim & Jane Birkwood, now have the highest average index of any flock and already had high index stock last year – which shows that even a high genetic merit flock can still make further gains if they can access the right genetics.