The stud is normally based on about 250 ewes - which we believe is the optimum number for the property and our managerial input - but this number has been reduced at present to help us cope with the drought conditions we, and our clients, have been facing.

The excellent Stockton genetics in the flock derive from the original purchase of 105 cfa Stockton ewes, enhanced by the use of Stockton semen sires in our extensive Embryo Transfer and AI programmes. The flock is classed critically to ensure the highest level of quality and, in our history since 2002, there has been remarkable progress. It is intended that we shall in due course offer about 70 to 80 rams a year. In order to ensure vigour, we have begun a programme of outcrosses, although we are being careful not to lose the best of what we have inherited from our Stockton ancestry.

The plain bodies of Stockton-style sheep, with their large-frames and significant body length, are being appreciated by more and more sheep breeders. We are breeding for sound constitution and we select away from worm and fly-strike susceptibility. We also select for mothering ability and sound temperament, and the 2009 lambing percentage suggests we are having quite some success with this aim.

From 2008, and because our sheep are sufficiently plain-bodied and we can, we shall not be mulesing - another advantage our rams may have in your flock as our industry gears itself for life without mulesing.