History
The Langstone pedigree Charollais flock was established in 1986 with the purchase of 3 ewes and a ram lamb. With our principal focus being animal health and biosecurity we have made no further purchase on any females since then. Over the following years the flock has grown to 90 ewes with 30 ewe lambs and 20 ram lambs. The farm is run by Nick and Mimi Hart. Nick is a retired mixed practise veterinary surgeon who has previously been President of the Sheep Veterinary Society. Mimi has extensive experience in farming having grown up on a dairy farm before transitioning into sheep. Between them they have a wealth of knowledge!
The flock is lambed inside in March and turned out as soon as there is enough grass to meet their needs. Ewe lambs and ram lambs have been out wintered on neighbours rented cover crop.
We purchase a ram lamb most years and generally run 4 rams as single sire matings every tupping. We try out the ram lamb on a dozen or so ewes to see that he produces what we believe fits our flock.
We have used genetics from many leading Charollais flocks, including Edstaston, Crogham, Boyo, Castellau, Foulrice and Sheldon.
We believe that the use of data as well as sticking to type is essential for flock progression both for the pedigree side and the surplus finished lambs. Our hope is to produce yearling rams that are fit for purpose. We believe in signet and have been recording since 2014.
The 2023 retained lambs reflect this ethos with both ewe lambs and ram lambs demonstrating good terminal and maternal figures.
9 ram lambs in the top 5% terminal and 6 top 25%
10 females top 5% maternal and 9 top 5% terminal
Most of the surplus lambs are sold by the middle of June, all going direct so we get the carcass data with the majority U grade at 42-46 kg.
Our preference is to sell rams from home so purchasers can view our breeding stock and see how they are farmed. Come and see for yourself!
