Latest news from Signet
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It’s fantastic to see performance-recorded sheep in demand, regularly topping society sales across the country, such as the Edstaston Charollais at Carlisle, Yarcombe Suffolks at Exeter, Gaylen Hampshire Downs at Lanark and Seawell Hampshire Downs at Shrewsbury.
RamCompare’s farm recruitment was a real success this summer, with three new farms joining the project; these are located in Staffordshire, Wiltshire and Shropshire. Read on to find out more about the farms.
Behind the scenes, we have been upgrading the Signet database. This means that in August, you will need to reset your password to access the database. If you have any issues with this, please get in touch with one of the team.
Laura
Latest news
Harnessing genomics to improve sheep breeding
Scottish breeders have benefited from QMS funding to support the genotyping of performance-recorded terminal sire flocks.
Learn about the Breed for CH4NGE project
Learn about the project and the data being collected from farms across the country, including an insight into some of the early findings.
Maternal genetics: Unlocking the extra income at High Country Romneys
Read about the impact that selective breeding is having at High Country Romneys – a family farm situated 1,200 feet above sea level in the Black Mountains in Wales.
Find out how High Country Romneys is benefiting from selective breeding >
Meet our new RamCompare farms
Three new farms have joined the project, allowing us to increase the number of rams tested this autumn.
Meet our new RamCompare farms >
The role of genomics in assessing embryo transfer lambs
With genomic data now being used within Signet’s genetic analyses, we can start to identify which genes are passed on to the progeny from a specific mating, and the breeding values produced will reflect this.
Find out how we’re using genomics in our analyses >
Event: Realising performance from genetics, 27 August 2025
Join us for a visit to Stonehill Romneys, courtesy of Dineley Farming, where we will see the feeding and management tools they use to realise potential from their performance-recorded Romneys.
Signet database
Did you know there is a handy online inbreeding tool that allows you to create a mating plan for your flock on the Signet website?
Key dates for the coming months: Upcoming BLUP deadlines
Use the Signet website to help market your performance-recorded stock for sale
Don’t forget to weigh and BCS (Body Condition Scoring) your ewes at tupping and send the data to Signet via: signet@ahdb.org.uk
Useful information
- Are you interested in being involved in a project about lameness with the University of Liverpool? Get in touch to register your interest and find out more: signet@ahdb.org.uk
- Breeding for parasite resistance: There is an opportunity for hill flocks to get involved with the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme. Contact your local Farming Connect officer for more information
Webinars, videos and podcasts
Events & more
27 August 2025: Realising performance from genetics, Stonehill Romneys, Wiltshire
4 September 2025: RamCompare event, Glascoed, Newtown, Wales
5 September 2025: Farming Connect event with Harri Roberts, Denbigh (details to follow)
25 October 2025: Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders’ Association AGM and visit to Seawell flock, Northamptonshire (details to follow)
26 July 2026: NSA Sheep Event, Malvern
20 - 22 November 2026: Sheep Breeders Round Table conference
Stay tuned for further details and visit the AHDB website for more events.
