Sheep Breeding Experts Recognised for Championing Performance Recording

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has today (28 November 2012) recognised two individuals for their longstanding commitment to raising the profile of performance recording in Scotland.

Rod McKenzie, previously Development Manager for the Scottish Sheep Strategy, and Alison Glasgow, who will shortly be leaving Signet Breeding Services to join the Limousin Cattle Society, are the recipients of the 2012 award.

The Johnston Carmichael Trophy was presented by Neil Steven, Director Edinburgh Office, Johnston Carmichael and Maimie Paterson, Chair of the Scottish Sheep Strategy at the Royal Highland Winter Fair, Ingliston.

Rod McKenzie became involved with performance recording through the development of the Highlands and Islands Sheep Strategy, the predecessor to the Scottish Sheep Strategy. At the time the Scottish Sheep Strategy was launched at Scotsheep 2006, Mr McKenzie won the contract for the position of development manager, a position he held until September this year.

Mr McKenzie is a keen breeder of North Country Cheviot tups and drew on his experience with his own flock to help develop the Scottish Sheep Strategy, encouraging the uptake of performance recorded rams.

Ms Glasgow is from a Borders farming family and has been involved with encouraging pedigree breeders to performance record through Signet for the over 12 years.

She is well known in both the pedigree cattle and sheep worlds through her attendance at the main breed sales and the work she has done with breed societies as well as the individual recorders.

Along with Mr McKenzie, Ms Glasgow has been a valued part of the Scottish Sheep Strategy team. The pair have travelled the length and breadth of Scotland to disseminate the benefits of the use of EBVs. The increase in uptake by commercial farmers is testimony to the many late hours spent on the road. 

“Both Alison and Rod have laid the foundations for the future work of the Scottish Sheep Strategy. The industry owes a lot to them for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication since the inception of the Scottish Sheep Strategy,” said Kathy Peebles, QMS Livestock Development Manager

“Sheep farmers are now more aware than ever about how breeding technologies can help develop business aims as well as increasing their bottom line.

“Six years ago there were very few recorded animals on offer at commercial sales. However, with the advent of on-farm sales and more recorded tups being bred each year, they leave a firm legacy behind which they should be extremely proud of.”

For more information about the Scottish sheep strategy and performance recording, visit www.scottishsheepstrategy.org.uk