NSA Scotsheep 2020 Heads to Angus
Organised by the Scottish region of the National Sheep
Association, NSA Scotsheep 2020 will be held on June
3, 2020, at Over Finlarg, Tealing,
where Robert and Hazel McNee, have built up a
profitable business since moving to the farm in 2011.
From left, event chairman Willy Millar, with host farmers, Robert and Hazel McNee and children, Kate and Alan
“We are delighted that the McNee
family at Over Finlarg, have agreed to be our hosts
for Scotsheep 2020,” said NSA chairman, Jennifer
Craig.
“The farm is in a great location and provides a varied and
successful business that will be worth a visit to see. We’re all very excited
to work with Robert and Hazel over the next year in preparation for the event.”
Robert and Hazel, who have two young children Kate (6) and
Alan (4), said it is an honour to host such a prestigious event for the sheep
industry in Scotland and look forward to welcoming fellow farmers to Over Finlarg, next June.
“We are fairly new to Over Finlarg
and although have made improvements and changes, there is still a lot to do,”
said Robert. “It’s a working progress and we like a challenge so we are really
looking forward to hosting the event and welcoming farmers from all corners of
the country.”
While the farm extends to 740 acres, the McNees also graze a
neighbouring heather hill and rent 40 acres of seasonal grazing on a nearby
farm.
Both the sheep flock and suckler
herd are now completely closed, with only home-bred replacements used for
breeding and tups and bulls bought at auction.
The McNees lamb 1100 head each year, comprising 600
hill-type North Country Cheviot ewes of which 200 are bred pure and the
remaining crossed to the Bluefaced Leicester for
producing Cheviot Mules.
Some 200 Blackface ewes are crossed with home-bred crossing-type
Bluefaced Leicesters to
produce Scotch Mules, with the result then tupped to
the Texel and sold as hoggs with lambs at foot.
Cheviot Mules are also sold through the sale ring as gimmers
the following year.
Gloss