The Rural Voice, 2003-08, Page 25showing," said Hugh.
By 1970, Hugh had earned the
champion ram awards at both the
CNE and Royal.
Reflecting back on their years in
the sheep business, Hugh and Keith
both tell of the great changes in the
look of the Southdowns in 30 years.
"A yearling in 1969 was the same
size as a lamb is today," said Hugh.
Keith explains that the move to
create an animal that is more feed -
efficient and economically viable has
altered the look.
"We can sell at 100 days now,
where it took a whole year before (to
get them market ready)," said Keith.
From photos displayed, the
Southdowns of yesteryear were much
shorter in stature and stockier.
However, Keith said they are still the
easiest to keep.
The Todds also note that sheep
were once shown with their full coat
of wool while the current trend is for
them to be clean-shaven so that the
carcass can be more easily judged.
In the 1970s, the family also
moved into raising Hampshires
because they show well and grow
quickly, they said.
Son Keith, now operating his
own sheep farm, said the
Hampshire have a larger frame
all round and the weight per day of
age is greater. However, the ewes are
more high maintenance because of
the large frame.
Their involvement with the
purebred sheep continued to grow
and by 1996, the last of the cattle
were sold. At that time, the barn was
renovated to accommodate sheep.
They now have 100 commercial ewes
and a quick turn over of lambs.
When Keith set up his own
operation, he added a couple of new
breeds to the flock, including Polled
Dorsets and Suffolks. With these
additions the Todds now breed the
four basic British meat breeds.
"They are the foundation breeds,"
said JoAnn.
"Dorsets have out -of -season
breeding capabilities," said Keith,
"so we can meet different needs of
the market."
The Dorsets are also used for
crossbreeding.
Keith said he has shown a few of
the Dorsets and market lambs and the
Suffolks are used by 4-H children for
showing.
00000000
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PDK
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AUGUST 2003 21