Brecknock Cheviots

The Brecknock Hill Cheviot has developed from the Scottish South Country Cheviot that was introduced into Breconshire during the latter part of the 19th century.

This strain of cheviot has the hardiness to thrive on exposed hills and is kept for pure as well as cross-breeding purposes. Both pure and crossbred ewes will produce quality prime lamb that meets today’s requirements with a consistent carcass grade of ‘R’ and above.

The Brecknock Hill Cheviot Society is one of the pioneers of Scrapie Blood Testing and the high standard set by the society over the last seven years has meant that all rams carrying the ‘V’ gene have been slaughtered.

A group of members also take part in a Recording Programme and have access to an Artificial Insemination Programme.

Since the formation of the group each member now has annual records of his flock. Weights are recorded and ultrasound scanning of muscle and fat depth are recorded at 21 weeks.

Average prolificacy for a hill flock is 90- 120% compared with 130 -150% for upland flocks and 160-180% for lowland flocks.