Originally set up by the Welsh Mountain Sheep Society (Pedigree Section), in order to address a number of issues facing the breed, the project commenced with the establishment of a nucleus flock of ewes donated by society members. Sponsorship was obtained from a number of sources (HCC, Welsh Country Foods, Tithebarn Ltd and Brintons Fine Carpets), and high index rams were purchased or loaned for use within the flock. All offspring were scrapie genotyped, and performance recorded using Signet’s Welsh Index.
Unfortunately, after only two seasons, the society decided to discontinue the project, due to concerns amongst some members relating to the use of un-registered rams on pedigree ewes.
However, the secretary of the society at that time felt strongly that the future of the Improved Welsh breed, (both pedigree and commercial), lay in performance recording. Unwilling to see the flock dispersed, and all progress lost, she purchased the nucleus flock in its entirety, and is continuing with the breeding scheme. Currently 150 commercial Improved Welsh ewes are being recorded annually, and any interested flock owners are welcome to join the group. It is not a “location specific” project, and sire referencing is made possible by the use of subsidised AI.

Some of the principle aims of the project are:

• Furthering the development of high index Improved Welsh ewes as ideal commercial animals for either pure breeding, or crossing with terminal sires, under a wide range of management regimes and differing geographical locations.
  
• Increasing early growth and carcass weights of Improved Welsh sired lambs, enabling finished stock to be sold earlier in the year.
  
• Producing high index Improved Welsh rams for use by group members, and for sale to commercial flock owners.

In order to achieve these aims as quickly as possible, individual EBVs will be considered when selecting all female flock replacements.

Recorded rams will be avaialable at the main NSA ram sale at Builth Wells, with most having figures that put them in the top 10% of the breeding scheme.