A DALE farming family has taken a starring role in a series of social media videos to promote the North of England Mule Sheep Association (NEMSA).
The Raines, from Stanhope Gate, Middleton-in-Teesdale, took part in the NEMSA project to promote the Mule breed.
When not crossing Swaledale ewes, the Raines specialise in producing quality draft ewes and gimmer lambs for the next user in the North of England Mule breeding cycle.
In the video, Fred Raine, the senior member of the family, takes a trip down memory lane to where it all started and what he feels are the most important factors to consider when breeding today’s modern hill sheep, with both confirmation and style the name of the game at Stanhope Gate.
In addition to the Raines, farmers across Cumbria, Northumberland and North Yorkshire have taken part and the project includes a ground-breaking link-up with three fellow sheep breed societies.
With the help of Carlisle-based Herd’s Media, NEMSA has been working closely throughout the summer with the Suffolk and Texel Sheep Societies, along with the Swaledale Sheepbreeders Association, to highlight various scenarios involving best use and best practice of their individual breeds.
All the videos can be viewed on NEMSA’s Facebook pages and will also be posted on YouTube – search “Nemsa TV” .
The NEMSA YouTube channel also features highlights from breed sales.
