Selected by the Poll Dorset Sire Reference Group, Huish L1 was crowned Centurion Reference Ram for 2009, with Sherborne L127 claiming the reserve choice ram title.

Huish L1 (foreground) is currently ranked fourth from over 4,000 Dorset ram lambs within Signet's National rankings.

Huish L1 is currently ranked fourth from over 4,000 Dorset ram lambs within Signet's National rankings, is also in the top one percent of the breed for his terminal sire attributes and possesses excellent Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).

Since 1990 the breeding potential for lamb growth rates in the Poll Dorset have increased by over 5kg. Recorded Dorset lambs now have the breeding potential to produce an extra 1.5kg more lean meat per carcase, which is having commercial benefits along the entire lamb supply chain.

Samuel Boon, EBLEX Breeding Specialist comments: "This ram is an excellent example of what can be achieved through selective breeding. Over 25 rams were put forward on the selection day, most of which had EBVs within the top 10 percent of the breed. This is a perfect demonstration of the depth of high performance genetics available within the breed."

Many of the 25 presented rams will now go forwards to the May Fair on the 5th and 6th of the month, supported by EBLEX Better Returns Programme. Over 70 performance recorded rams have already been entered for this year's sale, where Samuel Boon will also be present for EBLEX, discussing how EBVs can ensure correct ram selection.

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