Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme Drives Economic Gains for Farmers

The Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP) is experiencing remarkable success, demonstrating the value of genetics in enhancing the economic sustainability of Welsh sheep farming. A recent review conducted in 2025 reveals significant financial returns and scientific advancements, underscoring the role of genetic improvement within Welsh sheep flocks.

The WSGP includes 87 performance-recording flocks across Wales, comprising over 14,500 ewes. This extensive engagement with farmers is translating into considerable financial benefits. The review indicated an average cumulative improvement rate of £0.91 per ewe annually, leading to an uplift in annual margin of £3.50 per ewe for participating farmers.

Furthermore, flocks involved in the programme have recorded an additional 1 kg in lamb weight and a 3% increase in lamb survival rates, generating further financial advantages for Welsh agricultural businesses.

Will Sawday, a Welsh sheep farmer from Hay-on-Wye and participant in the WSGP, emphasized the programme’s impact on his operations. He stated, “We have been performance recording for 30 years and it has become an integral tool for our genetic improvement. For maternal traits, we have found that using solely your eyes as a measure is not good enough.”

Sawday expressed gratitude for the programme, noting its extensive value to his business. “I am so pleased and grateful to be a part of this programme. It has brought so much value to our business in allowing us to record for many more traits and collect much more data that I otherwise wouldn’t have done. I can already see the genetic improvements.”

The WSGP has significantly enhanced performance recording, allowing farmers to gather data on new traits, including methane emissions, which will improve future business resilience.

Innovative Approaches in Livestock Genetics

Through the introduction of Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (GEBVs) in June 2023, the WSGP has positioned Wales at the forefront of livestock innovation, marking the first application of genomics in sheep farming worldwide. The data generated by the programme now accounts for 70% of the UK’s national sheep genotypes, totaling over 77,000 genotypes to date.

Notably, the WSGP is actively addressing significant industry challenges by developing genetic tools to select animals that are less susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites, utilizing the ‘Parasite Plus’ estimated breeding value (EBV). The programme is also exploring the potential for breeding animals that emit less methane, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

While the programme has made impressive strides, genetic improvement remains a long-term commitment. The initial flocks recruited at the programme’s inception are now at a pivotal stage, beginning to see the benefits as early-recorded lambs join the breeding flock.

Eirwen Williams, Director of Service Delivery (Rural Programmes) at Mentera, highlighted the significance of the programme, stating, “Genetic improvement is a proven, effective means of improving the sustainability of our hill and maternal flocks.”

The WSGP not only exemplifies the potential for genetic advancements in agriculture but also represents a vital asset in achieving the Welsh Government’s objectives, particularly in innovation and technology adoption. As the programme continues to evolve, it is set to play a crucial role in securing the future of sheep farming in Wales.