The oldest flock of Charollais sheep, the Crogham flock of Jonathan and Carroll Barber, Wymondham, Norfolk, has been sold in a lock, stock and barrel private sale.

Founded from the original importation by the Barber family in 1977, the Crogham flock has been sold in its entirety to young breeder Will Whiting and family, Cornwall.

Commenting on the sale Carroll Barber said the couple had made the difficult decision to sell the flock for a number of reasons. “Ultimately, it was the right time to give another generation the chance to progress with our genetics. 

“There have been many highlights for the flock over the years, including top priced ram sales of Crogham Frankie, Crogham Hannibal and Crogham Cannon and winning all lamb classes at the Royal Show in one year.  Breeding top performance animals and seeing significant increases in muscle and growth while maintaining good looking stock has also been a satisfying achievement,” she adds.

“Both our children are pursuing successful careers away from farming, so it made sense to offer the opportunity to another youngster,” added Jonathan Barber. 

“Will is a passionate supporter of the Charollais breed and firmly believes in many of the same principles in breeding as we do, including the use of performance recording technologies to progress the flock forward.”

In selling the flock, the Barbers hope they have enabled a young breeder to take a leapfrog in the breed, something they felt was appropriate, given the family’s long-standing relationship with the breed. 

Included in the sale were 30 flock ewes, 26 shearling ewes and the entire 2024 lamb crop of 50 lambs at foot, sired by Edstaston Bodhi. 

“Having been involved with the original importation of the breed to the UK we have always been passionate about ensuring it is developed by each new generation. We wish Will and his family the best of luck with the Crogham ewes and look forward to seeing his Charollais journey progress in the coming years.”

Will Whiting said the opportunity to acquire such a unique and well-developed flock was too good to miss. “The reputation of the Crogham flock needs no explanation to anyone within the Charollais breed. Being able to buy the flock as a going concern to add to our already established Fursdon flock will give us a headstart in terms of genetic progress,” he believes.