BUYING SHEEP AT A SCOTTISH LIVESTOCK MARKET | Breeding ewes and rams

In this video we are at Ayr livestock mart where we are trying to buy breeding sheep to increase our flock for next year.
If you enjoy this video then please consider subscribing and giving it a thumbs up.
Thanks,
Cammy
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ABOUT ME
I’m 31 years old and I’m a sheep farmer from Ayrshire in South West Scotland, which is why I have such a strong accent! I was born and raised on a sheep farm watching my dad who was the shepherd.
At 18 I went away from farming to work in the city (something I still do) and at 23 (2013) I decided I wanted to do something for some extra money so I went on a sheep shearing course. The hardest thing I’ll ever do was learning to shear sheep. [shudders thinking about it]
I shore whilst on my holidays from work for 2 years and then in 2015 my dad died so I decided to get my own sheep so I could continue working with sheep as it was something I loved doing. From there it escalated quickly from my first 4 sheep in my mum’s garden to now running around 600 breeding ewes.
I shore over 15,000 sheep this season in UK and I also travel to Norway for shearing in March and September. (Covid messed it up this year)
A few years ago I bought myself a sheep pregnancy scanner and have been building up my run since then.
I watched a few farm vlogs on KZbin and decided I could have a go and now here we are!
Thanks for watching my videos and please subscribe if you want to see more in future.

[@ricocaswell6287]

I love how honous you are about finances and price sheep because it gives young start ups a clear picture of how much things cost and how to plan their finances in the business plan

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Rico

[@pumperswife2248]

I love listening to you talk about the sheep. I learn so much from you. Jock will have great teachers growing up. Just remember that farming isn’t about the money only. It take a strong person to make a living farming and ranching so others can eat. Keep up the good work you’ll get there.

[@TheSheepGame]

Thank you! We are living the dream!

[@pumperswife2248]

@@TheSheepGame and an amazing dream it is. Thanks for giving me a small glimpse of your world.

[@PNL-DJ-1]

My wife and I enjoy watching your path in life Cammy. We both feel that earning your living from the land is a very worthy profession and wish you and your family nothing but good luck. It sounds your wife is right there with you. At the end of the day, she is the only one you have to answer to! Cheers.

[@TheSheepGame]

True that Paul and thanks very much!!

[@martinmagee1711]

​@@TheSheepGame yes 👍 yes

[@kimvandevender7930]

I love seeing the cheviots with their bunny ears and the block head texel look like bulldogs but all of your sheep look like quality animals.

[@olilastname8844]

You should see the scotch halfbreds or pure border Leicesters!

[@nielsleenknegt5839]

The "martmaster" or what the guy may be called who shouts with prices, has a lovely voice and somehow its verry pleasing. Its almost as he is yodeling but he says prices of sheep and does it with an accent, i presume scottisch but not shure

[@popcod]

Really enjoyed listening to the rundown on what the (current!) plan is for the rams. Any chance of a discussion one time on the different groups of ewes youre running and how that plays into the wider farming strategy? I'm always impressed at how you keep track of all of your sub-flocks - seemingly in your head. Really helpful to hear it all but, if you get the chance, I'd love to hear the "big picture" and how it all fits together.

[@TheSheepGame]

I’ll do my best. we have it all written in a notebook that is our bible. 😁

[@Bennie58able]

1:30 is a beautiful breed, I like the sheep too!

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

It’s great to see you buying sheep. I hope they do you well. 🦌💌❤️🐑👍🙏

[@TheSheepGame]

Thank you🥰

[@praiseyethelord7121]

Wow! You did REALLY well Cammy! Yes, not exactly what you want BUT it is better than what you had last year. Each year you do better is a win. YOU my friend is a winner! 😉 You are a winner of a father too. Now, let's keep watching your successes and keep you in our prayers always. ❤&🙏 from Central Pennsylvania 🙋🇺🇸

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks so much as always for the positive comments 😁

[@johnhetherington5994]

The in-depth explanations is very much appreciated. Like seeing all the breeds.

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks John.

[@mjallenuk]

Keep at it fella... not sure how you're making time for all this but I think it's about time you bought Lizzy some flowers 😉

[@patriciaruppert201]

Love those sheep. Even though older they came off the trailer with enthusiasm. They seem to have joy just being alive. I like the way the black faced look and the texels. Thanks for taking us along. ❤️❤️

[@christinegibbins6105]

Good day at market. Thanks Cammy, loving your vlogs.Good luck with the new sheep. Take care.

[@bhavens9149]

Those cheviots are pretty ewe's! liked that blue faced Leister ram you bought as well.

[@beatepedrozo4128]

Hi I am living in GA USA but I grew up in Germany. As a child I always visited the sheep barn close by and even was given 2 sheep to raise by the bottle, mom rejected them . But I didn’t know that there are so many different kinds, thank you for sharing . Best to you and your family.

[@debbielynn3176]

Your videos are the best! I learn something every time and I’m getting better at recognizing what breed the sheep are. It’s great fun and I’m very impressed with your strategy for growing your farming career. You have a precious new baby boy to raise and provide for. He’ll have a wonderful life with you and Lizzy. Keep the videos coming!👋😊👍

[@alicegamble6145]

Great looking sheep. The horns on some of them are beautiful. I really enjoyed listening to you talk about your sheep, & farming. You have such enthusiasm & passion for it which is great to see.

[@cindyboard7816]

Very interesting information Cammy!!! Best wishes for lots of healthy lambs from your new additions!!! Stay safe!!!!

[@taraking30]

Good video Cammy, you say it as it is. Great to hear genuine talk on the sheep game.

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Tara!

[@lizhrubik3936]

Thanks for sharing who’s who with us. Love going to the market with you. Hope Lizzie and little Joch are doing well.

[@TheSheepGame]

Doing great Liz thanks!

[@seanbreen5122]

These mart videos are some of the best 🤌🏻🤌🏻

[@janetdupree6353]

Whoa! Those girls were tripping over each in the hurry to get out of your trailer. Sheep behavior is very entertaining-the way thy jump and leap. Great, informative video, Cammy. Thanks.

[@nannetteyoung4780]

Cammy I pray this purchase you've done helps grow your business and that your ewes make it through the winter. You only have to explain your purchase decisions to Lizzy. Good luck

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Nannette 👍

[@ffudon]

This is a fabulous journey you’ve embarked on, and thankyou for sharing it, so honestly. I’m fascinated with your knowledge - I can even identify some sheep now because of you! I can’t knock your lifestyle choices one bit - as Yazz said, “the only way is up!" 👍

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Andrew!!

[@teresagreen1385]

My favourites are the Texels, love their faces and very short necks!

[@chichitex1252]

Thanks for taking us along for the sale! Interesting!❤❤❤

[@swaleheadsully2796]

Really enjoy your videos Cammy ,you explain everything so well, nice purchases there , watching your videos at lambing time really helped me lamb my own flock as was struggling a bit at the time

[@allentyler2184]

Good deal, 750 to 3000 in Canada for rams. Depending on lots ofcourse. Great video

[@SuperKristinG]

Looks like you have made some good choices. I loved watching them leap out of the trailer. Do you supplement their feed during the winter? As always, great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Kristin. No these wont get any extra feed. Just Crystalyx high energy buckets as they get nearer lambing

[@charlia7695]

I love reading through the questions!! Cammy is great about responding and you can learn a lot just reading through the comments!!

[@charlia7695]

11:34 LOL 😂😂😂😂. I should have waited to comment until the end of the video😂😂😂😂

[@donnafink6262]

Great video and even more information regarding the types of sheep and how you determine what is right for your farm as it grows. May your spring lambing be fruitful with healthy Moms and little ones! Take care

[@TheSheepGame]

The great thing is you will all get to see it Donna 😁

[@sparklepurple24]

I love to see them hopping out of the trailer! That is comical to me! Thanks for showing that footage at the end. Put a smile on my face!

[@TheSheepGame]

Plenty of spring in their step eh!! 😂

[@elainetaylor5833]

Love the Blue Faced Leicester rams you bought hope to see more of them over the next few weeks I am sure they will give you some cracking lambs ,I have shetlands myself but do love a Blue .

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Elaine.

[@christinefoor4513]

Before watching your channel I thought there was one one type of sheep! 🤣 All a nice your a great teacher!

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Christine!

[@waadfrelle]

Always enjoy your videos, Cameron. You bought yourself a decent lot. I know more about sheep now through you, than I ever did :)

[@thekarategirl5787]

Those rams look pretty good. Great bargain.

[@geraldinerice5371]

Get some pins made of the different weee sheep heads.

[@ersiliacelio521]

Just wanted to say that I really enjoy watching your posts. I know nothing about sheep and certainly don't farm them etc but your videos are a real eduction. Keep up the excellent work!! Greetings from Sydney Australia.

[@TheSheepGame]

Thank you very much! That’s really kind! 👍

[@teresapetty]

Great vid Cammy. I pray they all live through the winter and that that they deliver healthy lambs. Keep up the great work. Love to Jack and Lizzie

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Teresa!

[@conniesanchez2625]

Chariot are my favorite with their gorgeous faces

[@viscache1]

I had to travel 14 hours over rough terrain to get to the best breeder sheep I could find. When I first started I bought some not so great sheep that looked nice but the seller told me that they were “about 3-4 years old”…..(which, to be fair, ONE of the ewes was only 4 years old)…but most are 5-10 years old and barely still breeding. So I had to start over again! I found a great breeder who breeds for specific genetics that I ask for and they are beautiful sheep! The bonus is that we are helping to bring back the breed from the brink of extinction. My prize meat sheep breeder is a National 3rd place winner BFL who tips the scale at 160 kilos!

[@biglemms]

Excellent video Cammy. Appreciate your explanation on the breeding plans for the tups. MULES FTW

[@sarahreid1156]

Love your videos cammy.some of them are so funny the banter cracks me up being scottish myself my family are the same way .keep up the good work

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Sarah.😂

[@cindycreateforlife]

Thanks for taking us to the sales barn again, I like that boy 663, and that was a lovely batch of girls! I love learning about the breeds that you raise and shear. I think you are creating a wonderful lifestyle that will enrich your family in many ways!💕🇨🇦

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Cindy!

[@JP-bv7bf]

Congratulations on your new purchase of your sheep, May they breed well for you. I will be watching for little lambs in a few months. Like any good heard, it takes time to build a business. Enjoy🇨🇦

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks JP!

[@nannymegscrazyfarm]

Nice buying I hope they produce well for you! I like the cheviots, clean and tidy look about them and fascinating to see the breeds you don’t see here in Australia

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Meghan!

[@CottonMitts]

The Scottish Mules are a very pretty sheep 🐑 💕

[@eeconyn6007]

My heart still lies with Herdwicks but your channel's really made me like the Cheviots. I'll always have a soft spot for my home breeds, the Dartmoors and the Devon Closewool as well 🥰

[@cher1894]

Good looking sheep & you still managed to buy a few rams. Enjoying the sale market videos as I've come across breeds I didn't know existed, so thank you. From groups on offer I liked the South Cheviots, Blackies & Texel X.

[@TheSheepGame]

All good sheep Cher thanks! 😁

[@kimgreuel7659]

Thank you for putting such great content out here. I’m a sheep fan! It helps to hear the honest take, what you’re thinking about, what a successful day looks like and what work you have to put into it. Thank you!!

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks for watching!!

[@mariondillon3606]

You did well today great value well 👏 done

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Marion!

[@juliepenn5313]

Another great video! I personally love the sale videos and seeing what the different & ages sell for. Thanks, Cammy!

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Julie!

[@joanbean9572]

I like the ones you got. Love watching your channel. Let’s see more of the baby.

[@TheSheepGame]

He’s coming soon Joan 😁

[@gungadin6889]

The older blackie ewes are in good condition, filled out and all moving well. Proven breeders n lamb raisers already. If ya have a field with a shed or lean to roof where ya can get them out of the worst storms n give a little high protein feed n some quality hay, They'll raise you some nice fat lambs. The feed n good hay will make for the lost teeth of old ewes Nice filled out meaty Chevoit ewes. As you have found out with bucks, it's not the pretty perfect formation ones that are the aggresive breeders that get in n get the job done Some shoot blanks or just a little weak in the head. Never can tell by looks which ram will through the best fastest growing healthy lambs Maybe try some crossbred rams for hybrid vigor, where we had the best ram success. All this push for breed purity form n looks often creates weak breeders. Hybrid rams also brings in new strong genetics into your flocks. Maybe something like a blue face Texel cross ram . Do u sperm test ur rams yearly, helps to weed out the duds before breeding season is lost You are learning, never get desparate at an auction. The auctioneer n his spotters see it immediately n stsrt pushing u in front of the crowd Good that u picked up some rams at private sale. Get to see their background n condition much better Take that new wife n baby out to restaurants. She will love you for it, change of pace for her. Tough being a losked up mom alll the time

[@kathybradbury]

Compared to the prices of the rams in the last sale I saw, you got some fantastic bargains. The Texel first in your trailer looked very strong-and they all look good.

[@Kathleensailorgirl]

Looks like you purchased some fine looking sheep 🐑🐑😄

[@howarddavies9677]

Great Video again Cam, really enjoy the market footage, always can get a few good bargains at the end of the sale season, looking forward to seeing how you are going to choose which rams with which sheep. Hope Lizzy and Jock are well.

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Howard!

[@saraguaraldi6559]

Seeing the height on that BFL next to the texel! Wow! Nice looking sheep. I have shetlands, other than them the blackface are my favorites!

[@garymadden2656]

You bought well there cammy lad good luck with them ewes and rams another great video 👌

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Gary!

[@120mmtopgun]

Great video with simple explanation for me to understand why some sheep are cheap and others are expensive . I'm going to buy some sheep in the next couple of years when I retire to France , I have 5 acres of grassland so only looking at 8 to start with .

[@lr6251]

I love the market videos!!

[@JudyJudyJudy44]

I think those Texels look cracking! And you bought some. Great! I've never seen that breed at any shows I've been to near me in the u.s. Thanks so much.

[@jodoran533]

Love love love these videos so interesting… this is so different to Aussie auctions mainly Marino

[@padowado]

Good work Cammy... Patrick in Ireland

[@clarityat3am]

I don't know what it is about Texels but I just love the look of them.

[@blessedbyond]

Excellent video with great information. Thank you for breaking it all down for us. Texel and Blue face Leicester are my favorites after the Valais Blacknose of course ❤️

[@ChristophersMum]

Everyone loves the Valais Blacknose💖

[@beverlymarlowe5333]

Really enjoy watching and listening to you. Very interesting.

[@haypa2913]

Love the sheep at the market. Thanks for pointing out the various breeds, very different from what is in the US and Canada.

[@nedranichols2906]

Thanks for explaining! Great video, as always!

[@tammykaltreider]

I liked the looks of the Texel x. Cheers.

[@charlia7695]

You guys have to most beautiful sheep over there. I think the black face sheep are my favorite. … and omgosh I typed this right before you said to let you know which ones we liked the best!! :) ❤️🐑

[@sandymcghee3328]

New to your channel nice 👍 looking rams 🐏 @ewes👍👍👌👌

[@westzed23]

You're getting lots of good advice from the older sheep farmers I see.

[@nanalesa24]

Again I love the auctions. I like the sheep with horns, I just think they are beautiful.

[@TheSheepGame]

Very Scottish! 😁

[@olilastname8844]

Are jacobs Scottish? 🤔😉

[@rmil4531]

Well done, you’ll get there dear.😍❤️😍

[@janettehutton8634]

I like that tall blue faced Leicester.

[@keithaspin5160]

Smashing Video Cammy thoroughly enjoyed it 👍👍👍👍

[@TheSheepGame]

Cheers Keith!

[@mamawnamidreviews9978]

I think I love the Scottish Blackface the best. The contrast between their face and wool is beautiful. I had no idea there were so many different breeds of sheep!! What is your favourite breed and why Cammy?

[@TheSheepGame]

Scotch Mule for me. Good milky sheep with great maternal instincts and lambs a big lamb easily.

[@davidnicolson6443]

Grate vlog cammy. The blackies you bought are looking good!

[@ritamgilsenan629]

Enjoy the sheep market videos, very informative Cammy

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Rita

[@denisepalmer7624]

Thanks for showing us your Purchases!

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks for watching me show you Denise 😁🥰

[@marilynhukill]

Scottish mule and rousin(?) Are my favorites.

[@jackielheureux3229]

I really like the look of the Cheviot and my favorite is Tercel x. I like a stocky breed and their heads almost look like beef cattle. I really love the piece that you did on that small farm you went to scan he had a great looking stock of Tercel. Now I don’t know a thing about Sheep breeds. But looking at them that’s what I like.

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Jackie. I’m a fan of them too especially a texel x Scotch mule. 👍

[@ChristophersMum]

@@TheSheepGame Are you thinking of specialising later on?

[@Liz-M]

Very interesting, thank you 😊

[@jillpickup9981]

I love your honesty Cammy. Xxx

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Jill.

[@nicolafigini6346]

Great video. Keep ‘em coming!

[@brigidhegarty4812]

I like those Texel variety.

[@bunniesbunniesbunnie]

Good buys imo, especially that BFL.

[@EbrahimAL_awami]

There is what is called the legislative court

[@marktumelty811]

Really enjoying the channel very enjoyable. You have a good set up. Keep the good work up

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Mark!

[@shaynelammas9413]

The Rams you brought were pretty good price. But you Should have brought that lovely pen of Cheviots ewes really. At £118 each was a bargin tho. And if you want to make money from Sheep you have invest too get the best Sheep you can tho . Top rams are half your flock and Top ewes are the other half tho really. I would like to know what breeds of Sheep you have pure breed and cross breed too . I really enjoy your Video at your farm and the Sale yards too.Thanks Kiwi Shayne living in England

[@bunniesbunniesbunnie]

hahahaha "I'll never have money in the bank because it all goes back into the business" essentially. I feel ya there.

[@TheSheepGame]

The farming way 😅

[@jojoalexander3172]

I love the market

[@johngilbert5430]

We've crossed our shetlands with a llynn for several years, makes a cracking xbred ewe.

[@TheSheepGame]

Great to hear John.

[@colleenuchiyama4916]

I’m hoping for great mums, lots of twins, and the bottom dropping out of the winter grass prices!

[@TheSheepGame]

🤣 that’s the dream!

[@lisagarcia5457]

The sheep are pretty springy in the last footage. I suspect they were a good purchase. Something to update us on the other side of the winter.

[@Finallyretired2022]

I assume you have to buy the whole lot, or maybe that’s what you want to do. Guess it’s obviously more economical to buy multiples. Thank you for sharing your farm plan for the future. Hello to mom and babe !

[@olilastname8844]

Most buy the pen; sometimes farmers can agree before had to buy the pen then split it. You can also sometimes ask the auctioneer to split pens; depending on how big they are. For small numbers it’s easier (but more expensive per head) to buy straight from the farm. That’s what I did to start off with; I also buy tup lambs this way. Buying a tup lamb (hill type) is a good way of dewilding them so you can handle them better. I’ve got a south country Cheviot tup who I bought as a lamb off the hills. He’s is still wild but 90% of what he would have been if bought as a shearling

[@bernardkehoe7610]

LOVE IT

[@beltexsheep2060]

Yay you bought a beltex

[@danamama6766]

They all looked great Cammy. Glad you had a good day. It is not easy I know but you are doing a fine job and it is wonderful that you are doing something you really love. And teaching us all about this life. hugs

[@TheSheepGame]

Thanks Dana!