The UK's oldest flock of Charollais sheep has been sold by the Norfolk farming family which brought the breed over from France in the 1970s.

The renowned Crogham flock, owned by Jonathan and Carroll Barber, Wymondham, was founded when their family imported the first Charollais ewes from France in 1977.

But the flock has now been sold "lock, stock and barrel" to young breeder Will Whiting and his family in Cornwall.

Mrs Barber said the couple made the difficult decision to sell for a number of reasons, but added: “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."

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

“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.

“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." 

Included in the sale were 30 flock ewes, 26 shearling ewes and the entire 2024 lamb crop of 50 lambs.

Mr Whiting said the opportunity to acquire such a well-developed flock was too good to miss.  

“The reputation of the Crogham flock needs no explanation to anyone within the Charollais breed," he said.

"Being able to buy the flock as a going concern to add to our already-established Fursdon flock will give us a head start in terms of genetic progress."