UK's oldest Charollais flock disperses

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 sale

Angela Calvert
Head of Livestock, Shows and Sales
clock • 1 min read
UK's oldest Charollais flock disperses

 

 

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.

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 said.

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

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.

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 said.

More on Livestock

Opinion: Us farming folk do tend to enjoy a country tune

Opinion: Us farming folk do tend to enjoy a country tune

Livestock specialist Katie Fallon on country music concerts and the importance of stepping away from the farm

Katie Fallon
clock 16 June 2026 • 1 min read
Opinion: The science is there, so at what point will bTB stop being a political debate?

Opinion: The science is there, so at what point will bTB stop being a political debate?

Farmers Guardian livestock specialist Ellie Layton on the new bovine TB eradication strategy for England

Ellie Layton
clock 15 June 2026 • 2 min read
 The Dobie family has farmed in the Scottish Borders for more than 250 years and a fresh approach is ensuring a sustainable future for them

The Dobie family has farmed in the Scottish Borders for more than 250 years and a fresh approach is ensuring a sustainable future for them

The Dobie family, as part of Dunbia’s Activate Leaders programme, are furthering their sustainable approach to farming to ensure they can meet the demands of both the industry and the environment around them

Lynsey Clark
clock 15 June 2026 • 6 min read