NSA Shearwell EID Stick Reader Kit prize giveaway 2015: Andrew Dickin, West Midlands

A lucky day was in store for Solihull farmer, Andrew Dickin, when he got the news he had won a Shearwell EID stick reader, and received the best price for his lambs at market so far this year all in one morning!

Andrew was automatically entered into NSA’s prize draw when he signed up to become a member of the organisation this year, making him the ninth recruitment campaign winner so far. Existing members can also qualify for the draw by recommending a friend or neighbour to join.

Andrew says: “The Shearwell EID Stick Reader will be incredibly beneficial to my record keeping, which in my opinion is the worst part of the job. It’ll also help my back because I won’t have to bend down so much. I was helping a local farmer and existing NSA member scan some sheep when he recommended joining and how we both would stand a chance of winning a stick reader if I did. Bob Blanden, an NSA office holder, was scanning the sheep and they both suggested how interesting and informative the articles contained in the publications are, and this has certainly proved to be true.”

Andrew, his wife Kate and their two children live on a 220-acre tenanted farm in Tanworth-in-Arden, Solihull. Having grown up working on his late grandfather’s farm, Andrew says it has always an ambition to farm in his own right. He has since worked hard to build up the current farm business from 40 ewes, to hopefully lambing 450 next year alongside a small suckler herd and calf rearing enterprise. Kate also runs a small free-range egg business, which supplies villages and local pubs in the area.  

The flock is predominately made up of North Country Mules and Suffolk cross Mules, which are put to either a Charollais or Hampshire Down tup. Andrew explains his lambing system: “All of our lambing takes place inside over Easter to make use of family labour. We also had a veterinary student stay with us for two weeks over lambing this year, which was a huge help and something we will do again next year. All sheep are vaccinated again footrot, which has virtually wiped out any lameness problems. We also suffered with enzootic abortion this year, so took the decision to vaccinate against that too.

 "We usually sell all our lambs deadweight but this year decided to send some to Worcester market as well. We will keep back some Hampshire cross ewe lambs for replacements and, if funds allow, we would like to buy in some North Country Mule tupping lambs as we were really pleased with the result of this last year.”

With an ever expanding farm business, Andrew’s willingness to adopt new technology is prevalent. He says: I’ve been researching EID stick readers recently, as I knew I’d want to buy one at some point in the future. Shearwell would have been my first choice due to their excellent quality, reputation and the back-up support offered.”