Shepherding in 2000

Ardkinglas Estate
Ardkinglas Estate now farm sheep under a Contract Farming arrangement with J & D Jackson, Pole Farm, Lochgoilhead, this has been since 2004.
The sheep belong to Ardkinglas, on Ardkinglas ground and the Estate is involved in managing them. The labour and equipment involved in the actual shepherding is contracted out to the Jacksons. This arrangement has transformed the farm from one that was incurring huge annual losses for most of the 1990’s into one that is now an economically sustainable business, albeit very heavily dependent on government subsidy.
The stocking levels are currently around 800 ewes
Ceann Garbh, Newton and Clachan which are now fenced parks with approximately 400 ewes on each park.
Sheep are moved to the lower ground at Clachan and Ardkinglas at lambing time. The pedigree black face flock are also on the low ground.
The farm also has around 20 cattle.

Number of shepherds
Davy and Jock Jackson manage the stock along with Richard Smith. Roddy MacDiarmid and Alistair MacCallum help when needed.

Strone Estate
300 black faced sheep on Ben Ime and Beinn Chorranach, owned by John MacNaughton and Strone Estate.

Achadunan Estate
Some of the bottom fields at Achadunan are rented to J & D Jackson, approximately 200 blackface.
Achadunan Estate have approximately 60 ewes and highland cattle.

Ardno Estate
Ardno Estate now rent out the fields to D & J Jackson, Lochgoilhead.

Intervention Sale - 320 lambs sold due to foot and mouth outbreak 9th October 2001.
Average wool price - there was no money in wool.
Average lamb price - £21.50 in 2003.
Average cast ewe price - £20
The average wage for a shepherd was ????