The climate is very conducive to an early lambing programme as our mild winters allow some grass growth resulting in good lamb growth rates. Marks and Spencer criteria are tight, so strict drafting procedures are essential. Only a high qualifying percentage will result in high per head dollar values. Early sale of Marks and Spencer lambs is complimentary to other farming operations and allows greater flexibility with seasonal extremes. The early lambing operation is geared basically 100 for 12 weeks of production from the time when lambs hit the ground to their sale. If the majority of early-born singles do not meet the contract, then the whole procedure is a waste of time and resources.