Farm's computer ram contest

Texel ram Fred is competing in the challenge

An Exmoor farm is asking people to predict which of its rams will father the most lambs.

Dan and David Wood of Bittescombe Manor Farm, near Wiveliscombe, are running the interactive competition on their website.

Users are invited to judge whether "Cyril", "Fred" or "Max" will mate with - or "tup" - the most ewes to win the ram challenge on November 6.

Dan Wood said: "We've tried to pick the best rams, but to be honest, often the worst-looking ones are the most effective."

The site shows the rams' vital statistics

The three contenders are being fed and exercised in preparation for their duties with the 120 ewes.

There are three opportunities to take part in the competition.

Firstly, entrants can predict which ram will mate with the most ewes.

The Woods have a system to check the numbers.

Each ram has a different coloured "raddle" mark on his chest, which will leave a daub on any ewe he mounts.

Vital statistics

Secondly, there is a chance to guess how many ewes their chosen ram will tup in 20 days.

Entrants will be able to check their ram's progress on the website.

Finally, the farmers will use ultrasound to determine how many lambs each ewe is carrying in January.

The more people can understand what happens on the farm the better

David Wood, farmer

On the farm website, people can see images of the contenders and read about their vital statistics, such as weight, testicle size and favourite colour.

David Wood insists it is not in poor taste.

"What we're watching here is nature and the more people can get to understand what happens on the farm the better," he said.

"We've all had such a gloomy time this last year we thought it was about time we brightened up everybody's autumn.

"But there's a serious idea behind the competition - to draw attention to the plight of farmers, especially here on Exmoor."