We should never need an excuse to explore our amazing country – but in my case, I did! What a huge privilege to be able to judge our breed’s national flock competition and see some of the most beautiful countryside along the way.
We all talk about the breed’s versatility and its ability to thrive anywhere in the UK – well, we have been able to witness it and can confidently tell people they do!! Whether it was on the coast of Wales, the dry, light, sandy soils of the East or the wet, hilly ground of the North – the Dorset ewe will breed and do well.
The standard of all the flocks we saw was extremely high with each category strongly represented. It was, however, difficult to compare flocks that lambed at different times of the year – obviously heavy, in lamb ewes are looking at their best – having said that we saw some fantastic January/February born ewe lambs.
We were particularly impressed with the standard of the stud rams – teeth and feet were generally very good, both important for breeding sound ewes with longevity.
The overall result was very close, but this year’s Champion flock is the Byeways Flock of Joe Larder. We felt that his sheep in every category were so consistent and clearly a lot of hard work and effort had gone into them with day to day husbandry and breeding decisions. This is all done before going off to work and at weekends!
Can we take this opportunity to again thank everyone for their hospitality – you all made it an experience we will remember for a long time.
Rob, Alice & Sophie Hole
Judges: Robert & Alice Hole
Champion Flock: Joe Larder - Byeways
Reserve Champion Flock: Jim & Joe Dufosee - Blackhill
Large Flock
1st Jim & Joe Dufosee - Blackhill
2nd Fooks Bros. - Poorton
3rd D W Rossiter - Huish
Medium Flock
1st Joe Larder - Byeways
2nd W & K Carson - Downkillybegs
3rd = Mr & Mrs T Pratt - Deben
3rd = Alec Steff - Waggoners
Small Flock
1st J & C Robson - Ballyhamage
2nd Mr & Mrs T Knox - Riverview
3rd Stuart Alderson - Paddock Leach
Group of Stud Rams
1st D W Rossiter - Huish
2nd Joe Larder - Byeways
3rd Jim & Joe Dufosee - Blackhill
Individual Stud Ram
1st Alec Steff - Ballytaggart Walter
2nd D W Rossiter - Downkillybegs Unique
3rd Fooks Bros. - Blackhill Trident
The judges would also like to note:
Sam Driver - Sandy Lane Wotsit
E D & E S A Evans - Burhos Tyson
Jim & Joe Dufosee - Blackhill Ulrid
W & K Carson - Downkillybegs Taz
Ewe Lambs
1st J & C Robson - Ballyhamage
2nd Jim & Joe Dufosee - Blackhill
3rd Joe Larder - Byeways
Best Shepherded Flock: Francis Fooks - Poorton
Petty France Award: Mr & Mrs T Knox - Riverview