NSA Sheep South West 2015
NSA Sheep South West 2015 proved to be a resounding success, to go with the record number of trade and breed society exhibitors a record crowd flocked through the gate at Higher Nichols Nymet, Nichols Nymet, North Tawton for the event hosted by EW Quick and Sons.
The National Chairman Samuel Wharry opened the event, when he spoke on the poor lamb price and the temptation to keep lambs for longer in the hope of an improved price. He went on to say that farmers need to focus on costs of production with the key areas being grassland management and genetics. While he did not like the idea of electronic identification being forced on farmers it could be a useful tool if abattoirs gave producers more feedback on weights and grades.
Following on from the opening was the first heat of the “Gift of the Gavel” competition, the brainchild of Russell Steer of Kivells and sponsored by them. This fun auctioneering competition proved a hit with visitors with a large crowd watching, particularly Joe Emmett aged 13 and William Hopper aged 9. These two tied for the under 26 age group and won a cash prize and an engraved gavel and block. Philip Derryman who four years ago won the Shepherd of the Future competition showed yet another talent and won the over 26 group.
The winner of the Shepherd of the Future was Winston Perry who will now go on to represent the South West region at the National Final at Malvern in 2016. The judges in all sections of the competition were impressed by the standard and confidence shown by the competitors.
The farm tours proved extremely popular with the trailers kept busy all day with Bill and Paul Quick sharing the commentary. The day finished with an extra tour after the close of the event so that no one was left disappointed.
A party of school children from Bow Primary school were given a tour of the event by Phil Stocker and South West regional Chairman Bryan Griffiths. The children were so thrilled with all they saw that they extended their visit. This visit was sponsored by Mole Avon Town and Country Stores.
26 sheepdogs went under the hammer with a top price of £2,500 for Jill a one year old from Co. Fermanagh. In the untrained and young dog section Tracey Peat from Swimbridge made £700 for a seven month old bitch.
After the event, David Gregory, NSA Sheep South West event chairman said “this has been our most successful event to date, owed in no small part to the hard work of Paul Quick, and I would like to thank him, the event organising committee, the regional committee, the sponsors for their continued support, exhibitors, advertisers in the event guide and anyone else who has contributed in any way. This is going to be a difficult act to follow, but we relish a challenge and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2017.”
Competition Results.
Open Shepherd of the Future, sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers – 1st Winston Perry, 2nd Matthew Crooke and James Westcott and 3rd Jack Frankum.
Student Section, sponsored by EBLEX – 1st Jack Day, 2nd Matt Baker, 3rd Ben Roberts.
Lamb Selection Cometition, run by EBLEX and sponsored by South West Sheep Breeding Services was won by Stuart Rogers.
Gift of the Gavel over 26 – 1st Philip Derryman, 2nd Melvyn Britton. Under 26 – Joe Emmett and Matthew Crooke
Fleece Competitions. The full range of 7 classes were sponsored by BWMB and a good number of entries to keep judge Mike Berry from the Wool Board busy.
Fine. 1st R & D Huxter, 2nd RD Molyneux, 3rd RJ Harding. Medium. 1st RJ Harding, D Prouse, DP Cox. Cross. 1st D Bawden, 2nd R & D Huxter, 3rd R & D Huxter. Lustre. 1st and Overall Champion Lesley Perrett, 2nd Tessa Franklin, 3rd Jenny Richardson. Hill. 1st D Bawden, 2nd RJ Harding, 3rd M & M Brain. Mountain. 1st R Jordan. Natural Colour. 1st and Reserve Champion Tessa Franklin, 2nd R & D Huxter, 3rd Tessa Franklin. A new trophy for the most points in the Fleece Classes was won by R & D Huxter.
Carcase Competitions. Dalehead Foods sired by a Native was won by M Perryman, 2nd G Hutchings (who was also a competitor in the Shepherd of the Future and won the lamb selection part of the competition), 3rd GN & CP Harding. Sired by a continental was won by S Davey & Sons, who also won champion lamb. 2nd was F & L Vosper & 3rd GN & CP Harding. In the NSA section, Tracey Cobbledick was 1st and 3rd in the class sired by a continental ram, with NSA SW chairman Bryan Griffiths 2nd. For lambs sired by a native ram HC Derryman & Sons won 1st and 2nd.
Trade Stands. Outside – judged by Henry & Hilary Derryman. 1st Harpers Feeds. 2nd Rappa Fencing. 3rd John Bright Fencing.
Indoor stands – judged by Pat Martin and Louise Carpenter. 1st Skipton Auctions. 2nd Norbrook Laboratories. 3rd. Agrihealth.
Breed Societies – judged by Ollie allen and Trevor Larcombe. 1st South West Mule Group. 2nd Devon & Cornwall Longwool Association. 3rd. Charollais Society.
