Autumn Review 2006 CALENDAR GIRL IN THIS ISSUE TOP PRICES, SHOW CHAMPIONS, PROGENY SHOW RESULTS, SALE AVERAGES, REGIONAL REPORTS, ELITE SIRES

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1 Autumn Review 2006 BLUEFACED LEICESTER SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION CALENDAR GIRL The winner from our calendar photo competition, submitted by Dick Montague, ASHDOWN Flock. To order the Bluefaced Leicester 2007 calendar, complete and return order form enclosed. Full list of winners inside. IN THIS ISSUE TOP PRICES, SHOW CHAMPIONS, PROGENY SHOW RESULTS, SALE AVERAGES, REGIONAL REPORTS, ELITE SIRES

2 Chairman s Report I can remember, as if it were yesterday, arriving at the Old Mart at Hexham to buy my very first Bluefaced Leicester. The sights, sounds and smells are as vivid now as they were nearly thirty years ago. I also have a wonderful recollection of a wiry old man bustling about the market. He seemed to know everyone and everyone knew him his sheep were a picture and the ring was his stage. The mart is no longer there and sadly the man has passed away and the sheep have moved on in the last three decades. The only reason I am wallowing in all this nostalgia is to lead on into telling you the results of an unofficial survey that I have carried out this summer as I travelled round the country to the many summer events that I ve attended. The question that I asked was always the same and it was only asked when I was lucky enough to be in the company of grey haired stockmen in their natural environment, under canvas! The question was Do you know any breed of livestock that is better now than it was when you were a boy You may not be surprised to know that, to a man, not one of them could think of a single breed, within a vast range of species, that they would consider better now than they were when they were young. Strangely enough, although none of the surveyed people were directly involved in pig farming, when pressed for an answer most would eventually say that pigs were probably the most improved of all farm animals. My knowledge of pig breeding could be written down on the back of a fag packet so I would not attempt to draw any conclusions from this statistic. I would be happy, however, if anyone could offer a reason for this unusual outcome. My final conclusion was that it seems extremely unlikely that all breeds of livestock are going down the plug hole, but it is an absolute certainty that we are all getting older. Our Association is also getting on a bit and we could easily slip into the idea that things ain t what they used to be. This type thinking will do no good at all if we are to survive in this brave new, market driven, world. We must keep moving with the times and have absolute faith and confidence in our product. The modern Bluefaced Leicester in all its many hues (blue, brown, or whatever ) is well equipped to meet the market needs of today and I m sure that if I m spared for another thirty years the sheep we may have then won t be as good as the ones we have now. Good luck in the future Neale McQuistin JANUARY FEMALE SALE HAWES SATURDAY 20th JANUARY, 2007 ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM HAWES AUCTION MART, HAWES, N. YORKS. Tel: Closing date for entries: Sunday 31st December, 2006 PLEASE NOTE SAME DAY AS SWALEDALE EWE SALE BLUEFACED LEICESTER SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION FURMISTON, CARSPHAIRN, CASTLE DOUGLAS. TEL: FAX: info@blueleicester.co.uk Secretary: Jean Gibbon

3 ASSOCIATION TROPHY WINNERS 2006 HELME TROPHY: SIRE OF THE YEAR Awarded to the vendor of 3 ram lambs by the same sire sold to the highest average through the Association Sales: Winner W M Hutchinson & Son KIRKBY REDGATE for three lambs by W1 Keer at Hawes Sale - 14,500, 3000 and 2800 GREENOP TROPHY Awarded to the vendor of six lambs or more sold to the highest average through the Association Sales: Winner: Messrs Lord HEWGILL for six lambs at 10,000, 4500, 3600, 3600, 3100 and 5000 J R BELL & SON TROPHY awarded to the highest priced lamb outside the top three prize winners at the sales at Hexham, Penrith and Carlisle Winner: Messrs JT & J James TODHILLS for Top Price Lamb sold at Carlisle for OBITUARY ROBERT CURRIE, TAYBURN PRESIDENT, BLUEFACED LEICESTERS SHEEPBREEDERS ASSOCIATION 2006 For those members who did not know, our President Robert Currie sadly died on 6th November. To anyone who knew Robert he was a gentleman in every way he conducted himself. Whether doing association business or not, Robert was always measured in his opinions and while putting his point across did so in such a way that did not upset anyone. He was enthusiastic about Blues, even in his short retirement and was always keen to know the goings on within the Association whenever members visited him. He was instrumental in forming the Scotch Mule Association and his forward thinking was evident as he was one of the first farmers to performance record lambs, and was heavily involved in the Longwool project. It was unfortunate that Robert was unable to judge the Royal Highland Show this year due to ill health as he enjoyed the camaraderie of showing, whether winning or not. Robert s passion for Leicesters and mules has rubbed off on many people over the years and this was evident at his funeral where friends from all over the U.K. came to say goodbye to a good friend. N Laing JANUARY FEMALE SALE CARLISLE MONDAY 22nd JANUARY, 2007 ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM HARRISON & HETHERINGTON, CARLISLE AUCTION MART. Tel Closing date for entries: Wednesday 3rd January,

4 R E G I O N A L NORTHERN IRELAND REPORT November again, where has this year gone? I suppose a reasonably good summer, even if it was a little short, but it made the time go quicker. Anyhow, with all the seasonal Autumn Sales and tup Sales by, these long evenings give us time to reflect on the goings on in 2006, and study what route we may need to head for in the future. The NI Region had a very busy summer with the undertaking of bringing the Bluefaced Leicester Exhibition stand to a few of the larger shows and main events to promote the Breed, and especially capture more of the Southern Irish market following on from last years keen interest from Ireland. First place was Balmoral Show where we had the services of our Association Secretary Jean Gibbon which was greatly appreciated. Then the stand was taken to Tullamore Show in Southern Ireland, the International Sheepdog Trials in Loughgiel, Click Pour Sheep Shearing Championships in Castlewellan and various other shows during the summer. A fair bit of work was involved but the response from all these events was very positive both North and South of the border. This is a very good sign for our breed as the competition is very strong for a place in the commercial market so we need to keep pushing our breed as much as possible to make sure people do not forget the future s bright, the future s blue! The quality of Mules this backend was better than ever and once again it was proved in the market place with Mules topping the sales and fetching very good prices; this was a funny year as far as no-one has really settled down with what may or may not be the right thing to do with all these changes in farming, but it did prove that customers will always pay a little more for the better quality lots. Our premier Sale for Blues in Ballymena was once again run as an Export Sale and our promotion seems to have paid off with a good portion of sheep going South across the border. Now, there may not have been as many big prices but it turned out to be a very level trade right through. Once again the better quality lots were making the money and customers were being very selective on how they spent their hard earned cash. Top Price of the day went to a shearling ram from Robert Loughridge (Orravale Flock) for The Martinstown Sale proved to be a lot stickier trade with only the very good lots making bigger money. Top Price went to T. Crowe (Leamore Flock) for a shearling at 880. This Sale proved that anything of a lesser quality was proving very hard to move. To me this means we as a Breed need to be even more critical of our own sheep and only put out the very best to the market place. A sheep is good enough to sell only if it is good enough for yourself. I have probably gone on long enough and we have all winter to reflect; so here s wishing you all a Merry Christmas, a lucky Spring and another good year in 2007 for the Bluefaced Leicester. Seamus 0 Kane NORTH EAST In the heat at this years Great Yorkshire Show, Glen Shapiro had a super day not only winning the Championship but also taking first prize in every class. Well done Glen! On the 21st August we kicked off our Open Day at the Monk Tea Room in Blanchland before heading convoy style up to Nookton and then later over the fell to Rosehill. Although skies were grey the rain stayed away and we had an excellent turn out. We viewed the quality sheep at each farm and enjoyed hospitality which was second to none. A special thankyou must go to Denis & Jill Lumley & Family and Bill, Mary & George Wearmouth for all the hard work they had put in to make it a most enjoyable day. During the day we ran a stockjudging competition with the overall winner being David Johnson from Blackhalls well done. Thanks to the judges Philip Walton and Arthur Yeats. The day was rounded off with the lovely singling of Fiona Sloan. We then move swiftly on to the Sale season. Hexham Sale had a decent entry this year and bidders were once again selective. Shearlings were on a par with last year but the lambs were slightly down. Well done to Frank Johnson, The Ashes on winning the Championship, Robert English, Brownleazes on the highest price of 2300 and Alex Bisset on the highest average of 1034 for 5. Hexham Auction Mart must be congratulated on having photos of various lots on their web site: this was something which people were talking about and is something to be built on for the future. Hawes Sale was once again a marathon, buyers as elsewhere being choosy. The best lots got away at good prices but on the whole, averages were down. Well done to W M Hutchinson & Son, Redgate on getting the Championship and also for realising the highest price of 14,500 and leading average of 3456 for 8. After the success of last years Dinner Dance at Hexham Mart we are planning another one this year on Saturday 3rd February so please pencil the date in your diary. N Robinson WALES & SOUTH The year proved to be difficult for livestock farmers in Wales. A cold late spring and a very dry summer meant a shortage of grass for most of the year. Despite the difficulties that this caused, the standard of stock at the shows and sales has been very high. The Royal Welsh show saw an excellent entry of sheep, the Bluefaced Leicesters ending up with the third highest numbers of entries, just behind the Texels and the Charollais. This only goes to show just how important a breed the Bluefaced Leicester is in Wales. We extend our congratulations to Mervyn Roberts with his Champion ewe. Our Progeny show was held in conjunction with the Oswestry show in August. It proved to a big success with increased entries

5 compared to recent years. Our thanks to Nicky Robinson and Tudor Harris for an epic judging session and our congratulations to Ray Harding for taking the inter breed show Champion with his gimmer. Thanks also to Robin Waite and family for organizing the event and for making it such a success. It was pleasing to see members from up north in attendance. Our Open day was held at Marilyn and Michael Day s on Bank Holiday Sunday. This event was again well attended and many thanks to our hosts for their kind and generous hospitality. Sale time started at Builth with the two sales. Prices were down a bit on previous years but the quality of the sheep was as good as ever. Numbers were up requiring an early start at the NSA sale. This worked well and ensured a finish at a reasonable hour. There were increased entries at Welshpool but there was a slightly difficult trade on the lambs with a fair number going home unsold. Things were a bit brighter at Blackmoorgate, although prices were back a bit on previous years. Hereford saw a very big entry with good sheep selling well early on in the sale with prices dropping off later. Next year there will classes for the Blue Faced breed at The Three Counties Show at Malvern, hopefully many members will be able to support the event, We can all hope that in 2007 we will see higher prices for our sheep meat and an increase in profits for all producers within our industry. Jo Binns SCOTTISH REPORT As I write this we are finally experiencing some autumnal weather as the rain lashes against the windows. It really has been a fantastic summer for stock and with the tups out working I am wishing the time away to next lambing time to see if the new purchase was worth the money. We have had a busy summer in Scotland. First we had Scotsheep up in Huntly. It was good to meet breeders from that part of the country and I made some contacts with Shetland breeders and Cheviot mule breeders. It is important to find new markets to sell Leicesters in to and I feel that we should support breeders in different areas to develop local markets for their tups. We then had the Highland Show in June where it was fitting that the two flocks we visited last year were contesting the Championship. It was a gimmer from Cassington that eventually prevailed over the old tup from Craigskean, chosen by judge Douglas Hall. The party afterwards was enjoyed by all who attended and there was a toast to an absent friend with his favourite brandy!! Sales this autumn followed the trend of last year as good commercial types and breeders sheep were easily sold but less good sheep were harder to cash. Lambs in particular were difficult to cash with sale averages and numbers finding new homes were down. It is worth looking at our bottom end lambs and consider killing these rather than turning them over as cost of production may exceed returns on these sheep. When there are less ewes in the country to tup we all have to be more selective in our breeding stock. Neil Laing NORTH WEST REGION I am writing my report for the North West Region on a very wet and windy night after a very hot summer, and a really good autumn with mild conditions and plenty of grass. After a wet day or two, we start to complain, but that s the nature of us we complained in the summer when it was too hot. Being Vice-Chairman of the Association, I tried to go to as many shows and sales as possible, meeting members and chatting to friends from years ago. I made my first trip to Ireland to judge the Martinstown pre Sale Show with valid support from Clark Lamont who has been going for years. I enjoyed my time there and the hospitality we were given was out of this world just to be important for a few hours if nothing else! It was a good turn out of sheep with most lots being sold. I would like to thank the Northern Ireland Region for their help to and from the boat. Back to earth and I come to reality on to the Show season. Once again Glenn Shapiro was making her mark by going over to Corbridge Show in Northumberland for the first time and taking the Championship and Interbreed Reserve with a ewe lamb. At the Royal Show Glenn also took the Championship with a five crop ewe and did the same again at the Great Yorkshire, winning every class there. This is something that has not been done before at the Yorkshire. Penrith Show held the Progeny Show on July 22nd during a very hot spell of weather. All classes were well supported from a wide area of the Northern counties and Scotland. Thanks to all the exhibitors for making it a great success. On to the Open Day at Nookton and Rosehill what a day out! I would like to thank Denis Lumley and family and Bill Wearmouth and family in the North East Region. Both farms excelled in making members welcome who had travelled from Wales and Scotland as well as the northern regions of England. Both families had worked hard to select their lots for judging ensuring plenty of rivalry to get the lots in order of merit. Well done to both hosts who had put on a very good spread of food, drinks and entertainment. At the Penrith Sale we had 92 sheep entered and things were a little more positive than last year. It takes a few years to get a sale going. Most of the sheep were sold, the Champion Ram lamb making 1000 from Jack Lawson, Hundith. The top price of the 1300 came from the Lords of Hewgill. Carlisle Show brought a big entry of sheep forward: the good types were good to sell, but buyers were selective, with some lots harder to move on. The Champion was a tup lamb from John Smith-Jackson, Shafthill which sold for The top price of the day came from John James, Todhills at 6000 for a Ram lamb. The overall Champion of the pre-sale Show was a ewe from Messrs Brough, Bush-on-Lyne. As a long established Bluefaced Leicester breeder, Robert has been selling at Carlisle Sale for many years, and the Association now wishes the family a happy retirement. Sid Ivinson R E P O R T S

6 Annual Dinner Dance SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY FOR 8 AT THE TYNEDALE AUCTION MART, HEXHAM BIG DAVE & HIS ELASTIC BAND Tickets - Price (First come - first served! Remember, tickets sold out last year) Available from: Denis Lumley , Clare Bisset , Nicky Robinson or the Office SALE REPORT SALES AVERAGES AGED & SHEARLING RAMS RAM LAMBS No Sold Average No Sold Average KELSO BUILTH WELLS CASTLE DOUGLAS BALLYMENA BLACKMOORGATE HEXHAM LANARK HAWES WELSHPOOL PENRITH CARLISLE MARTINSTOWN No Sold Sales averages : AGED & SHEARLING RAMS RAM LAMBS No Sold Average No Sold Average

7 ELITE PLUS SIRES /W1 CASSINGTON ELITE PLUS Bred and exhibited by M & C Drummond 1939/X7 HAZELWOOD ELITE PLUS Exhibited by M & C Drummond, CASSINGTON Bred by G Shapiro 1939/X2 HAZELWOOD ELITE PLUS Exhibited by W Wearmouth, ROSEHILL Bred by G Shapiro 3900/W1 THORNTON- LE- DALE ELITE PLUS Bred and exhibited by H Stenton 119/W2 COCKLAW ELITE PLUS Exhibited by SA &RP Jones, CRAIG YR ORSEDD Bred by Messrs M C Robinson & Son. 584/X1 MIDDLE DUKESFIELD ELITE PLUS Exhibited by R Waite, BURLTON Bred by AG & D Bisset 1463/X6 MOSSVALE ELITE PLUS Exhibited by DWP Davies GORNAL and DP May DERWEN LAS Bred by Messrs A & J Minnis 840/V1 ROSSIEBANK ELITE PLUS Exhibited by Mr & Mrs J Pryce PRENAFAL Bred by R Neill 3391/W3 SOMERFORD ELITE PLUS Bred and exhibited by L Norris 3359/W3 KEMPT VIEW ELITE PLUS Exhibited by D Jones, PIGOT Bred by Messrs T & W Bell 299/W6 WEST END ELITE PLUS Exhibited by DP May & Daughters, DERWEN LAS Bred by Messrs D & I Hall & Son 2006 SALE CHAMPIONS KELSO BUILTH WELLS CASTLE DOUGLAS BALLYMENA BLACKMOORGATE HEXHAM LANARK HAWES WELSHPOOL PENRITH CARLISLE MARTINSTOWN M J SNAITH, CLENNEL R SMITH, BRETWELL BROWN, DRUMHUMPHRY T & W BELL, KEMPTVIEW J BINNS, LLWGWY F JOHNSON, ASHES J BELL, COTTAGE Wm HUTCHINSON, KIRBY REDGATE S A HARDING, SHREWBRIDGE J LAWSON, HUNDITH MESSRS BROUGH, BUSH-ON-LYNE ROBERT MILLIGAN, BRAGUE

8 Large Crowds all week cast an eye over the British Livestock. INDAGRA EXHIBITION IN ROMANIA An attempt was made, this November, to increase the sphere of influence of the Bluefaced Leicester Breed to include Romania. Neale McQuistin and Wallace Parker both from Newton Stewart in Wigtownshire travelled to Bucharest in Romania to promote the use of the Bluefaced Leicester in a country that is poised to join the EEC on 1st January The event, called INDAGRA, was held on the outskirts of Bucharest in the ROMEXPO Exhibition Centre between the 8th and 12th November. The two Bluefaced Leicester Representatives traveled to Bucharest along with John Stephenson from the Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association who can also see the potential to do business in a country that has harsh mountainous regions. On the eve of the event, at the Ambassadors invitation, many representatives from the UK were invited to a reception at the British Embassy in Bucharest. Where the Trio met up with many of the Embassy staff and a great variety of people, from all walks of life, who hope to cultivate business in Romania. The guests included Representatives from the Suffolk, Texel, Hampshire Down, Limousin cattle, Highland Cattle and Aberdeen Angus cattle societies. The Ambassador spoke of the opportunities that could arise from Romania joining the EU and how pleased he was to see such an effort being made. It was soon obvious, once the show opened, on the Wednesday morning that there was a great deal of interest in the British livestock that was present at the show. Having live animals on display, including two Bluefaced Leicester rams, proved to be a great attraction. The two shearling rams were looking great even after having ran with 300 ewes prior to the event. Bluefaced Leicester Chairman, Neale McQuistin, paid tribute to the many agencies that had been involved in organising the British Presence at the event. North Yorkshire Council s pioneering spirit has contributed greatly to the success of the event for the Brits. They were instrumental in building relations with the Romanian authorities and other farming leaders which led to a consignment of British livestock being exported to Romania earlier this year. This has meant that British Livestock has been on display here all week and subsequently has placed the UK livestock industry in a prominent position in a country which will soon receive a large cash injection to improve it s Agriculture. Neale went on to say that The MLC has also played a major part in ensuring that UK livestock were in pole position at the show. Project Manager Mike Adams, acting for the MLC, has done a marvelous job in drawing together interested parties and providing them with a stage on which to display their goods. Many breeds of

9 left to right John Stephenson (Swaledale Society Secretary). Cristina Stefania (Interpreter), Wallace Parker (Past Chairman BFL Association), Neale McQuistin (Chairman) countries to Romania they see a rewarding future in improving their breeding stock to allow them to export vast quantities of consistent prime lamb. This is where the BFL fits in to the equation. Wallace went on to say. Their predominant hill breed the Turcana, is the equivalent of our Swale or Blackie. A horned breed with course wool, it would easily be crossed with a BFL ram. The resulting female progeny would be used as a F1 breeding female in other words the Turcana Mule. This Turcana mule could be vital to a modernised Romanian sheep breeding industry. cattle and sheep as well as software specialists, sheep handling suppliers and high tech breeding companies were represented, all combining to give the overall picture that the UK was at the forefront in the world in the field of developing animal genetics and the supporting industries. Wallace Parker past chairman of the Bluefaced Leicester Association was also very up beat after spending five days talking, often through interpreters, to many of the farmers and business men that visited the Bluefaced Leicester Stand at the event. He said Bluefaced Leicester Sheep could play as important a role in the Romanian sheep industry as they have done within the UK. The Romanians appear to have no existing sheep breeding strategy such as ours so our breed has a tremendous lot to offer. There are 15.8 million breeding sheep in Romania, mostly dual purpose breeds providing milk and wool, only some for meat. As a nation the Romanians don t consume a lot of lamb, but because of the close proximity of several Muslim The Turcana breed of hill sheep which may just be the ideal dam of the Romanian Mule. Wallace added. The Texel and Suffolk societies were also represented at the Romanian INDAGRA event. They have also received a high degree of interest from Romanian sheep breeders. Collectively we have successfully sold the idea of the BFL crossed onto a Romanian Hill breed and their female progeny crossed with a quality terminal sire. The Bluefaced Leicester shearling ram proudly leads out the British presence at INDAGRA. The Romanian Minister for Agriculture looks on. The imminent membership of Romania to the EU on Jan 1st 2007 will enable the Romanians to upgrade their sheep breeding programme. It will also help to encourage exports and establish new markets abroad. He went on to say. The Romanians are extremely hopeful that there will be financial support to import British sheep. We have established several potential new BFL sheep customers within Romania, mostly representing groups or areas of breeders, so effectively many hundreds of sheep farmers are now aware of the BFL sheep breed and the pivotal role it could play in their future. Let s keep the momentum going!

10 PENRITH Top Prices a BALLYMENA Messrs Lord HEWGILL 1300 To Messrs Marrs, Manor Farm CARLISLE R Loughridge ORRAVALE 1700 To B Blaney & Sons ESPLEY BLACKMOORGATE Messrs JT & J James TODHILLS 6000 To P A Ayrton HAYSHAW and W C Porter & Son RIDDINGS HEXHAM H Havill MARTIN GRANGE 620 To G Dart & Sons, Molland MARTINSTOWN Tom Crowe, LEARMORE 880 To John Kelly, DRAPERSTOWN R M English BROWNLEAZES 2300 To MG Robson & Son, Hole Farm, Bellingham LANARK Joint Top Price: J & J Cunningham PARKGATESTONE 520 J Warnock & Sons COULTERMUIR 520 J W Hamilton KIRKTON

11 S A Harding SHREWBRIDGE 650 To C L MacGillivray RED COTTAGE CASTLE DOUGLAS t 2006 Sales BUILTH WELLS WELSHPOOL SA & RP Jones CRAIG Yr ORSEDD 1850 To J B Mounsey WALTON KELSO HAWES Messrs J Wight & Sons MIDLOCK 4200 To Messrs A Minto & Son BANK FARM W M Hutchinson & Sons KIRKBY REDGATE 14,500 To D J Abberley, OLD HEMLEY KELSO R D Archer & Son, CARRY HOUSE and M C Robinson & Son COCKLAW 4200 To T Crowe LEARMORE and K J McGrath CAORAMOOR J & M Kerr CRAIGSKEAN 3300 To S Mitchell MAINS OF LARG 11

12 enrith Progeny Show 2006 The progeny show held at the Penrith show was once again a great success, held in sweltering conditions, along with some great classes which provided the judges David Cruickshank and John Smith Jackson even more to sweat over. Quality and quantity were both high in the show classes and the champion came out of one of the strongest classes. Topping the male section was an aged ram from MC Robinson and D Hall, which pipped the shearling ram from CR & SE Hill to the post. Glen Shapiro s Hazelwood flock was out in force again, but she couldn t quite live up to her overwhelming success from the Yorkshire, where she took the first prize in every class, and had to be content with letting some one else have a chance for a change. It took until the third class for her to strike the red ticket, with a smart tup lamb by the consistent Barlaes ram, topping a class that had 25 entries. The ewe class was won by Glen s prolific ewe, by Penchrise N13, which took the championship at the Yorkshire, the Royal and was one half of the Res Interbreed pairs at the Royal show. It rose again to the top of the pile and took the days championship, beating Sparky, last years winner, who stood second to Glens ewe and took reserve champion on the day. Glens ewe went on to repeat Sparky success in the interbreed, and took the days reserve Interbreed title. In the progeny section, again very keenly contested, RD Archer & Son, Carry House, took the championship ticket with 3 gimmer lambs by the Cocklaw T1, which took the male championship last year when he was shown by MC Robinson, Cocklaw, who shared him with the Carry House flock. The T1 has proved very successful in the show ring, and now with his progeny. The Mule progeny groups proves as popular as ever, drawing a great crowd in, all studying up in readiness for the back end BFL sales. Champion mule came from Neil Marston, from the Highberries flock. His swaledale type of Mule 12

13 was by the homebred T4, which was second in its progeny class with 3 gimmers, and was the champion in the progeny section, The progeny group champion came from North Yorkshire, DA & MA Brown, Agglethorpe, by a home bred 2 shear. He is by a Bull & Cave sire and proving to be a consistent getter. Runners up in this section were CG & JM Dinning & son with 3 Blackfaced type lambs by a Carry House sire. 1; G Shapiro, 2; M&C Drummond, 3; CR & SE Hill, 4; MC Robinson 3 Gimmer lambs with sire 1; RD Archer & son, 2; G Shapiro, 3; M&C Drummond, 4; H Stenton Male Champion: MC Robinson & D Hall Res Male CR &SE Hill Female Champion: G Shapiro Res Female MC Robinson Overall Champion: G Shapiro Res Overall MC Robinson (ewe) Results Aged Ram: 1 MC Robinson & D Hall, 2; MC Robinson, 3; AM Little, 4 M&C Drummond Shearling Ram 1 CR &SE Hill, 2; G. Shapiro, 3; W Wearmouth & son, 4; J&D Stenton Ram Lamb 1 G Shapiro, 2; J&D Stenton, 3; SJ Crozier, 4; AG & D Bisset Aged Ewe: 1; G Shapiro, 2; MC Robinson, 3; A&S Hutchinson, 4; M&C Robinson Gimmer Shearling 1; G Shapiro, 2; AG & D Bisset, 3 & 4; G Shapiro Mule Progeny Results: 3 Mule Gimmer Lambs with Sire (Swaledale) 1. D. A. & M. A. Brown & Sons, AGGLETHORPE. 2. N. Marston, HIGHBERRIES 3. A. Barnes, COWDEN. 3 Mule Gimmer Lambs with Sire (Blackface) 1. C. G. & J. M. Dinning, FALLOWFIELD. 2, Messrs R. Charlton, WHITESIDE. 3. R. D. Archer & Son, CARRY HOUSE. Mule Gimmer with Sire, Any other Breed 1. J. & D. Stenton, ST RAVENSCAR. Champion: D. A. & M. A. brown, AGGLETHORPE. Ewe Lamb: 1; CR & SE Hill, 2; RD Archer & son, 3&4 G Shapiro 3 ram Lambs with sire: 1; RD Archer & son, 2&3 G Shapiro, 4; S Thomason 3 ewes by same sire 1; G Shapiro, 2; M&C Drummond, 3; SJ Crozier, 4; MC Robinson 3 Gimmer Shearlings by same sire 13

14 OSWESTRY Progeny show The Welsh, Border counties and South region BFL progeny show was held at its new location, a couple of weeks earlier than usual, as part of the Oswestery show, where the section dominated the sheep lines, with 220 entries in the BFL and Mule sections out of a showfield entry of 670 in total, and the ultimate accolade was awarded to the days champion Blue Faced Leicester as the stylish gimmer Shearling from SA Harding took the interbreed title. Judging the epic day was the job of Nicky Robinson, Cocklaw and Tudor Harris, Bonvilston, backed up by Alex Bisset, Middle Dukesfield, as referee, who also judged the junior handler competition. The days champion came from a strong class, bred by SA Harding and out of a ewe bought at the Tayburn dispersal and by the prolific Ward W3 which has left a real mark on the Shrewbridge flock. The judges were unamionous in their praise for the shearling, and were delighted to see their judgement backed up in the interbreed section. It wasn t as if picking the winner was easy. Anything but. The female section was exceptionally strong, with the Royal Welsh champion from M Roberts in the mix in the female championship, having won the ewe class. In the end it was the sharp shearling that shaded it. In the male section it was the Shrewbridge flock that once again clinched the male championship, with a Tup lamb, once again sired by the Ward W3 and out of a Cocklaw sired ewe. this classy, young lamb, looks to be set to be seen again at Carlisle later this backend. The prizes were evenly spread out in the male classes. The Prenafal flock from messrs Pryce took the red ticket in the aged ram class with their Rossibank V1 Elite + classified tup, and J Binns took the shearling class with Llwygy X1, by the Firth R1, a home bred ram which had the 2nd highest figures in last years sire reference scheme. In the BFL progeny section, cream of the crop was MC & G Roberts, Myfyrian. In the individual ewe classes, his 3 ewes took the top three tickets, and they carried on their success in the progeny class, as the Carryhouse T4, bought at Hexham, the spiritual home of the Leicester, collected the red white and blue rosette. Lisa Norris from the Somerford flock took the reserve championship, with a strong show of gimmer lambs by the homebred W1. He is out of an Old Parks ewe, by Myfyrian P33, and Somerford W1 attained Elite + status after inspection by the powers that decide such matters. In the Mule section, it was the coloured type that dominated once again. Most impressive was the class for a pair of mules, which saw M James take first and second place. In the individual lamb class E Owen & son took the two top places. The champion in the section came from M Roberts, with a Beulah Mule ewe. Thanks must also go to Robin Waite for all the effort he put into the event, organising it and keeping it running smoothly. 14

15 Results Aged Ram 1 J Pryce, 2 D Jones, 3 SA Harding, 4 SA & RP Jones Shearling Ram 1 J Binns, 2 MC & G Roberts, 3 E Owen & son, 4 P Davies & P May Ram Lamb 1 SA Harding, 2 SA & RP Jones, 3 J Binns, 4 Lisa Norris Male Champion; SA harding, Ram Lamb, Res, J Binns, Shearling Aged Ewe; 1,2,3, MC Roberts, 4 E Owen & son Gimmer Shearling; 1 SA Harding, 2 J Pryce, 3 MC Roberts, 4 E owen & son Gimmer Lamb; 1 SA Harding, 2&3 Lisa Norris, 4 E Owen & son Female Champion SA Harding, shearling, Res Champion; MC Roberts, ewe Progeny Section 3 Shearling Rams by same sire 1; SA & RP Jones (Scrainwood T29 Elite+) 2 J Binns, 3 D Jones 3 ram Lambs with sire 1 SA&RP Jones (Cocklaw W2), 2 E Owen & son, 3 P May 3 Ewes by same sire 1 MC & G Roberts (Carryhouse T4), 2 E Owen & son, P May 3 Gimmer Shearlings By same sire 1 SA Harding (Ward W3), 2SA&RP Jones 3 Gimmer lambs with sire 1 L Norris (Somerford W1), 2 SA&RP Jones, 3 SA Harding One Male, Two females 1 SA Harding, 2 MC&G Roberts, 3 E Owen & son, 4 D Jones 15

16 ASSOCIATION OPEN DAY August 2006 happy visitors and busy yard, Nookton contented stock at Nookton Rosehill - demonstration on how its done stickjudging as opposed to stockjudging at Rosehill an interloping bovine at Rosehill? 16

17 BLUEFACED LEICESTER SHEEPBREEDERS ASSOCIATION CALENDAR COMPETITION Judge: Wayne Hutchinson Our judge complimented all the entries on their quality and ingenuity, and had difficulty choosing the ideal six to be included in the Calendar. But finally, he also had to think of the reproductive quality of some of the photographs, and how they would appear on the final product. His chosen selection were from the following entrants: 1st and on the cover of the magazine, the entry from Dick Montague, ASHDOWN The remaining five winners are in no particular order, and all winners will receive 25 as their prize (and a free calendar!) Jenny Wharton, Richard Miller, Alison Ross, Richard Miller (again), and Peter Ellis. TO ORDER THE CALENDARS, PLEASE COMPLETE THE ENCLOSED FORM AND RETURN TO WAYNE. PRICE 10.00, including p&p Part of the proceeds for this Association Calendar will be shared between the two following Charities: The BRITISH LUNG FOUNDATION (in memory of the recent death of our President, Robert Currie) and - CLIMB the Charity for Children with inherited metabolic disorders (nominated by one of our members, whose young son, an enthusiastic breeder, is affected.) Get snapping away again in 2007, as we may run this competition again next year Wayne advises that if sent digitally, they must be 300dpi and preferably from throughout the different seasons of the year. RECENT COUNCIL DECISIONS Commission rates at 2006 Association Sales were cut this year by half a percent. Association Property the Annan property has now been let out to tenants. Ear Tag price will increase from 3.00 to 4.00 (plus vat) in Council Membership there is no requirement to have been a member for five years before election to Council. Rejected Sheep Sheep which have been rejected by the inspectors at Association Sales will have their lot numbers passed to the Auctioneers who will be instructed not to sell these lots. 17

18 2006 Show Royal Highland M & C Drummond CASSINGTON (Judge Douglas Hall FIRTH) Royal Welsh MC & G Roberts MYFYRIAN (Judge: John Smith-Jackson SHAFTHILL) Royal Show G SHAPIRO HAZELWOOD (Judge: John Maxwell COSHOGLE) 18

19 Champions Royal Show Reserve Interbreed Pair G SHAPIRO HAZELWOOD Gt. Yorkshire G SHAPIRO HAZELWOOD (Judge Tom Barr HOBSLAND) Royal Ulster V & D CHESTNUTT CLOUGHER (Judge Andrew Barrett FELLVIEW) 19

20 A mixture of weather at The Royal 2006 WEBSITE SURVEY!! Visit our website on there you will find the online survey where you can air your views on the Association Website. All those who take part will be entered in a Prize Draw for A bottle of Whisky to be presented at the Carlisle January Sale Isle of Man Southern District Show Car Stickers available from the Office, for 50p. BUTE SHOW Champion Bluefaced Leicester at Southern District Show, Isle of Man, July 2006 ( JH Quine, BALLAKILLEY) Look out for the Over 1000 List in your Looking Ahead Magazine in April Prince Charles presents Bluefaced Leicester class prizes at Bute Show, Scotland. Christmas and New Year Arrangements The Office will be closed from on Friday 22nd December and will re-open on Wednesday 3rd January Rachael and Jean send you their Best Wishes for Christmas and 2007 Solway Offset the Printers, Heathhall, Dumfries.