showandevents

Shows & Events

SHEEP EVENT AT HOGCHESTER FARM IN AUGUST

There was an excellent turn out, but the weather was foul. However, Norman and Michelle Jones’ barn was cosy.
Norman opened the event by describing the farm and a brief description of the history on the Southover flock. Mention had been made in a recent newsletter that three flocks had dominated the rams used in the national flock, one of which was certainly Southover. He showed, on two vigraphs, that over the years there had been a policy of buying in rams and ewes from other flocks to ensure genetic diversity. At the same time he stressed his concern that certain owners of these larger flocks, including Michelle and himself, were likely to stop keeping sheep in the near future and there weren’t any obvious successors on the horizon. He went on to describe the selection process for tupping. In this respect it had been decided to divide the flock in two and put the lesser ewes to a Southdown ram to produce earlier finishing lambs for the meat trade. During the talk he identified certain items, which he felt worthy of general discussion.

After the opening talk members went outside to view examples of the flock, which had been separately penned. The first pen contained typical Southover ewes with ewe and ram lambs, including one of the Southdown crosses. The next pen had the stock rams used last year including the Southdown. The third pen contained some of last years castrated ram lambs, and the last pen, the intact shearling rams. Comparison of the animals in the last two pens should have indicated the shortcomings that influenced the decision to castrate. It had been hoped to grade the castrated shearlings for slaughter but the weather forced us under cover.

Fiona MacKenzie then gave an excellent demonstration of the ram assessment procedure practiced at Melton Mowbray, and is available to breeders on request to their regional representative. The purpose of this exercise was discussed with various views put forward on its merits and disadvantages. By a show of hands it was almost unanimously agreed that it was helpful and would be welcomed by inexperienced breeders or even as a second opinion.

After lunch, Dorset freelance butcher, Paul Faiers gave a very clear and entertaining demonstration of jointing two lambs. He made it look so easy, but this was misleading, as it reflected years of experience by a master craftsman.

Jane Keogh of Slow Food Dorset, gave a short summary of their activities and also talked about her work in animal homeopathy.
The afternoon ended with a discussion on points thrown up during the previous sessions:-

• Is increasing the size of a Portland a desirable policy, or is that negating its original configuration and our policy of promoting it as a small animal? The consensus was that the small size was an asset.

• “The crusading days of saving Portlands for posterity are over, is now the time to build on its qualities by cross breeding?” Some of the members who were present have written about their current practice later in this newsletter. If you have a view, or already crossbreed please send me your comments.

• Another topic was that some of our largest flocks might be dispersed in the near future as their owners may be thinking of retiring, but these flocks currently supply most of the Portland rams. Will this provide a wider flock base or reduce the supply of rams?

• Would it be possible to establish an area organisation for marketing Rare Breed Portland meat? The consensus was that it would need to be local and there would need to be some control over the quality of the meat. Some felt that a finishing unit was the way forward.

• If you were not able to come to the Event and have views on these topics please write to me and I’ll publish them in the next edition.

Supporting the planned speakers and discussions were 3 wonderful craft displays.
June Chessell and Cath Sanderson from Wyke and Portland have over 50 years spinning experience between them. They spun and chatted to us all, in between the organised events. They had brought a display of Portland wool products of the most amazing quality. Together these three have been promoting the spinning, knitting, felting and crocheting of Portland wool at local fetes, agricultural shows and craft fairs since the late 1980s.

Serena Brown had an excellent display of Dorset buttons and sheepskin cushions. She had cleverly combined the two so the sheepskin covers on the cushions could be removed.

Mick Jones and his wife had only a small portion of their normal display of walking sticks. Most are made of wood and carved with only a Stanley knife. Mick did also have some lovely horn handled sticks. If you want to contact him he is on 01305 773686.

In the evening we all enjoyed an excellent meal at Wootton Fitzpaine Village hall. We dined on Salmon Terrine, Summer Portland Lamb with new potatoes and green vegetables; followed by Lemon Meringue Roulade with berry fruit salad and finished off with cheese and biscuits.

‘The Committee’ after the meal!

The following day some members went fossiling on Charmouth beach. The remainder went on a farm walk to view the Southover flock. This was followed by a pub lunch at the George Inn at Chideock, where the sun was kind enough to shine.

Sheila Wellman, Norman and Michelle Jones

AGRICULTURAL SHOWS AND EVENTS FOR 2009

• Events shown in bold lettering have Portland Sheep Classes
‘M’ identifies Mixed Primitive/Minority Breed Classes only

	APRIL 25 – 26	WONDERWOOL WALES, BUILTH WELLS, POWYS A FESTIVAL OF WOOL AND NATURAL FIBRES	01873 821205
M	MAY 21 – 23	THE DEVON COUNTY SHOW, EXETER	01392 446000
•	MAY 25	RBST DORSET SUPPORT GROUP SHOW, SHERBORNE	01935 891466
M	MAY 25	THE SURREY COUNTY SHOW	01483 890810
•	MAY 27 – 30	ROYAL BATH AND WEST	01749 822200
•	MAY 27 – 29	STAFFORD COUNTY SHOW	01785 258060
M	JUNE 4 – 6	ROYAL CORNWALL SHOW	01208 812183
•	JUNE 19 – 21	THREE COUNTIES SHOW MALVERN	01684 584900
•	JUNE 21	RARE BREED DAY
M	JUNE 19 – 21	EAST OF ENGLAND SHOW, PETERBOROUGH	01733 234451
M	JUNE 23 – 24	CHESHIRE COUNTY SHOW	01565 722050
M	JUNE 27 – 28	SHROPSHIRE AND WEST MIDLANDS SHOW	08709 576444
	JUNE 26 – 27	WOOLFEST , CUMBRIA A CELEBRATION OF NATURE’S FINEST FIBRES	01539 624732
M	JULY 17 – 19	KENT SHOW, MAIDSTONE, KENT	01622 630975
M	JULY 19	MALTON SHOW, NORTH YORKSHIRE	01653 699910
•	JULY 19	SINGLETON SHOW FOR RARE & TRADITIONAL BREEDS	01243 811363
•	JULY 30	NEW FOREST AND HAMPSHIRE SHOW PORTLAND SHEEP BREEDERS GROUP PREMIER SHOW	01590 622400
M	Date to be advised	HATFIELD SHOW, HERTFORDSHIRE	01451 822640
M	AUG 2	CRANLEIGH SHOW, SURREY	01306 712050
M	AUG 19	GILLINGHAM AND SHAFTESBURY SHOW	01747 823955
•	AUG 27	MELPASH AGRICULTURAL SHOW, BRIDPORT	01308 423337
	Date to be advised	FIBERFEST AT COLDHARBOUR MILL, UFFCULME	07926 170389
	SEPT 5	ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE	01962 738748
•	SEPT 5 - 6	DORCHESTER SHOW, DORSET	01305 264249
•	SEPT 11 – 12	TRADITIONAL NATIVE BREEDS NATIONAL SHOW AND SALE, MELTON MOWBRAY	01664 562971

Please visit the websites of above shows and events for more detailed information. They are easily accessed through Google etc...

Showing Portland Sheep

• An excellent way to promote the breed whilst enjoying a day out and learning more about your own and others’ flocks.
• An opportunity to find potential buyers for surplus breeding stock, and a chance for novice shepherds to compare their animals with those of more experienced breeders. Good judges give feedback about their choice and discreetly let you know how you can improve.
• Showing rolled fleece allows showing without the effort of a long day for animals and handlers, and most judges provide a written scorecard which is a valuable way of learning about wool.
• There is a lot of public interest in rare breeds and Portlands attract attention, especially because of their coloured lambs and the adult’s horns.
• You might even win (or at least recoup some entry fees!), but you will definitely gain experience of how to make the most of your sheep, both at home and in the ring. Above all, the competition is friendly amongst Portland breeders and often ends up with the winner buying the beers.

Where to show?
The PSBG newsletter and website carry a list each year of shows with classes for Rare Breeds and those with separate Portland classes.[link to show list] The list is not exhaustive for Rare Breed classes, but it is hoped that good support from Portland breeders will increase the numbers of Breed classes. Your regional PSBG rep may be able to advise you.
• Choose local shows to start with, and those with Portland classes for preference (they are generally more satisfying since the judge should be chosen for their particular knowledge of Portlands). Mixed classes can put you up against better known or ‘showy’ breeds where it is harder to do well unless the judge knows about Portlands too. Contact the show secretary for a schedule, and make your entries in good time.
• Plan how you will transport animals safely and comfortably – small lambs may have to be separated from ewes in the trailer so they are not trampled, and rams definitely need a compartment of their own.
• Be aware of current transport and biosecurity regulations.
• Decide on the timing of shearing in order to show sheep with enough fleece for the judge to assess (or take the rolled fleece to the show).
• Choose your classes, not forgetting the ‘peripheral’ classes such as Wool-on-the-Hoof, Group, Pairs or Family classes and Young Handler (a good way of involving the family).

Selecting your show team
Choose which animals to show well in advance of the show season, they will need to be in top condition and this can take several months to achieve, however, they should not be overfat.
• The judge will be looking for sheep which have good conformation and reflect the Breed Standard well, including undocked tails. They should have good teeth and be reproductively sound (rams entire, ewes with good udders and having lambed in the year of the show).
• Animals with ‘presence’ which stand out from the flock for their four-square stance, straight back and good locomotion, alert expression, symmetrical horns, fine fleece and good colouring are likely to do well.
• Sheep should be registered (or eligible for registration in the case of lambs) and tagged in line with current regulations. They must be free from disease; check the schedule carefully for any particular requirements in health status.

Preparation
Portlands (thankfully) are shown ‘in their working clothes’!
• Halter train your sheep (easier said than done!) well in advance of the show, so that they move well and will stand still. Start with just putting the halter on and leaving them tied up for a short time before feeding time, then progress to standing with them and then leading so that they are happy to follow you.
• Keep feet lightly trimmed regularly – do NOT overtrim.
• Sheep are to be presented in their ‘natural state’ without having been shampooed or combed. Previous use of soaps or detergents degreases the wool resulting in a soft, open white fleece which any competent judge will spot a mile off. The fleece should be clean and free from dung and vegetable matter which can usually be removed by wiping with a damp sponge, cloth or towel. Tail wool can be trimmed in accordance with good animal husbandry, but the fleece must not be trimmed, shaped or combed.
• Hooves and horns may be lightly oiled (baby oil is clear and not too sticky).

Show day
• Leave plenty of time to travel since there are often queues to enter the showground and you need time to settle your animals into their pens. Make sure that all your kit is clean and ready and that you have adequate food and water – carry spare in case of breakdowns or hold-ups – the weather is often hot.
• Wear a white coat in the ring with the correct exhibitor’s number. A hat is a good accessory – you may be standing for a long time in the sun (or rain)!
• Follow the judge and stewards’ instructions, keeping your sheep under control. Keep the sheep between yourself and the judge so that he or she can see it moving well. Keep showing all the time, even when the judge seems to be looking at another animal. Stand in front of the sheep when the judge is viewing the line from behind and at the animal’s left side when the judge is in front. Watch experienced handlers for cues.
• Encourage your sheep to stand well and show themselves to advantage (without grazing, fidgeting, lying down or butting the sheep nextdoor).
• Don’t speak to the judge unless asked, and don’t chat to other competitors or spectators. Know key facts such as lambing dates and age.
• Be prepared to spend time talking to the public about your sheep. You may be asked some bizarre and inane questions, but the majority (especially children) are fascinated by seeing sheep close-up and finding out about them. Information in your pens about the breed and your flock is well worth the effort.

Fleece classes
These are excellent and inexpensive way of starting showing, and a great ‘extra’ to the day’s entertainment in the ring. You may find that hand-spinners will want to buy a shown fleece.
• Select your potential show fleeces ‘on the hoof ‘and keep them separately in paper sacks or net containers
(NO polythene or baler twine!).
• Fleeces should be clean and free from all debris.
• They should be rolled in accordance with the Wool Board’s directions.
• Provide a label with the breed name to place next to the fleece for judging. Another label with your name can be put out later if you wish to sell the fleece.