NSA Sheep South West
Date: 18th June 2019
Time: 9am
Location: Southcott, Burrington, Devon, EX37 9LF
A large crowd of farmers were treated to an excellent day out at NSA Sheep South West on Tuesday 18th June 2019, kindly hosted by Bryan and Liz Griffiths who were enthusiastic and welcoming.The day followed the usual format of trade and breed society stands with something of interest for everyone. After a break for one event the farm tour returned to the schedule – its popularity was evident as an extra tour had to be laid on where Bryan and Liz gave an overview of the policies at Southcott and their simple commercial lamb production system that has been developed with blend of experience and science.
Another highlight of the day again involved Bryan with the ‘Wool Harvesting Through The Ages’ talk. Bryan is a keen shearer and entertained the huge crowd that gathered within the designated wool area where he was joined by Alan Derryman, Matt Smith and Andrew Wear, showing old hand turned equipment, explaining how shearing techniques have changed over the years until the present time.
A workshop/seminar area was re-introduced this year and a packed programme ensured there was something for everyone. The highlight was the NSA seminar “Sheep farming – adapting to a changing world” chaired by NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker with Rizvan Khalid of Euroquality lambs, Taro Takahashi from Rothamstead, North Wyke and Liam Stokes of Defra. This one provided food for thought for everyone with the interaction that took place.
Competition Results
Indoor trade: 1 Fernhill Farm, 2 Shearwell Data, 3 Kivells.
Outside trade: 1 Rappa, 2 Waiere New Zealand Romneys, 3 Advantage Feeders UK.
Breed Societies: 1 Lleyn, 2 Shetland, 3 Suffolk
Fleece Competitons, sponsored by British Wool:
Fine – 1 & 2 Mrs S Stags
Medium – 1 & 2 Richmond Harding
Cross – 1 Tessa Franklin, 2 David Bawden, 3 Jean Ayers.
Lustre – 1 Jean Ayers, 2 Richmond Harding, Jenny Richardson
Hill – 1 and Champion fleece Richmond Harding, 2 Richmond Harding, 3 Jean Ayers.
Natural Coloured – 1 and Reserve Champion fleece Tessa Franklin, 2 Tessa Franklin, 3 Leanne Cross
Young Shepherds.
Open class, sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers - First place, Adam Garthwaite, who will represent the SW Region at the National Final in 2020, second place, Matt Wollaston, third place, Sam Edwards, fourth place, Ike Francis and fifth place, Emily Pearse.
Student class, sponsored by Volac – First place - Henry Baskerville, second place, Ross Parkhouse and third place, Henry Scott.
Gift of the Gavel.
Sponsored by Kivells.
26 and over – Matt Darke
Under 26 – Kian Frain
Photography Competition
New this year this competition was sponsored by Barkers Animal Health
Class 1 – Non NSA members. 1 Mary Heard, 2 Claire Derryman, 3 Rebecca Laramy.
Class 2 – NSA members. 1 Louise Moorhouse also overall winner that will appear in a future issue of the Sheep Farmer, 2 Brenda Wear, 3 Wendy Reed.
Class 3 – Under 16. 1 Leo Stevens, 2 Sophie Baskermills, 3 Mel Gregory.
The organiser would like to thank everyone who played any part in making the day such a huge success, starting with Bryan and Liz for providing such a wonderful venue and moving on to all the sponsors, the trade exhibitors, everyone who lent us equipment, judges for the competitions, everyone who attended on the day and especially the organising committee who worked tirelessly in not easy conditions.
We are looking forward to welcoming you all back in 2021.