Sun shines on NSA Sheep SW
17th June 2015
A misty start to the day soon gave way to sunshine, providing perfect conditions for NSA Sheep South West yesterday (Tuesday 16th June). To go with the record number of trade and breed society exhibitors, a record crowd flocked through the gate at Higher Nichols Nymet, North Tawton, Devon, for the event hosted by E.W. Quick and Sons.
NSA Chairman Samuel Wharry opened the event and this was followed by the first heat of the ‘Gift of the Gavel’ competition, the brainchild of Russell Steer of Kivells and sponsored by them. This fun 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 NSA Sheep Event 2016. The judges in all sections of the competition were impressed by the standard.
The farm tours proved popular with the trailers kept busy all day and 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 NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker and NSA South West Region Chairman Bryan Griffiths. The children were so thrilled with all they saw that they extended their visit.
A full range of fleece competitions, carcase competition, lamb selection and trade and breed competitions were held and more results, along with a full report of the day, will be available soon.
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 and anyone else who had contributed in any way. This is going to be a difficult act to follow, but we enjoy a challenge and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2017.”
