Free hedge laying training afternoon being held on Sunday 5th September at West Leaze Farm, White Sheet Hill, Beaminster by kind permission of Mr Tim Gelf

Starting at 3.00 pm.  Open to all NOVICES & YOUNG FARMER MEMBERS.  Please bring any cutting tools you might have, axe, bill hook etc and most importantly GLOVES,

To book your place contact the Melplash Agricultural Society Office 01308 423337 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Annual Melplash Agricultural Society Ploughing and Hedging Matches will be contested at Higher Northfield Farm, Beaminster, Dorset on Sunday 12th September 2010 by kind permission of Mr S Hill of Denhay Farms Limited.

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There are 3 categories: small [farms with an area up to 300 acres], medium [farms with an area of over 301 acres and under 600 acres], large [farms with 601 and over acres]

The judges assess the management and cultivation of the farm, as well as management of the livestock.  They will look at the profitability of the farm, the farming system, crops, livestock, machinery, tidiness, etc.  All farms are also judged for their conservation and environmental practise and management.  A special award is given for the best ley in each category.

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The Melplash Agricultural Society Flocks competitions reward local farmers for their shepherding skills and flock management.  There are three awards given:

The Melplash Agricultural Society Perpetual Plaque for the best flock of 15 -50 Ewes

The JRB Bowditch Perpetual Cup for the best flock of 51-300 Ewes

The Newall Perpetual Cup for the best flock of 301 and over

The judge looks for good sheep husbandry and profitability.  He assesses, among other things, the management and handling of the flock, flock conformation, the quality and condition of the sheep, how they are performing and the number of lambs produced per head.  This year the judge was Mr Tony Swain who was given the difficult task of judging 14 different flocks in the area; in each class there were different breeds and different sheep management methods used.   The judging was over two days and the team travelled over 180 miles in the process!  

 

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