The Melplash Agricultural Society’s  annual flocks competition rewards 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

This year’s judges for the small and medium flocks, Mr Stuart King and Mr Parry Jones and for the large Flocks, Mr M Mouland.

Results:

Small                     Best Flock of 15-50 head of ewes

1^st                           Mr & Mrs Norman Jones, Hogchester Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine

Joint 2^nd               Mr Ian Andrews, Cattistock, Dorchester

Miss Rhian Edwards, Langdon Manor Farm, Beaminster

Medium              Best Flock 0f 51-300 head of ewes

1^st                           Mr David Wilkins, Rampisham Hill Farm, Hooke, Beaminster

2^nd                          Mr Matthew Bagwell, Wytherston Farm, Powerstock, Bridport

3^rd                           Mr CWW Dupont, Langdon Dorset Farms, Beaminster

Large                     Best Flock of 301 and over head of ewes

1^st                           Evershot Farms, Abbotsbury

2^nd                          Messrs R J Maltby, Long Barrow Farm, Long Bredy, Dorchester, DT2 9AB

3^rd                           Stephen Huxter, Nells Orchard, Broadoak