The results are in for the annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s flock competition which rewards farmers in the area for their shepherding and flock management skills.   It is open to sheep farmers with large, medium and small flocks who keep sheep for breeding whether commercial, pedigree or rare breed and live within 12 miles of Melplash village church.

The Competition was judged by Mr Jon Barnard from Crediton and Mrs Tanya Taylor from Crewkerne.  The Stewards were Mr Philip Baker and Mr John Yeates.    The judges spent around 2 hours on each farm inspecting the flocks and finding out from the farmer how they manage their business, looking at profitability, use of resources and what their plans are for the future.

The winners will be awarded their cups by the Society President, Mr Timothy Frost, at the Melplash Show on Thursday 22nd August 2019.

The results this year are as follows:

 

Small Flocks (15-30 ewes) Judged by: Mr Jon Barnard, Crediton

1st – Messrs. Brooks, Hardington, Yeovil – Poll Dorset

2nd – Sharon Stagg, North Perrott – Portland

3rd – Dawn Sprake, Langton Herring, Weymouth – Portland

Winner of Small Flocks, Harry Brooks said “It is very pleasing for us to win the small flocks competition with our Poll Dorsets in the County from which they originate.  This year we travelled up to the breeds first ever National Show which took place at the Royal Three Counties. Our stock ram came first in the older ram class and we came second in a strong class of ewe lambs. The flock competition and attending shows are good opportunities for us to promote the breed and our own stock. We look forward to attending Melplash Show this year where we are well looked after in the sheep section”.

Medium Flocks (51-300 ewes) Judged by: Ms Tanya Taylor, Crewkerne

1st – Mr & Mrs David and RuthWilkins, Hooke, Beaminster – Dorset Down

2nd – Mrs Jo Stover, Stoke Abbott – Portland, Poll Dorset & Dorset Horn

Winner of Medium Flocks, David and Ruth Wilkins said:

“We are very pleased to have been awarded first place in the Medium Sized Flock Competition again this year. Entering flock competitions that are judged on your farm means that the judge will inspect your whole flock and scrutinise your management and welfare practices against other farms and so there is no room for error. This is unlike the actual Melplash Show day in August where you will only put forward your best individual animals to complete against others”.

Large Flocks (301 ewes & over) Judged by:  Ms Tanya Taylor, Crewkerne

1st – Mr Martin Yeates, Swyre – Dorset and Dorset cross

2nd – Mr Gareth Beynon, Rampisham – Cheviot Mules, Llyen, Aberfield

3rd – Messrs Maltby, Long Bredy – Romney & Romney cross

Thank you to everyone who took part in our competition this year.