The annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s flock competition rewards farmers in the area for their shepherding and flock management skills. It is open to sheep farmers who live within 12 miles of Melplash village church who keep sheep for breeding whether commercial, pedigree or rare breeds. There are classes for small, medium and large flocks.
The Small and medium flock categories were judged by Mr James Stephens of Crediton and stewarded by Mr John Yeates The large flock category was judged by Mr Richard Parry-Jones of Stoke sub Hamdon and stewarded by Mr Phillip Baker. Philip commented, ‘I have been involved with the sheep section of the Melplash Agricultural Society for some sixty-five years in various roles, initially as a sheep farmer and competitor and now as a steward. The Flocks Competition has always been an important event in my calendar. It is the opportunity for all shepherds, no matter how many sheep or breed of ewes they have, to participate and be recognised for their flock management practices and efficiency. The sheep are judged as a flock in the field, and during the process the judge looks at the health and welfare of the flock and discusses with the shepherd the flock improvement/breeding programme. It is always a pleasure to visit various flocks and to learn about how they are managed. The role of the shepherd has changed a lot over the last sixty-five years but one thing that definitely remains the same is that sheep farmers care very much for the well-being of their flock and much time and planning goes into producing the best lamb for the table!”
Small Flocks
1st – Richard White, Morcombelake – Exmoor Mules
2nd – Phillip Brooks, Hardington – Poll Dorset
3rd – Mimi Machin, Bridport – Zwartbles sheep
4th – Kaye Downey, Hardington Marsh – Mixed ewes
Medium Flocks
1st – EJ & JJ Goodfellow, Netherbury – Poll Dorset & Dorset Horn
2nd – Alice Wade, Toller Porcorum – Romney x Highlander
3rd – David & Carolyn Gill, Chantmarle – Pedigree Shetland
Judge’s Comments: The standards, passion and progressiveness of the flocks was impressive.
Large Flock
1st – Martin Yeates, Swyre – Dorset ewes
2nd – Lee Taylor, Rampisham – Lleyns & Aberfields
3rd – Ian Johnson, Whitchurch Canonicorum – Mule X
4th – Bruce Maltby, Kingston Russell – Romney
