Judge: Mr Sam Driver
Champion Flock:- R & D Rossiter - Huish Flock
Reserve Champion Flock:- A & C Kennedy - Maineview Flock
2024 Flock Competition Report
I’d like to start by thanking my hosts for their generous hospitality and taking the time to show me round their flocks. It was a pleasure to be able to speak to fellow breeders about our breed in their home surroundings. This competition provides a fantastic opportunity to see Dorset sheep performing all over the UK.
The Champion flock is the winner of the large flock category, the Huish Flock from Richard and David Rossiter. From the outset I was looking for flocks with uniformity, good breed type and structural correctness across the ages. The Huish flock are as good an example of a flock of Dorset sheep that any judge could wish to find. The flock ewes were powerful, with good breed type and a great consistency for such a large flock. A lovely bunch of ewe lambs look to ensure a bright future for the flock and placed first in a very tight class. I’m also delighted to be able to present Rich and David with the Best Shepherded Flock award. Their keen eye for breeding and innovation is paying dividends, the most recent introduction of the Australian genetics is blending extremely well. A firm eye on the commercial market without compromising on the pedigree will keep the Huish flock firmly at the forefront.
The Reserve Champion flock is the first prize small flock, Maineview, from Andrew and Caroline Kennedy. A great show of uniform stock ewes with good breed type, and power. Their second prize ewe lambs, although small in quantity, were anything but in quality. Stylish, sharp and consistent, they’ll be an exciting addition to the flock at a later date. The flock also presented the first prize junior stock ram, Mountdale Gladiator. Purchased this spring with a share being retained by the breeder, Gladiator exhibits exceptional length, style and conformation. Definitely one to watch.
The first prize flock in the medium category is the Southbank flock belonging to Jack and Alexandria James. Again, this flock showed excellent breed type and consistency. The quality of conformation in the flock ewes was commendable and another lovely run of ewe lambs. Current breeding programmes and a ruthless selection process are working well and there is a clear direction moving forward.
The Best Group of Stock Rams is awarded to Jeremy Durrant, Hydes. This group of rams were stand out winners. In the judging of the stock rams, I wanted to see good mouths, structural correctness and breed type. This group of rams excelled in every way. This group featured several stand out rams, with my first prize stock ram Richhill Fivestar leading the way. His presence, stature, bone and locomotion made him a worthy winner in a class led by some top-quality shearling rams this time around.
Although not everyone has been placed this time around, please don’t let this discourage you from entering again. The quality of stock has been extremely high across the board which made placing extremely hard. The standard of sheep I have seen is a credit to your hard work. Every farm I have visited had a vision of what they are trying to do with their flock, and it was great to see that passion. The competition is a great opportunity for both judges and exhibitors to learn more about our fantastic breed.
Sam Driver
