Texel breeders came away from the NSA Sheep Event, Malvern, in buoyant mood, with the Society stand claiming a brace of top prizes and members and Society staff speaking with hundreds of visitors from across the industry.
Society chief executive John Yates said the event had been highly successful with a positive mood among visitors and exhibitors alike. “While prime lamb trade has slipped in recent days sheep producers were clearly in good spirits and looking to see the latest developments to help move their businesses forward.
“Supported by stock from local pedigree and commercial producers as well as a butchery display supplied by Martin and Ben Greenfield of Greenfield lamb, the Society stand was busy throughout the day as farmers toured the event.”
Mr Yates said the event had given the Society the opportunity to speak with both members and commercial farmers ahead of the upcoming sales season and promote the core commercial traits the breed is renowned for.
“Continued support by commercial producers for the breed is what underpins every Society member’s business and this desire to use Texel was evident from the many conversations had with farmers throughout the day,” he added.
The Society clinched a brace of first prizes in the trade stand competitions, taking the red tickets for both best breed society trade stand and also best display of sheep on a trade stand. Sheep on the Society’s stand were made up of stock rams from Jim and Nicola Hartright, Whitehart, shearling ewes from Paul Phillips, Kimbolton, shearling rams from Russell and Gill Watkins, Millend, and prime lambs from Herefordshire-based A & J Long.
This was the third time in the last four Sheep Events that the Society had clinched the award for the best breed society trade stand.
Alongside its trade stand presence the Society also sponsored the NSA Next Generation young shepherds competition, with first place going to Cameron Farnan, followed by Clover Crosse in second and Thomas Watson in third.
