2009-08-17
The Skipton branch of the North of England Mule Sheep Association is celebrating 25 years of successfully staging its annual, high profile gimmer lamb shows and sales at Skipton Auction Mart with a Silver Jubilee event, on Sunday, August 23.
A special show of Blue Faced Leicester rams and their progeny is open to all Skipton branch members. Judging begins at 3pm, with John Bell, of Bishop Auckland, and John Pedley, of Hawes, the current president and chairman respectively of the North of England Mule Sheep Association, lined up to adjudicate.
Agricultural feed and pharmaceutical-related sponsors have been quick to offer their support, with prize money of £100 per class available in the progeny section, along with £50 for the champion and £25 for the reserve.
It is supported by an open Mules competition featuring three classes for gimmer lambs, shearlings and ewes, with divisions for 16 years and under, and 17 years and over, providing an opportunity for young farmers to demonstrate their mettle. The judge is Alan Barnes, of Cowden. There is prize money in each class of £30, £20 and £10, plus a guess the weight class.
A competition will also be held, with entrants invited to chip in a quid and predict the sale average at this year’s big opening NEMSA Mule gimmers fixture at Skipton, on Tuesday, September 8. The winner will receive a £20 cash prize, with the remaining proceeds going to charity. A barbecue and bar is being laid on by High Laithe Catering, who run the auction mart café.
Skipton NEMSA branch chairman Jeff Throup, of Snowhill Farm, Silsden Moor, said: “Our first show at Skipton was held in 1984 and we wanted to mark this milestone year by holding something special.
“Most of the top NEMSA men who come to Skipton to sell their gimmer lambs have entered and it promises to be an excellent event all-round – a really memorable and enjoyable day.”
 Booths Shine at NEMSA Silver Jubilee BFL and Progeny Show
Baines Prime Beef One-Two at Skipton Triple Header
Mixed Emotions for Craven Dairy Auction Principals
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