Skipton Wensleydales Annual Show
17/10/07

In addition to the uncertainty caused by the foot and mouth and bluetongue outbreaks, Wensleydale Longwool Sheepbreeders’ Association breeders believe that Defra’s 20-day standstill regulations had a severe impact on their 116th annual show and sale at Skipton Auction Mart. (Fri, Oct 12).

Frank Pedley with his late wife’s Skipton Wensleydale supreme champion.

Potential buyers whose livelihoods depend on sales later in the month of their mainstream commercial flocks and herds were understandably absent and, accordingly, the prices enjoyed by Wensleydale vendors last year plummeted.

Nevertheless, the quality of stock forward was very high and the few buyers present were spoilt for choice.

The supreme champion was a shearling ewe from the Old Hall, Hunton, Bedale, flock of the late Mrs Ruth Pedley, which realised 155 guineas after being exhibited by Frank Pedley, whose charges also took both the aged ewe and ewe lamb classes.

Reserve supreme champion was a shearling ram bred and entered by JN & SM Prescott, from West End Farm, Longhorsley, Morpeth, Northumberland, one of many fine sheep that were not sold.

Both the aged ram and ram lamb classes were won by Mrs Yvonne Mudd, of Thistle Manor, Knaresborough. Her winning ram lamb also took the best fleshed ram lamb award.

The supreme champion and both the aged ewe and ewe lamb class winners were purchased by the Benham Stud, from Marsh Benham, near Newbury, as the foundations for a new Wensleydale flock.

Full details are given on the Association’s web site: www.wensleydale-sheep.com

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