Dutch Sheep Invited to Glendale Show
2010-07-26

This year for the first time ever the Glendale Show is delighted to announce that new classes have been introduced for Zwartble Sheep.

Rachel Smith, Secretary of the Glendale Show

Originally from Holland, these handsome black sheep with their distinctive white blaze are bred for both their meat and their milk. The warm thick fleeces which make them able to withstand the cold and wet weather of Friesland make them ideal for the Cheviots. They are naturally tame, make good mothers, lamb easily, and provide abundant milk and lean meat.

Being judged by Mr C Scott, Viewfield, East Middle, Hawick The 2010 classes include:

• Ram Shearling and Upwards
  
• Ram Lamb
  
• Ewe, Gimmer
  
• Ewe Lamb

The Zwartble sheep will join the more familiar Texels and Cheviots in the judging ring along with Blackface Sheep, Bluefaced Leicesters, Jacobs, Mule Sheep, Commercial Sheep and Black Wool Sheep. This year the Cattle and Calf classes include Commercial Cow and Calf any breed and Pure Bred Cow and Calf. The Dairy Goat classes held in conjunction with the Northumbrian Dairy Goat Society also make their return. Held under the Rules, Regulations and Recognition of the British Goat Society, there are several breed classes and two Milking Competitions.

An important part of the society’s work is passing on rural skills to the next generation and as always one of the most popular classes is sure to be The Young Handlers Class.

Commenting Show Secretary Rachael Smith said: “In recent years, the livestock classes have gone from strength to strength and we are delighted to introduce these new classes. Already entries for this year’s livestock classes are up on last year.”

A full schedule of classes and entry form can be downloaded from www.glendaleshow.com. Entries for all livestock classes close on August 6th.

New for 2010 is a unique competition to recognise the quality of deadstock in the region. Held in conjunction with Woodhead Brothers and Border Livestock Exchange Ltd, the judges are looking for the perfect batch of Northumberland lamb carcasses. Judging is already taking place and will continue up until August 25th with the prize winner presented at the show.

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