Valais Blacknose Sale Report
As the 2022 Blacknose Beauties National Show draws to a close, it is safe to say that the last few days have been packed full of competitions as we saw the much-anticipated event return to its normal schedule after a long three-year wait, writes a spokesperson for the Valais Blacknose Society.
Once again, the show saw crowds of happy show-goers converge from across the globe at the H&H Mart in Carlisle.
The atmosphere was buzzing with exhibitors, traders, and visitors finally able to return to the pinnacle event of the society’s calendar.
This year’s schedule saw the return of sheep grading, an adopted points system from Valais, Switzerland, which is designed to ensure that the highest breed standards are maintained in Britain.
Grading was performed for the first time in the show’s history by certified UK grading judges, joint VBS chairman David Hodge and committee member, Mr Phillip Garrod.
They have undergone training with Oberwalliser Schwarznasen Schafzuchtverband, the Swiss Upper Valais Sheep Breeders Association.
Over 200 animals were graded, of which the high accolade of maximum points were awarded to 23% of the overall entries.
The competitions, as always, saw a very high standard of entries across all classes attracting exhibitors from across the UK.
It is often said that the exhibits at the Blacknose Beauties National Show are a display of some of the finest animals in the UK, and this year was no exception.
Overall supreme champion
Welsh breeders, Gerallt and Kerry Jones, were awarded their first overall supreme champion title with their aged ewe Snowdonia Halo who was also the overall female champion.
Overall reserve champion and overall male champion went to Jamie Wood of the Northumberland flock with his junior ram lamb, Prendwick Johny Depp.
Junior ewe lamb, Snowdonia Jovie, also bred and owned by Gerallt and Kerry Jones, secured reserve female, whilst reserve male was awarded to Steve Dace of the Cheshire flock with his junior ram lamb Cheshire Jorge.
The live and online sale, saw 83 lots go under the hammer. The top price went to Heather and Julian Adams of the Deepdale flock, with homebred shearling ram Deepdale Impact selling at 6,500gns.
Following at 6,400gns was ram lamb, Lyngarth Juggernaut, aged ram, Crookedstane Henry, at 5,500gns, and ram lamb, Daffodil Hill Jackpot, at 5,500gns.
The highest female price went to Emily & Henry Duncan of the Whitehall flock, Dumfriesshire with shearling ewe Whitehall Jasmine selling at 5,500gns and their aged in lamb ewe Whitehall Holly achieving 5,000gns.
Following at 4,500gns was shearling ewe, Deepdale Irresistible, and junior ewe lamb, Prendwick Joesphine, at 3,800gns.
Stealing the show was the young handlers competitions with 16 entries across both classes.
The eight and under young handler class winner was Angus Jacobson of the Kinneff flock. Then, the best young handler aged 9 and over was Lilly Weir of the Tor flock.
New breeders
VBS joint chairman, David Hodge commented on his first show within the role of UK grader:
“I am both humbled and honoured for being selected by my peers as a Grader for this prestigious event.”
“It has truly been a joy and a privilege to fulfil this role. The quality of the stock on display was once again excellent.”
“It was wonderful to see so many new breeders venturing into the show ring, congratulations to all,” he added.
Support
To close joint VBS chairman, Raymond Irvine, added:
“It has been a fantastic couple of days, and it has been great to welcome everyone back and witness the quality breeding on offer from our members.”
“I would like to thank all our sponsors, competitors, volunteers, and visitors. We are ever grateful for their continued support.”
“As our membership continues to rise, and the popularity and recognition of the breed continues to grow, we foresee a solid future ahead.”
“As we come to the end of the 2022 Blacknose Beauties Show, we look forward to building on our success and welcoming everyone back in 2023.”
Ewe prices:
- 123 – Whitehall Jasmine – 5500gns – Ian Coates, Filey, North Yorkshire;
- 42 – Whitehall Holly – 5000gns – D T Taylor, Derby;
- 91 – Deepdale Irresistible – 4500gns – Iwan Evans, Vale View, Denbighshire;
- 128 – Prendwick Josephine – 3800gns – Whitehall Farms Ltd, Chippenham, Wiltshire.
Ram prices:
- 191 – Deepdale Impact – 6500gns – V Cartner, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire;
- 216 – Lyngarth Juggernaut – 6400gns – Iwan Evans, Vale View, Denbighshire;
- 165 – Crookedstane Henry – 5500gns – C Dixon, Whangs Farm, Cumbria;
- 198 – Daffodil Hill Jackpot – 5500gns – A & H Watson, Middleton Hall, Lancashire.
Average prices: Valais Blacknose sale report:
- 1 aged ram – £5,775.00;
- 5 aged ewes – £1,806.00;
- 9 shearling rams – £1,907.00;
- 7 shearling gimmers – £2,340.00;
- 5 lamb rams – £2,996.70;
- 22 ewe lambs – £2,189.00
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