The 2023-2024 season has been an outstanding year for Southdown Young Breeders, with their dedication to the breed reflected in numerous successes across prominent shows and sales.
The season began with Harry Wood of the Windrush Flock securing first place in the Novice Class of the Flock Competition, judged by Roland Williams. Building on his previous year’s accomplishments, Harry’s strong performance set a positive tone for the rest of the year.
At the 2024 National Show, hosted at the Royal Bath and West Show, young breeders made a considerable impact across all classes. Judged by Nick Page, the event saw Harry Wood earn young breeders’ championship and reserve female championship with his aged ewe. Anabel Halcrow, of the Calley Castle Flock, also made her mark by winning reserve male champion with her shearling ram, while Sophie Long won the reserve young breeders’ championship with her ewe lamb.
The Southdown National Premier Show and Sale at Worcester, held in August, further showcased the exceptional quality of stock presented by young breeders. Louise and James Trumper of the Beiliau Flock took home both the overall championship and young breeders’ championship titles with their shearling ewe, Beiliau Toffee. Anabel Halcrow continued her strong season by securing the reserve young breeders’ championship.
Several notable sales were made during the Worcester event. Beiliau Treasure was sold for 1600gns to Stephen Cobbald’s Lavenham Flock in Suffolk, while the presale champion Beiliau Toffee was sold to the Goodwood Estate for 1200gns. Emily Yates sold her ewe Fulfen Florence for 500gns to Jess Stanger’s Meadow flock.
In the male section, Anabel Halcrow’s ram lamb achieved one of the top prices, selling for 1000gns. The second-placed ram lamb from the pre-sale show was also purchased by Stephen Cobbald. Sophie Long found success with her two ram lambs, selling Littlebrook Fernandez for 700gns to the Goodwood Flock and Littlebrook Freddie the Frog, full brother to the former ram lamb breed record holder Littlebrook Eddie the Eagle, for 500gns to fellow young breeder Emily Yates.
At the Melton Mowbray Show and Sale, young breeders continued to demonstrate their expertise. Emily Yates achieved the top price with her shearling ram Fulfen Fabio, selling for 580gns to the Morton family’s Blackfriar Flock. Fabio had earlier been named reserve male champion, with Emily’s ewe lamb picking up the reserve young breeders’ championship. Jess Stanger followed closely, securing the second-highest price with her shearling ram Meadow Grant, which was sold for 560gns to Adam New for the Glebourton Flock. Jess also won the young breeders’ championship with her ram lamb, Meadow Hughie.
Throughout the season, young breeders played a significant role in the local and county show circuits. Jess Stanger stood champion at the Nottingham County Show with her shearling ewe, Meadow Graci, while Emily Yates achieved champion at the Staffordshire County Show with her shearling ram, Fulfen Fairfax.
Sophie Long continued her success, earning reserve female champion at the Royal Three Counties Show and placing reserve champion in the newly introduced Pairs Young Handlers class.
Her outstanding performance led to her being shortlisted as a finalist in the British Farming Awards for Senior Young Handler of the Year.
The 2023-2024 season has undoubtedly been one of triumph for the Southdown Young Breeders. Their success at both local and national levels, combined with strong sales results, highlights their dedication to promoting the Southdown breed.
As the group looks ahead to the upcoming breeding season, there is much anticipation for what the 2025 show and sale circuit will bring. The Southdown Young Breeders extend their best wishes to all for the coming season and look forward to continued success in the year ahead.
