The fledgling Southdown Young Breeders Group staged its first event at the end of October, with young people from across the midlands and southern England gathering in Lincolnshire to learn the art of preparing Southdowns for show and sale and also the fundamentals of judging sheep.
Kindly hosted by Will Morton’s Blackfriar flock, the event was led by experienced breeders Nick Page of the Goodwood and Pilly Green flocks and Jonathan Long, Chaileybrook.
The event brought together young breeders with varying levels of experience, with everyone getting actively involved with all the activities on offer and also making great connections for the future.
The day commenced with a warm welcome from Young Breeders Group coordinators Emily Yates and Tom Chester, with this followed by trimming demonstrations from Nick and Jonathan, each showcasing different ways to approach the task.
The different styles of trimming led to much detailed questioning, with the main message being that there is no right or wrong way to trim, so long as the end result is what you were aiming for.
Subsequently, the participants formed small groups to begin what they’d seen and learnt, with Nick and Jonathan generously sharing invaluable tips and tricks that will undoubtedly support these young breeders in their future endeavours.
After a brief interlude for refreshments, the attendees were led through the fundamentals of sheep judging, with this experience also proving helpful for all present, with further questions following on breed type, show ring etiquette and stock selection for shows and sales.
The event was rounded off with a flock walk of the Blackfriar ewes, with Will Morton explaining his breeding strategy and aims and aspirations for the future of the flock.
The Group thanks both Nick and Jonathan for giving up their time to help, along with Will for hosting and also Chrissie Long for taking the time to assist in supporting some of the younger breeders and taking some great photos to document the day.
Commenting on the event Nick Page said it had been a great event to be part of. “It was good to see such enthusiasm and interest in so many young breeders. It looks like the breed has a great future with these young shepherds and shepherdesses.”
Overall, the day was a great success, all attendees left enthusiastic and looking forward to the next event in late Spring 2024.
Looking ahead, the Southdown Young Breeders team is busy planning events for 2024 and welcomes suggestions for future events and activities you would like to see happen.
If you have any ideas for future events, please do not hesitate in contacting Emily or Tom.
