AN annual flock competition took place this month. 

The Melplash Agricultural Society's event rewards farmers for their shepherding and flock management skills, and it open to sheep farmers who live within 12 miles of Melplash Village Church. 

The flock competition winners will receive their trophies at the Melplash Show on August 22 2024. 

READ MORE: King's award presented to society ahead of popular agricultural show

James Stephens, from Crediton, judged the small and medium flock categories, which were stewarded by John Yeates. 

The large flock category was judged by Richard Parry-Jones from Stoke-sub-Hamdon, and it was stewarded by Phillip Baker. 

Phillip said: "I have been involved with the sheep section of the Melplash Agricultural Society for some sixty-five years in various roles, initially as a sheep farmer and competitor and now as a steward.

"The flocks competition has always been an important event in my calendar.  It is the opportunity for all shepherds, no matter how many sheep or breed of ewes they have, to participate and be recognised for their flock management practices and efficiency.

"The sheep are judged as a flock in the field, and during the process the judge looks at the health and welfare of the flock and discusses with the shepherd the flock improvement/breeding programme.

"It is always a pleasure to visit various flocks and to learn about how they are managed. The role of the shepherd has changed a lot over the last sixty-five years but one thing that definitely remains the same is that sheep farmers care very much for the well-being of their flock and much time and planning goes into producing the best lamb for the table!”

Results 

Small flock (15-30 ewes)

  • Winner of the Melplash Agricultural Society Perpetual Cup - Richard White, West View, Morcombelake with his flock of Exmoor Mules
  • Second place - Phillip Brooks, Brooksfield, Hardington: Poll Dorset
  • Third place - Mimi Machin, Bridport: Zwartbles sheep at Chilcombe
  • Fourth place - Kaye Downey, Grove Farm, Hardington Marsh: Mixed ewes

Medium flock (51-300 ewes) 

  • Winner of the J R Bowditch Perpetual Cup - Ed & Jo Goodfellow, Higher Silkhay, Netherbury with their flock of Poll Dorset & Dorset Horn
  • Second place - Alice Wade, Colesmoor Farm, Toller Porcorum: Romney x Highlander
  • Third place - David & Carolyn Gill, Chantmarle Farm: Pedigree Shetland

Large flock (301 ewes and over) 

  • Winner of the Newall Perpetual Cup - Martin Yeates, Manor Farm, Swyre with his  flock of Dorset ewes
  • Second place - Lee Taylor, Rampisham Manor Farm: Lleyns & Aberfields
  • Third place - Ian Johnson, Cardsmill Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum: Mule X
  • Fourth place - Bruce Maltby, Long Barrow Farm, Kingston Russell: Romne