Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Association Flock Competition, 2008

Judges Report:

Some 40 flocks and 3,000 miles later, Jim Dufosee and I have completed the task of judging this year’s flock competition. We have been welcomed wherever we have been, members hospitality has been second to none and the quality of sheep, and the quality of shepherding we have seen has been truly outstanding.

Perhaps what was most apparent on our travels was the individuality of aim of each owner, each shepherd and each flock. Everyone had it clear in their mind what they were wanting to achieve and for what purpose. It meant that we saw Dorset sheep in many different environments and with wide and varied management problems but with sheep invariably looking strong, whilst maintaining the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset stamp.

As judges we decided before setting out that our scoring system had to have a strong regard to the uniformity within the flock and the maintenance and enhancement of the breed’s characteristics. We therefore saw a selection of flocks in the making (particularly among the young members of the Association), which may well become Flock Competition winners of the future. Whilst exceptional in their own way the lack of uniformity at this stage meant they were not to be winners on this occasion, which we hope they understand.

We also saw certain flocks in transition with some more biased towards commercial finished lamb production and others moving on a definite path of breed enhancement. We undoubtedly saw rams, ewe lambs and ewes which were a credit to all those who entered the competition with many (including those who did not achieve a prize) in very close contention for a major award.

Jim, with his exceptional knowledge and experience, made every visit really worthwhile, advising and assisting members with individual breeding problems. That said, Jim also gained further knowledge himself on shepherding techniques and I, gained a truly exceptional education over the period of a month of sheep in general, and Dorsets in particular. I believe every young auctioneer (which regrettably no longer includes me) should have the opportunity to look at 40 flocks of sheep before mounting the rostrum. I believe that individual’s selling abilities would be greatly enhanced.

Whilst 11 days judging is demanding, both Jim and I will look back on the experience with considerable warmth and I know both believe it is something we would not have missed. I would encourage all members to consider entering the Flock Competition as I believe they will gain something from it. In particular for those in the more distant parts of the United Kingdom there is a genuine interest in their sheep and regional or local clubs and Jim and I thank them for the ideas and energy that they bring to the overall Breed Association and for the kindness with which we were treated.

Andrew Robinson

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