Top Texel breeder John Forsyth has, perhaps, the
toughest judging job at the show when he selects the sheep Champion
of Champions.
He has judged his own breed at Builth in the past, and has vast
experience of judging Texel and interbreed competitions at almost
all the UK's big shows.
"But I guess this time I will be presented with some breeds I
have never seen before," Mr Forsyth admits.
He also acknowledges that he will be under the scrutiny of a big
crowd of knowledgeable ringsiders, including many of the people who
selected the 44 individual breed champions. "It will not be easy,
and all I can promise is that I will do my best to pick a winner
that best represents its breed."
Mr Forsyth, whose 120 ewe Glenside flock at Maybole in Ayrshire
has produced some superb breeding stock, selling for up to
36,000gns, will also find time to cast his expert eye over cattle
entries.
His family produce milk and finish bought-in cattle on their two
units and he knows from previous visits that high quality dairy and
beef cattle will parade at the show.
