The Beltex champion, a sweet, showy ewe lamb from Andrew and Becky Bishop, Gloucestershire, has just taken the overall sheep championship here at the Great Yorkshire. This one is a daughter of Luggsmill Lainey, a tup bred by Mr Bishop's father David in Worcestershire and is out of a homebred ewe by Fern Grandslam.
This ewe lamb already has a successful show career behind her, having been first and reserve breed champion at Three Counties and first at the Royal. She now head's for the Beltex sale at Lanark where she is due to be offered for sale. The Bishops run 100 pure Beltex ewes at home alongside about 1000 commercial ewes and a herd of pedigree British Blue cattle.
Standing reserve overall was the North Country Cheviot tup from Jimmy and Willie Thomson, Hownham Grange, Kelso, which had earlier stood male Hill sheep champion. This one is Carruthers Haribo and is by Gospel Hall Dandy. He was purchased at Lockerbie last year for 5000gns and has previously stood second at the Royal Highland.
Good to see that the breed of the future has eventually been recognised in the interbreed line up. Welldone Andrew and Becky.
The Beltex was snapping at the heels in the Highland interbreed as well - really like both of them.