The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Ewe hogg entries sought for NSA Scotsheep show and sale
NSA Scotsheep organisers are on the hunt for entries for the show and sale of ewe hoggs at this year’s event.
The biennial national event, organised by the National Sheep Association (NSA) in Scotland, takes place on Wednesday, May 30, at Kings Arms Farm, Ballantrae, Ayrshire, courtesy of Robert and Caroline Dalrymple.
The ewe hogg show and sale will comprise nine classes – Bluefaced Leicester, Mules, North Country Cheviot, Scottish Blackface, Suffolk, Texel, any other native breed, any other continental breed, and any cross breed. Both MV accredited and non-accredited sheep are eligible for entry, and only animals born in 2017 are eligible.
Event chairman George Allan, who is also secretary of the Scotch Mule Association, said: “The show and sale provides an opportunity for breeders to showcase their top ewe hoggs.
“The sale has attracted strong buying interest at previous events and four- figure prices have been achieved.”
The entry fee for a pair is £25 plus VAT and prize money on offer includes £50 for a first prize, £25 for second, and £10 for a third. The overall champion pair attracts an additional cash prize of £100.
The judge for the Bluefaced Leicester, Mules, Scottish Blackface, and any other native breed, is Andy Woodburn sen, of Netherwood Farm, Muirkirk, Cumnock. Meanwhile, all other sections will be judged by Brian MacTaggart of Orchardton Mains, Palnackie, Castle Douglas.
All sheep entered for the show must be offered for the sale, which will be conducted by United Auctions at 4pm.
Mr Allan said: “Entries for the show and sale may have to be limited and I would urge prospective exhibitors to start thinking about what they might want to enter and get their entries in early.”
The closing date for entries is Friday, May 12. Entry forms can be obtained from NSA Scotland events organiser, Euan Emslie, at euan@nsascotland.org.
“Strong buying interest at previous events”