A memorable day at Frith Farm for the National Flock Competition 2025 winner’s view day – Sales, Awards, and Achievements!
An added attraction to the view day and awards presentation was the reduction sale of the Sharps Flock, which had been scheduled well before the flock competition results were announced. The sale proved to be a major draw in its own right. Conducted on-farm by Harrison & Hetherington, it attracted buyers from across our region who were keen to invest in the wide range of bloodlines and age groups on offer.
The mixed-age sale proved particularly attractive to those looking to establish new flocks, with seven individuals approaching the CEO to enquire about membership after making purchases at the sale. Billed as the Sharps Gold Cup Girls Sale, the event was a great success, achieving a leading price of 10,000gns for the ewe lamb WPT:25:00500, which was purchased by TJ & CR Boden for their Sportsmans Flock.
Ewe lambs found favour with the large crowd in attendance, contributing to the following averages:
- 41 Flock Ewes – average £838.71
- 15 Shearling Gimmers – average £1,323.00
- 24 Ewe Lambs – average £2,489.37
- 6 Rams – average £542.50
Leading Prices:
- 8,000gns ewe lamb WPT:25:00490
- 4,500gns ewe lamb WPT:25:00491
- 4,500gns ewe lamb WPT:25:00512
- 4,500gns ewe lamb WPT:25:00514
It was certainly a memorable day in the sale ring for Jed, Benni, and Charlie.
Following the sale, attendees enjoyed a delightful hog roast accompanied by a tempting selection of home-made cakes and pastries.
The day’s proceedings then moved on to the presentation of awards for the winners of the National Flock Competition, hosted this year by the Sharps Flock as the overall winners and recipients of the Bristol Gold Cup. Although our 2025 judge, Micky Walton, was sadly unable to attend due to personal circumstances, his long-standing family connection to the competition was acknowledged — Micky being the fourth member of the Walton family to have served as judge over the years. Our Society President Glenys Morgan led the presentations, assisted by Vice Chair of Council Andrew Evans and the CEO Barrie Turner.
Overall Champion flock – Sharps
Reserve Champion flock – Salopian
5 -15 Ewes – Suffolk Sheep Society Cup
Winner – Cobclough
Reserve – Horton
16-30 Ewes John Long Perpetual Challenge Cup
Winner – Claddagh
Reserve -Glenriever
Certificate of Merit – Wymbleton
31-60 Ewes W.E. Lloyd Perpetual Challenge Cup
Winner – Salopian
Reserve – Claycrop
Certificate of Merit – Harpercroft
101 Ewes + Brooks Perpetual Challenge Cup
Winner – Sharps
Reserve – Roxburgh Mains
Best Stud Ram Howard Peel Perpetual Challenge Cup
Winner – Claddagh
Progeny Group Chebsey Cup
Winner – Sharps
Reserve – Redbrae
Certificate of Merit -Claycrop
Flock Ewes Bonnington in Bloomsbury Perpetual Salver
Winner – Claycrop
Joint Reserves – Salopian & Sharps
Ewe Lambs Sainsbury Perpetual Challenge Cup
Winner – Sharps
Reserve – Salopian
We also took the opportunity to catch up on a few outstanding items during the event. It had been suggested that, as the Sire of the Year Trophy has not been presented for several years, it should once again be awarded at the annual winner’s View Day presentation.
Mr. Phil Poole of the Salopian Flock was invited to the presentation area to belatedly receive the 2023 Sire of the Year Trophy for Salopian Stradale, whose three progeny averaged 17,783gns.
The 2024 Sire of the Year Trophy is yet to be presented to Mark Priestley for Limestone Online, whose three-lot average of 23,667gns secured the award. Unfortunately, Mark was unable to attend on the day, but arrangements have been made to present the trophy to him at a later date.
The Presentation to the Winner of the 2025 Sire of the year – Lilia Hutchinson of Howgillfoot Flock was then presented the trophy for Howgillfoot Commander. Purchased at Lanark by Mullinvale and a share retained by the breeder, his progeny averaged 19,333gns for the top three priced lambs. Read the report by clicking here
It was with great pleasure that we invited Mr. John (Jack) Pryce back to the presentation area. Andrew Evans took a moment to speak about the significant contribution Jack has made to both the breed and the Society over the many years since he first joined. In recognition of his outstanding service and dedication, Jack was presented with a certificate to mark him being awarded honorary life membership of the Suffolk Sheep Society.
The event concluded with thanks extended to the President and Vice Chair for stepping into the breach at short notice to make the presentations. A special note of thanks was also given to Jed and Benni for the effort they put into preparing the farm and flock to receive such a large number of visitors.
It was a memorable occasion that will sit well with them for years to come.
Gallery
Read some previous National Flock Competition reports below:
