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07/11/07
Carcase quality is the driver behind one of the most successful
Suffolk flocks in recent years, fourth time winner of the Society
National flock competition, Robbie Wilson told more than 200 visitors
at the champion’s view day at North Dorlaithers, Turriff,
Aberdeenshire.
The pen of 20 winning Strathisla ewe lambs.
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The win rounds up another flying year for Strathisla, who took
the top price both at Edinburgh and the National, of 48,000gns
and 10,000gns respectively.
“Carcase is my number one priority, I never look at the pedigree
until I’ve looked at the carcase,” he told the visitors
that had travelled the length and breadth of the Society’s
province, the UK and Eire, last week (November 1). He said that
carcase is first second and third priority, you only have to watch
the bulls in Perth to know – it’s the ones with the
big back ends that make the most.”
For Robbie Wilson, performance recording is also an important part
of the equation. “We record because I believe it is important
for the future progress of the breed, it is a tool all serious
breeders should be using because through optimising figures, the
cutting edge commercial lamb producers are carving themselves greater
profit.”
Riding the crest of a wave he is optimistic that with his current
stud rams – winners of the best stud ram category: Glenho
Grukha, purchased from Eire’s Tom Bailey for 30,000gns, plus
homebred Schumacher, sold for 14,000gns and Sire of the year 2007;
Strathisla Speed, reserve Royal Highland Show champion, 2007 and
Shottle, sold for £10,000 and used for a late ET flush.
“To progress the flock genetics we have to use ET this keeps
us at the forefront of the breed,” said Robbie Wislon, as
he talked his way through the star studded team of 80 flock ewes
and 20 ewe lambs, both groups also taking the top prize in the
flock competition, together with the prize for the large flock
group. Strathisla shepherd, Douglas Allan also received a tankard
for his part in the top flock.
Reserve flock champion for the second time, his last and only other
entry was in 2000 when again he had to settle for runner-up place,
was Aidan Collins, of Co Clare. His Cragroe flock took the top
prize in the flock of 31 to 60 ewes and the best progeny group,
but beyond had to settle behind the Strathisla banner.
Judged by Midlands breeders, David Inman and Merrick Pinny full
results are as follows:
The Bristol Gold Cup - Champion Flock
Winner - Robert H Wilson, North Dorlaithers, Turriff, Aberdeenshire
Reserve – Aidan Collins, Rossroe, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare
Shepherds tankards - Douglas Allan and Sean Collins
The Sainsbury Cup - Best Ewe Lambs
Winner - Robert H Wilson
Reserve – Aidan Colllins
Certificates of Merit: Wm Borthwick & Son, Auchinraith, Mauchline,
Ayrshire; Mr & Mrs L Peel, Greystone Farm, Over Silton, Thirsk,
N Yorks .
The Howard Peel Cup - Best Stud Rams
Winner - Robert H Wilson
Reserve – Aidan Collins
The Bonnington in Bloomsbury Salver - Best flock of ewes
Winner - Robert H Wilson
Reserve – Aidan Collins
Keeble Cup - flocks of 61 - 100 ewes
Winner - Robert H Wilson
Reserve – S J Buckley, Sittinglow Farm, Dove Holes, Buxton,
Derbyshire
Certificate of Merit – S P Davies, Pantymaes, Vale Farm,
Lower Chapel, Brecon, Powys.
W E Lloyd Cup - flocks of 31 - 60 ewes
Winner – Aidan Collins
Reserve – Keith Denby, Riddings Hill, Moat, Longtown, Carlisle,
Cumbria
Certificate of Merit – Patrick Donnelly, 6 Lisnacrogher Road,
Rathkenny, Ballymena, Co Antrim.
John Long Cup - flocks of 20 - 30 ewes
Winner - Stewart Duncan, The Cottage, Jacobshall, Gamrie, Banff
Reserve – Wm Borthwick & Son
Certificates of Merit – Mr & Mrs L Peel; Richard Stephenson,
St Marks Court, Piper Wells Lane, Shepley, Huddersfield.
Chebsey Cup - progeny group
Winner - Aidan Collins – Solwaybank Ranger
Reserve – S J Buckley – Strathisla Sinatra
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