More Corriedales

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30578, 22 October 1964, Page 17

More Corriedales

A special feature of the show this year is the increased entries in the Corrtedale classes. The usual number in this section of the show in the past has been about 35 but this year the figure has jumped to 102. This is due in no small part to the efforts of this year’s show president, Mr J. A. G. Fulton, who has been in charge of the Corriedales at the Metropolitan Show for about 13 years. That most of the leading North Canterbury breeders have entered is a tribute to him. The chief judge will be Mr J. H. Ensor of Cheviot, a son of the late Mr H. Ensor of Rakahuri, the founder of one of the original Corriedale flocks. The other judge will be Mr W. Dampier-Crossley of Parnassus, a well known breeder and exhibitor. The Corriedale ewe forms the backbone of many good North Canterbury flocks. Noted for its finer wool It is also considered an excellent dual purpose sheep. Because of its long staple, good character and crimp, wool from the breed meets a good demand from overseas buyers. Its comparatively heavier fleece weight is a further advantage and

Corriedale wool has frequently topped sales in Christchurch. Corriedales have also played an important part in the province’s fat lamb production. When crossed with a Southdown ram Corriedale ewe produce quick maturing lambs in the 281 b to 321 b bracket with a neat compact carcase.

As a breed the Corriedale was originally developed in New Zealand to suit the requirements of drier conditions, especially in the South Island. It has met with keen demand oveneees and the last few decades has seen Ms totroductfam into most of the major sheep producing countries.