High standard in Peninsula contest

Press, 12 February 1982, Page 8

High standard in Peninsula contest

Although there was some variation in the quality of stock entered in this year’s Banks Peninsula two-tooth flock ewe competition the standard was reasonably high. This was the message the three judges — Messrs R. Taylor, Fairlie (Perendales), C. Darling, Darfield (Coopworths) and B. Alexander, Timaru (Romneys) — had for competitors at the completion of the two-day event. All the judges said they appreciated the Peninsula had experienced two difficult summers in succession and this created many difficulties for breeders trying to grow out their sheep well. These difficulties were emphasised by the success Port Levy farmers had in the competition. This bay has not suffered quite as badly with dry conditions during the last two summers and the judges thought this showed in the quality of the sheep entered by farmers from this bay. Speaking in general terms the judges said some improvement could be made in

the quality of stock. Some problems in the size and shape of the sheep and the quality of wool had occurred in some flocks, they said. Mr Taylor said the winning Perendale flock, farmed by J. C. and P. D. Helps (Port Levy), were an excellent line of ewes. They had good conformation, plenty of length, a good carcase and very suitable wool. Most Perendale flocks had been well presented and not many had obvious faults. He pointed out that quite a few Perendales showed a wool fault with brown wool on the muzzle and legs. This had to be avoided, he said. Mr Alexander said he was very impressed with the even quality of Mr J. H,

Howden’s Romney flock. These sheep, farmed at Port Levy, had good heads and wool cover, and were superior in height and length, Mr Alexander said. He commented that other Romney flocks placed in the competition had been of a good size and had well covered heads. Romney breeders on the Peninsula should be aware of the need to ensure their sheep stood well, had plenty of height, and were reasonably heavily boned. The winning Coopworth flock, owned by P. T. Johnston (Le Bons Bay), were some of the strongest woolled Coopworths he had ever seen. Mr Darling said. He said Mr Johnston’s

sheep were very even, had great heads and were very well boned. He said after touring the Peninsula judging he realised the breed did not have a strong hold in the area. But the Banks Peninsula Coopworths were very sound sheep. Some were inclined to britchiness and excessive tip on the wool and others were not heavily boned. Talking about the entries in the crossbred section Mr Alexander said the Coop-worth-Romney cross ewes entered by Mr W. E. Haley (Port Levy) were terrific sheep. They were big-boned and reasonably evenly woolled. Ail the judges pointed out the difficulties in maintaining a good line of crossbred sheep. Farmers who were crossbreeding would have to maintain a stringent culling policy to ensure evenness with their sheep, the judges said. Results:—Perendale: J. C. and P. D. Helps (Port Levy) I, P. Parkinson (Kaituna) 2, R. Boleyn (Okains Bay) 3; Coopworth: P. T. Johnston (Le Bons Bay) 1, R. Coop (Port Levy) 2, T, Rhodes (Robinsons Bay) 3. Romneys: J. H. Howden (Port Levy) 1, R. R. Turpin (Port Levy) 2, G. ten Hove (Le Bons Bay) 3. Crossbred: W. E. Haley (Port Levy) 1, M. Craw (Okains Bay) 2, S. and F. Helps (Akaroa) 3. - •