MIDDLETON-IN-TEESDALE Sheep Show organisers are celebrating another successful event despite a cold, wet spring.
With entries and attendance back at pre-Covid levels, deputy chairman David Mallon is pleased with the show, which was held at High Force Hotel on Saturday, May 20.
He said: “It was a success – entries were up, there was a good turn-out and good weather.”
He added that this year two Swaledale breeders from Northern Ireland – Martin Conway and Eddie Haughey – were invited to judge. They said they thoroughly enjoyed the day and experience.
Mr Mallon, who farms at Eggleston, added there had also been visitors from southern Ireland, who were not associated with the judges and had come off their own bat.
He said: “They flew in to Newcastle for the day and flew back that night – that was nice to see.”
There has been a recent spike in interest in Swaledale sheep in Ireland from farmers.
Mr Mallon added: “The level of sheep on show were really good quality. It is progress on what has been quite a slow spring. The cold, wet spring made it hard work to get the sheep to be presentable for the show.
“Hopefully we can build on it a bit more for future years.”
Hannah Hunter, from the organising committee, said: “We had a great day with fabulous weather, a great crowd and a good show of sheep.”
