A STRONG line-up gave champion of champions judge, Archie MacGregor, plenty to think about at Yarrow Show, where the organisers were grateful the morning’s torrential downpour eased into glorious sunshine just in time for judging. 

There may only have been five sheep sections at the show, but they were all very well supported and it was one of the strongest sections that produced the overall winner.

That was the Blackie leader, a gimmer from the Blackhouse team of Billy Renwick and sons, Andrew and Steven. She is full of Auldhouseburn breeding, being by a £30,000 sire and out of a ewe by a £60,000 Auldhouseburn, and was fifth in her class at the National. 

“She’s a very good beast, with plenty breed character and power, and a great coat,” said Mr MacGregor of his champion, which he placed ahead of the North Country Cheviot winner from Scott Davies, North Synton. 

This was another gimmer, with this one being by the £6000 Allanshaws Special Blend and out of a ewe by a home-bred Synton tup. 

Also forward for the supreme was the South Country Cheviot winner, a four-crop ewe from Norman and David Douglas, Catslackburn, as well as two entries from Philiphaugh Estate. Brought out by Alan Cowen, they included the Bluefaced Leicester leader, the £3200 Mendick ram shared with Kirkstead, as well as a two-crop Cheviot Mule ewe from the any other breed section. 

The cattle section was judged on farm prior to the show, and taking the calf championship was a spring-born heifer from George Irving, Mountbenger. 

See the September 16 issue of The Scottish Farmer for the full report, including all the leading awards and more photos.