As part of the Beltex Sheep Society’s 2021 virtual show season, there will be special sections this year for groups of pedigree and commercial sheep, as well as young handlers classes.

Such was the demand from exhibitors during the 2020 virtual show season, these new classes have been included for 2021 and it is hoped they will encourage more breeders to take part.

The three sections are open nationally to everyone with an interest in Beltex sheep, whether they be pedigree or commercial breeders, and each section will be judged over a few days with section champions and reserves announced on the final day.

Taking to the virtual judging ring will be individuals who have welcomed success in their own fields over the years.

Janet McQuistin, of the Airyolland flock, will judge the pedigree classes. Janet and her husband, Neale, from near Newton Stewart, need little introduction having sold the record priced Airyolland Castro at 65,000gns as well as regular high-priced rams and females at sales for many years.

Two young enthusiasts, Katie and Robbie Aiken, of the Procters flock, are set to judge the young handlers classes having both excelled in this section at shows, as well as showing their sheep to perfection in open classes.

Another with no need for introduction, Joanne Hall, from Inglewood Edge, will be selecting the winners in the commercial section. Joanne is a well-recognised and respected face across the country for producing quality prime lambs which sell well in the auction market and also bring in the prizes on the winter show circuit.

These shows are free to enter but prize cards and money are on offer for the top placings. Details of the classes, various show dates and closing dates and guidelines are below as well as available on the society website.

Pedigree classes (Judge: Janet McQuistin, Airyolland flock)

Closing date for all pedigree classes – Tuesday, July 20

Group of five aged ewes – Thursday, July 22

Group of five gimmers – Thursday, July 22

Group of five shearling rams – Thursday, July 22

Three ram lambs by the same sire – Friday, July 23

Three ewe lambs by the same sire – Friday, July 23

Pedigree champion and reserve – Saturday, July 24

Young handlers (Judges: Robbie and Katie Aiken, Procters flock)

Closing date for all young handlers classes – Monday, July 26

Aged up to six years – Wednesday, July 28

Aged 7-11 years – Thursday, July 29

Aged 12-16 years – Friday, July 30

Young handler champion and reserve – Saturday, July 31

Commercial (Judge: Joanne Hall, Inglewood Edge)

Closing date for all commercial classes – Sunday, August 1

Group of up to 10 commercial ewes – Tuesday, August 3

Group of up to 10 commercial gimmers – Tuesday, August 3

Three commercial ewes with twin lambs – Tuesday, August 3

Group of of up to 20 commercial lambs (lowland ewe) – Wednesday, August 4

Group of up to 20 commercial lambs (upland ewe) – Wednesday, August 4

Commercial champion and reserve – Thursday, August 5

Guidelines – Pedigree and commercial classes

• Entries must be relevant to the current show season, ie, lambs must have been born in 2021.

• Pedigree entries may be dressed or shown naturally, that is up to the exhibitor, but commercial entries must be shown in their natural state.

• Pedigree entries must be fully registered with the exception of lambs, which must at least be birth notified.

• Commercial groups for judging must be sired by a Beltex ram. Classes for breeding ewes may be split into upland/lowland dams depending on entry numbers.

• Commercial groups must be a minimum of three individuals, up to the specified limit.

• A continuous-shot video up to 30 seconds per entry is permitted. Please try to avoid people or signs in submissions to keep entries anonymous.

• Entries will close at 5pm two days before the first show date in order to give time to collate the classes.

• Send entries to Kayley via WhatsApp on 07375 563809 (preferred option) or email to kayley.beltex@gmail.com. Please include class name, owner name and farm name/flock prefix when submitting.

• When entering the pedigree trio of lambs by the same sire class, please name the sire.

• Classes will be collated and displayed on Facebook on the morning of judging, with results posted later in the day. All videos and results will also be shared on the Beltex Sheep Society website.

Guidelines – Young handlers

• The age group is defined by the age of the young handler on the day entries close (26 July).

• Please submit your entries in a continuous-shot video up to one minute in length.

• Within the video, please give a bit of information about the sheep, let the sheep go then catch it and stand it up again.

• Young handlers can show a pedigree Beltex sheep or a Beltex-sired sheep.

• Entries will close at 5pm two days before the first show date.

• Send entries to Kayley via WhatsApp on 07375 563809 (preferred option) or email to kayley.beltex@gmail.com. Please include young handler name and age as well as farm name/flock prefix when submitting.

• Classes will be collated and displayed on Facebook on the morning of judging, with results posted later in the day. All videos and results will also be shared on the Beltex Sheep Society website.