Jenni Cannon has been appointed as the new secretary of the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society in the UK, as well as taking on the public relations of the society.

Jenni, 25, took up the role on April 4 being based on the family beef and sheep farm, Redbrae, Wigtown, near Newton Stewart and will be working closely with former secretary, Rachel Buckle, who is now handling pedigree registrations and membership, as well as treasurer Penny Eminson.

Society acting chairman Ali Jackson, of Annan, said: “We had a massive response to our advert for the job. Jenni was a stand-out from the start with her knowledge of the industry and sheep. Most of all, she was very enthusiastic about doing the job and very keen to get started.”

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Jenni’s appointment strengthens the team as the Dutch Spotted breed consolidates and strengthens with the amalgamation of two societies. Membership is now running at more than 500.

“It is an exciting time and we need to keep moving the breed forward to compete with the other main breeds in the market - which the Dutch Spotted is more than capable of doing,” added Ali.

Jenni came home to help on the farm run by her parents Jim and Christine and her uncle Stuart five years ago where she has her own pedigree Blue Texel flock.

She had been studying for a degree in radiotheraphy and oncology at the University of Glasgow but she gave it up in preference for a country life working in agriculture.

“This is my dream job and it enables me to manage my flock at home at the same time. I am looking forward to attending events this summer and meeting everyone,” said Jenni.