New Section Introduced at this years show.

Minsterley Show will be introducing classes for Shropshire sheep in 2008. This is the first time that Shropshires, which are the oldest pedigree breed in the UK, have been exhibited at this popular event.

The show will also feature a special display about Shropshire sheep and their breed society, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2007. The exhibition will trace the origins of the breed from hardy native sheep that roamed the Long Mynd in Shropshire, right up to the present day. Shropshire sheep-themed gifts, artwork and Shropshire wool products produced by local artists and crafts-people will also be on sale.

The Shropshire breed is currently enjoying a revival of interest and there are now around 140 flocks throughout the UK, with many of these based in the West Midlands region. Local Shropshire breeders, Pippa Geddes from Alderton, near Nesscliffe and Caroline Taylor from Kenley

 The Butchers Lamb section includes the following classes three Butchers Lambs with an actual live weight of up to 32kg, up to 40kg and over 40kg there is a class of a single butcher’s lamb making a total of four classes.

 The Breeding Sheep are split in to four sections: Suffolk, Charollais, Texel and Any Other Breed. The Any Other Breed section obviously dose not include any Suffolk, Charollais or Texel sheep.

 In the Suffolk, Charollais & Texel sections there are the following classes: A single Breeding Ewe, A Single Ewe Lamb. A Ram one year or Older and a Ram Lamb. Both the Charollais and Texel section also have A group of three class.

 In the Any Other Breed section there are also classes for a Breeding Ewe, Ewe Lamb, Ram Lamb and Ram. There is also a class for A pair of breeding ewe lambs which have not been shown in any other class as well as a class for A pair of Mule or cross bred breeding ewes.

 For much more detail on each of the classes please consult the Minsterley Show Schedule which will also give information concerning Special Conditions and Rules.

 After each section is judged the judge’s come together to do the Inter Breed to determine the Champion Ewe Exhibit, Ewe Lamb Exhibit, Ram Exhibit and Ram Lamb Exhibit. Details of Awards and Cups can also be seen in the Schedule along with entry details.