Milton Farmer’s Ewe Wins Supreme Champion at New Zealand Show

Owen Booth, a farmer from Milton, New Zealand, was pleasantly surprised when his ewe won the prestigious supreme champion title at a recent agricultural and pastoral (A&P) show. The ewe, a crossbreed of Wiltshire and Shire, triumphed over a Suffolk ram, marking a significant achievement in the local sheep farming community.

Mr. Booth expressed his astonishment at the win, stating, “She’s a good ewe, but I wasn’t expecting it.” This victory is notable as it is believed to be the first time a shedding sheep breed has secured the supreme champion title at an A&P show in New Zealand. The growing popularity of shedding sheep breeds has led to increased entries in competitions, reflecting a shift in farming practices and preferences.

Significance of the Win

The ewe that won was sired by a Wiltshire ram purchased from Andrew Heard of Waitohi Peaks in North Canterbury in 2024. Judges praised Mr. Booth’s ewe for her overall correctness and noted the impressive amount of meat on her hindquarters. This feedback highlights a crucial aspect of sheep breeding, where conformation and meat yield are paramount.

To enhance the meat quality of his flock, Mr. Booth has integrated shedding Texel genetics into his breeding programme over the past two seasons. He remarked, “The back-end is the money end,” emphasizing the financial importance of producing sheep with optimal meat characteristics.

This win not only showcases Mr. Booth’s dedication to improving his livestock but also reflects broader trends within the sheep farming industry. As more farmers adopt shedding breeds, competition in A&P shows is expected to intensify, paving the way for new breeding strategies and innovations.

Mr. Booth’s success serves as an inspiration to local farmers, illustrating the potential rewards of investing in quality genetics and adapting to evolving market demands. The recognition at the A&P show reinforces the significance of excellence in agricultural practices and the continued evolution of livestock breeding in New Zealand.