The weather is dreadful here in Cumbria; Cold, wet and with snow falling on the Northern Pennines, it looks like winter has arrived. Thankfully we have no late cria due in this 'up North' weather.
Saturday saw us back at Plane Castle for the last day of the Scottish National Fleece Show. We arrived around 10.30 am in order to catch Cameron Holt, who was available in the morning to discuss fleece results with breeders.
We had only entered two fleeces: E.P Cambridge Lady Gaga and Silverstream Galaxy. There wasn't really a lot of feedback to get about the girls more about the skirter. Both girls scored 20/20 for fineness and handle and did very well throughout the categories. In fact Lady G had a near faultless score, and the best in her class until it came to weight...now I have to say this is where she was let down by her owner...what did she score out of 20 for weight?....6!!...yes 6...over zealous skirting to say the least. Ironically one of the points that she did lose was for lack of uniformity of length. Oh well I will know better next time. She ended up with a third place and Galaxy a fourth (she also got 6/20 for weight)! We were however very pleased with the feedback. Lady G received 9/10 for lack of guard hair an impressive result for a pregnant fawn, well Cameron was impressed.
Both Cameron Holt and Liz Barlow gave lectures and talks in the afternoon before the gala dinner in the evening. It was a very Scottish themed evening with locally sourced food and some bag pipes to add to the occasion.
Acer Alpacas, from the South West region were the worthy Supreme Championship winners with a junior white male. It was fantastic to see what is a realitively small breeder do so well. Established with just five females (and no additional purchases) only five years ago, they have chosen their stud services very well. Amazingly they also took the championship at the Heart of England Fleece Show as well with a different fleece! As Mark (Patou Alpacas) would say "you don't have to be big to be mighty". They are a fantastic example of what can be achieved by a small breeder with a considered breeding plan. Well done!
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