FOLLOWING on from the success of the 2020 Beltex Sheep Society virtual show season and coupled with the ongoing show season uncertainty, the Society has decided to run its virtual show season again for 2021.

Although some events have been cancelled and others hope to go ahead, the virtual show season will include all 10 shows covered last year plus the Royal Norfolk to take in breeders and exhibitors in the East of England.

The shows will provide light-hearted fun, and there will again be prize cards and money on offer – £10 for first place, £7 for second place and £5 for third place as well as £25 for Champion and £15 for Reserve.

Additional prize cards will be issued if entries suffice.

There will be no entry fee but exhibitors may send a donation to the Society or forgo their prize money, which will then be passed on to the Society’s chosen charity.

These shows will be held on their traditional date regardless of whether the show is actually going ahead or not, and judges will be confirmed in due course.

Please note, the RHS virtual show will be held on the Friday as is the typical Beltex judging day, and the GYS virtual judging will take place on the Thursday so as not to clash with the physical Great Yorkshire judging.

There will also be a virtual progeny show near the end of the season which will include classes for groups of lambs by the same sire, groups of breeding ewes and shearlings, as well as commercial classes for prime lambs and stock ewes, and some much-requested young handlers classes.

Major shows included are:

Thu 10 June Royal Cornwall Judge: Anne Story, Borderesk

Fri 11 June Royal Three Counties Judge: Grant Anderson, Topflite

Fri 18 June Royal Highland Judge: Wade McCrabbe, Ardstewart

Wed 30 June Royal Norfolk Judge: Adrian Evans, Bancycrwys

Thurs 15 July Great Yorkshire Judge: John Scott, Fearn

Sat 17 July Penrith Judge: John Harbinson, Glenkeen

Mon 19 July Royal Welsh Judge: Richard Wood, Kingledores

As well as National Shows (exhibitors MUST be a member of the relevant club in order to take part):

Sat 12 Jun Welsh National Judge: Jim Kennedy, Lyonpark

Sat 3 Jul Irish National Judge: Adrian Roberts, Cynin

Sat 6 Aug Scottish National Judge: Bruce Mair, Aviemore

Organisers ask to keep an eye on the Society’s Facebook page and website for further details.

Please send your entries to Kayley Kennedy via WhatsApp on 07375 563809 (preferred option) or email kayley.beltex@gmail.com. When entering you must include your name, flock name, which show and which class as well as the pedigree tag number of entry (eg XYZ.F003).