RUSSELL Shorten won three out of four Supreme Champion awards in the 2008 Royal Agricultural Show sheep section, making his trip from Aliwal North worth the effort.
Shorten, whose Hampshire Downs received the accolades of supreme champion ewe on show, reserve supreme champion ewe on show and reserve supreme champion ram on show, was delighted.
“The competition was very strong but winning has made the trip well worth it,” he said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the show and will be back again next year.”
The title of supreme ram on show at this year’s show went to Steyn and Boetie Steenekamp of Twee Seuns Suffolks in Barkly East. Their mother, Dienie Steenekamp, said the family was delighted with the win: “It’s the cherry on top of the cake. You feel like all your hard work of the last year has been worth it.”
Steenekamp added that they enjoyed coming to the Royal because of its family atmosphere. “They make you feel very special and the stock is of a very high quality. It’s a challenge to take part and it really motivates you to see all the other breeds and owners. You learn so much,” she said.
Results of the sheep interbreed classes:
Pure bred pair of ewes, under 15 months: 1, R.J. Shorten; 2, Twee Seuns Suffolks; 3, Twee Seuns Suffolks.
Pure bred pair of ewes, 15 months and over: 1, Twee Seuns Suffolks; 2, R.J. Shorten; 3, Twee Seuns Suffolks.
Pure bred pair of rams, under 15 months: 1, Uitblink Ile de France; 2, Twee Seuns Suffolks; 3, R.J. Shorten.
Pure bred pair of rams, 15 months and over: 1, Chardela; 2, Avinme Hampshire; 3, Mr and Mrs H.W. Tully.
