Milton Farmer Celebrates Historic Win with Supreme Sheep Champion

A ewe from Milton, New Zealand, has made history by winning the supreme champion title at a recent agricultural and pastoral (A&P) show, marking a significant achievement for shedding sheep breeds. Owner Owen Booth expressed his surprise at the win, noting that he did not expect to outshine a competing Suffolk ram.

This ewe, a cross between the Wiltshire and Shire breeds, is believed to be the first shedding sheep to claim this prestigious award at an A&P show in New Zealand. Mr. Booth remarked, “She’s a good ewe, but I wasn’t expecting it.” His win reflects the rising popularity of shedding sheep, which has led to an increased presence of these animals in competition settings.

Mr. Booth’s ewe was sired by a Wiltshire ram purchased from Andrew Heard of Waitohi Peaks, located in North Canterbury, in 2024. Judges praised the ewe for her correct conformation and noted the substantial amount of meat on her hindquarters, a crucial aspect for sheep farmers focusing on meat production.

The introduction of shedding Texel genetics into Mr. Booth’s breeding program over the past two seasons has been a strategic move to enhance meat quality. “The back-end is the money end,” he stated, emphasizing the financial importance of producing sheep with greater muscle mass.

With the sheep farming community increasingly recognizing the benefits of shedding breeds, Mr. Booth’s victory may encourage more farmers to explore these genetics. The growing trend of entering shedding sheep into competitions could lead to broader acceptance and appreciation of their potential within the agricultural sector.

Overall, this achievement not only highlights Mr. Booth’s dedication and skill in breeding but also signifies a shift in the sheep industry, where shedding breeds are gaining momentum and recognition among traditional breeds.