Extra Roussin classes are tonic for big show

TWO additional classes for Roussin sheep at June's Royal Cornwall Show is a welcome boost for the breed.

The extra classes for the categories of aged ram and aged ewe are expected to bring new entrants from supporters of this increasingly popular breed.

Since it first gained classes of its own at the show 15 years ago, the numbers have climbed steadily, with a total of 35 entered last year.

Now it is firmly established at the Royal Cornwall, the Roussin Sheep Society has set its sites on the Royal Welsh Show, where no classes exist at present.

Society chairman is Devon-based Russell Molyneux, who runs a pedigree Roussin flock near Hatherleigh.

Increasing

He said: "With the new classes I hope we shall have seven or eight flocks showing this year.

"Numbers do go up and down, but in the last few years we have had some serious interest and Cornwall and Devon flock numbers have been increasing.

"Last year we got a flock started up in Somerset and we need new members because we are probably one of the smaller societies in the UK.

"The Royal Cornwall Show is always a place where I meet existing customers and make contacts with people who become new ones.

"Coming to the show is like spreading the gospel and with the new classes I expect it will be busier than ever."

Although the breed society's base is in Scotland, much of the focus is on the Molyneux household where Mr Molyneux is chairman and his wife, Andrea, is secretary.

The breed was first imported to Britain from France in 1989. The Molyneuxs brought their first Roussins to the West Country in 1992.

The Roussin breed was created in northern France by crossing a native breed with Dishley Leicesters and Southdowns in 1926. In 1960 a Suffolk strain was introduced.

Mrs Molyneaux said: "The Roussin is now recognised as an outstanding ram to use on ewe lambs, because of the ease of lambing.

"Purebred or crossbred Roussin carcasses have good conformation and compete well with other breeds and crosses." John Fleming runs a 40-strong pedigree Roussin flock in Dumfriesshire and will be making the trip to Wadebridge to judge all classes in June.

He sees it as a means of promoting the attributes of the breed and he too hopes that other shows will follow Royal Cornwall's example and introduce Roussin classes.

He said: "It is a long way to travel, but I am looking forward to it very much. This will be my first visit to the show – so it will be a chance to meet other breeders." South West lawyers Foot Anstey are new sponsors of the sheep section at the show.

With 3.2 million sheep in the South West and agriculture being one of the firm's key sectors, a strong presence at the show made sense, said lawyer Philip Wolfgang.

"The Royal Cornwall Show is one of the country's leading agricultural shows, important to business, tourism and the country way of life and our involvement is an integral part of our business."