FARMERS have come up with an inventive “alternative” to the traditional sheep show because of Covid-19 restrictions – by hosting it on social media.
Tan Hill and Eastgate Swaledale shows have teamed up to stage a joint “virtual show” whereby shepherds submit photographs of their prized animals for judging.
All of the entries will posted on a Facebook page called Tan Hill and Eastgate Alternative Swaledale Sheep Show for competitors to cast an eye over.
It is the first time in the Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association’s 100-year history that a show has been organised in such a way.
John Stephenson, of the association, was asked by Raymond Calvert, of the Tan Hill Show, to judge the categories.
Mr Stephenson said it was an honour to be chosen, but added that judging would be “extremely challenging”.
He said: “As you can well imagine it will all depend on the photographer. Until who knows when [we can hold traditional shows again] it is just a matter of keeping interest and having some entertainment.”
Entries are free and no prizes will be awarded.
Categories include ewe, gimmer shearling, gimmer hogg, aged tup, tup shearling and tup hogg representing each of the five Swaledale districts. From the winners in each section a champion tup hogg, female champion, male champion and finally supreme champion will be selected.
Entries close on May 25 and all of the sheep will be posted to the Tan Hill and Eastgate Alternative Swaledale Sheep Show Facebook page by May 29.
Members of A and D districts can email their entries to Paul Collinson at paul. collinson@aggregate.com and members from B, C and E districts can email their entries to Raymond Calvert at alison .calvert4@gmail.com.
Mr Stephenson said the sheep association’s centenary celebration show at Junction 36, had been postponed and “the way it is going we might have to cancel”.
The centenary dinner at Shap Well Hotel has been rescheduled to November 7.
