Sheep on show

David Ford of Knowle, near Crediton, with Wensleydale sheep, Cellarbank Daisy, who returned from the Royal Bath and West Show, with the Best in Breed trophy and many other prizes.

A LOCAL farmer is celebrating after gaining a host of prizes with his Wensleydale sheep - at his first show since the foot and mouth epidemic.
David Ford, of Knowle, near Crediton, took some of his flock of Wensleydale sheep to the Royal Bath and West Show held at Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
It was the first time that sheep from his 40-strong "Cellarbank" flock had left the farm since the foot and mouth epidemic caused far-reaching problems in the farming industry.
Many farms, some just a few miles away, saw their livestock destroyed, while others placed under restrictions, are just beginning on the road to recovery.
Attending the show was a welcome return to some sort of normality for David, who said he was pleased with the results his sheep achieved.
He took four first prizes, which were in the ram, shearling, group and wool on the hoof classes. He also gained a second in the shearling class.
Following this he was awarded the Best in Breed and Reserve Best in Breed titles, winning again the large trophy he last won in 2,000.
"It was Cellarbank Daisy who was the star of the show.
"A 14 month old shearling Wensleydale, she faced some stiff competition," said David.
"I left my wife Margaret at home to look after our bed and breakfast business, but she was really thrilled when I came home with all these trophies.
"The next shows after this will be Mid Devon in July and Dorchester after that.
"I hope we can keep up this prizewinning then," he added.


Spring Fires
SPRING fires on Dartmoor were reviewed at a meeting of the Moorland Fire Liaison Group, organised by the Dartmoor National Park Authority and attended by the Fire and Rescue Service, commoners and repre-sentatives of other interested agencies and organisations.
Long periods of dry weather had led to a high risk of uncontrolled fires, but Dartmoor commoners were commended for their great care with controlled burning (swaling).
However, there had been a number of fires not attributed to swayling and whilst most had caused no significant damage, one particular fire, to the south of Princetown, did.
The police are making enquiries into that incident and the Arson Team are now involved.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police or Crimestoppers confidentially by telephoning 0800 555111.


Life in the Orkneys
THE DEVON and Exeter Farming Group met at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum, on Tuesday, May 27, when the guest speakers were Mr and Mrs Philip Bown of Wembworthy.
They gave an informative and enjoyable illustrated talk on the Orkney Isles.
Group co-ordinator, Phoebe Emmett, said: "It was especially interesting because we heard from the inside as their son and family live and farm there - it wasn't just from a tourist view."
She added that the Orkney Islands equivalent to Defra employed people from an agricultural background.
The next meeting of the Group will take place in July and further details can be obtained from Mrs Emmett on 01392 660143.


Soil damage
SOIL specialist, Dr Tim Harrod, told members of Crediton Rotary Club about soil wastage from Devon fields and how soil washed into watercourses can discourage the spawning of salmon and trout.


Mid-term review of CAP
FREE practical guide to help farmers understand the proposals in the mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), are available from Lloyds TSB Agriculture.
Humphrey Richards, regional agricultural manager for Lloyds TSB, said: "The mid-term review of the CAP could herald the biggest changes to farming in the past decade.
"Farmers need to be able to break through the jargon because if these proposals are agreed and implemented, they will have an impact upon both crops planted in the autumn of 2003 and accompanying investment and stock management decisions."
The guide outlines proposals for the single decoupled payment, which replaces existing direct subsidies in the arable, beef and sheep sectors and which will be linked to the land.
Many other details are included in the guide which is available from the local branch agriculture manager or write to: Lloyds TSB Business Banking Agriculture, POBox 112, Canons House, Canons Way, Bristol BS99 7LB.


YFC auction for Marie Curie
AN interesting, informative and profitable evening for the YFC is promised at a Pledge and Promises Auction to be held by members of Newton St. Cyres YFC at the village hall on Friday, June 27.
Viewing will be from 7.30pm and the auction will start at 8pm. Lots on offer will include vouchers for a hot air balloon trip, theatre tickets, passes to local family house, and membership of a gym club.
In total over 50 lots will be on offer via auctioneer Alex Rew from Staggs. All proceeds will be given to Marie Curie Cancer Relief.


Withleigh YFC Club of Year
WITHLEIGH Young Farmers' Club has been awarded the title of Devon Club of the Year following its success at the Devon County Show.
Members, Catherine Down, Rachel Hill, Mark Hill and Jenny Tapp, produced a presentation on "Why You Should Join the Club".
The presentation, alongside a portfolio and display of the Club's work, caught the judges' attention.
They were awarded an outstanding 90 marks out of 100 and will now go on to represent the county at the South West area round at the competitions day at Bicton College.