A SHEEP shearing competition will be held at the Moreton Show this September.
Competitors from all over the country are expected to take part in the sheep shearing competition at the Moreton Show on Wychwood Court in Moreton in Marsh, on Saturday, September 2 at 9am.
Organisers hope it will spark an interest in wool and educate people on the art and skill of sheep shearing.
Moreton Show has been hosting shows in The Cotswolds since 1949 and they have always taken place in early September.
James Lewis, deputy chief steward, said: "I was really excited to be asked to join the Moreton Show Shearing Committee.
"It’s a cracking one-day show and it is a privilege to bring a Shearing competition here.
"It is great to work with a wonderful team on this committee and the people who we have asked to help on the day, from people involved in some of the top competitions in the UK to one of the best commentators in the world.
"We have a really strong team and hopefully the weather will be with us and we can attract some competitors from Juniors right up to the Open class."
Sheep shearing is done to keep the animals happy and clean. If sheep were not sheared they are at risk of getting extremely hot during the summer months.
In the agricultural industry, this is referred to as getting 'cast.'
Ben Cottrell, chief steward, says: "It’s an honour to be part of the team that’s organising a Shearing competition at Moreton Show.
"It’s something I have thought would be a great addition to an already fantastic show for a few years now, and with the help of Stuart Mace, Moreton Show Society Chairman, we have managed to get the idea off the ground.
"I think it’s going to be a real hit with competitors, it will be one of the last competitions of the season and the only one-day agricultural show in the area that holds a Shearing competition!
"We have got some great sponsors supporting this competition, and some great sheep to shear, all we need now is some great competitors!"
The Shearing competition entries are open now and will close on Friday, August 18 2023, all entries before the closing day will gain free access to the show.
Late entries may be taken on Show Day, however, this will be subject to lamb numbers.
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