Shows + Judging
Shows + Judging
Shows + Judging
Each year there are Valais Blacknose Shows around the world, with the most well-known being in Switzerland and England. There are now also shows in the USA and NZ.
Two of the most prestigious Shows are held in Switzerland each year, Miss Visp and Widdermarkt which are both hosted by the Upper Valais Blacknose Sheep Breeding Association: Oberwalliser Schwarznasen Schafzuchtverband.
Shows we attended
New Zealand
In November 2023, the NZVBSS hosted six Valais classes at the
New Zealand Agricultural Show in Christchurch.
This was very exciting for the breed.
Our Parkdale Stud did exceptionally well winning Supreme and Reserve Champion Valais
and Champion Valais Ewe
and Champion Valais Ram.
Parkdale Febe:
Supreme Champion Valais and Champion Valais Ewe.
Parkdale Flynn: Reserve Champion Valais, Champion Valais Ram and taking out third place in the
Champion All Breeds Best Wool
Breed Ram Hogget,
a testament to his outstanding fleece.
Two animals owned, but not bred by us, took out the other top spots.
Highland Ingrid,
Reserve Champion Valais Ewe and Highland Isa,
Reserve Champion Valais Ram.
USA
In September 2023, we travelled to Des Moines, Iowa, USA to attend the first USA National Valais Blacknose Show. We are so proud that our Parkdale genetics did so well featuring in all three maximum graded animals
and Supreme Champion
and Reserve Champion Purebred
at the Show.
Parkdale Crackers
is the sire of Highland Kitty, graded maximum points, Champion Purebred Ewe and Supreme Champion Purebred.
Parkdale Bubbles, is the dam of Laurelhighland Bubbles, graded maximum points, and is also the dam of Iowa Kevin, the Champion Purebred Ram and Reserve Supreme Champion.
Parkdale Dot
is the dam of Iowa Koala, maximum points and Reserve Champion Purebred Ewe.
Parkdale Valais Blacknose were a proud platinum sponsor of the show and we're excited to be attending again in 2024.
other Valais Blacknose Shows around the world
Switzerland
In Switzerland, a one day show is held each March in Widdermarkt, using the same Swiss grading system as for Miss Visp.
There is no overall winner at
Widdermarkt
but all rams receiving maximum points are awarded in a prize giving ceremony.
United Kindom
All our pure-bred Valais Blacknose Sheep in New Zealand have been imported as embryos from the UK. Every August,
Blacknose Beauties
is held in Carlisle, England.
Sheep are graded by Swiss judges using the Swiss system and maximum points. At the end of the show there are awards for the Overall Male and Female Champion and then Reserve and Overall Supreme Champion.
We were lucky enough to attend the Blacknose Beauties Show in 2019 and again in 2022.
Switzerland
Miss Visp
is held every February in Visp, showcasing the gorgeous Valais Blacknose ewes, wearing their traditional copper bells.
The ewes are graded according to the Swiss system and maximum points and at the end of the two day event, Miss Visp and young Miss Visp are presented with their champion bell.
Judging
The Swiss Valais Blacknose breed standard adopted by the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society of New Zealand is the same as that adopted by the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society UK and is taken from the Oberwalliser Schwarznasen Schafzuchtverband (Upper Valais Sheep Breeders Association).
The grading system is based on age and compares each sheep against a standard for a perfect sheep (awarded maximum points). Points are awarded in three categories – appearance (markings), conformation and fleece. The most important scores are the conformation and fleece, with markings carrying less weight. A perfect sheep 12 months and younger has maximum scores of 4,4,4 whilst sheep 12 months to 18 months receive 5,5,5 and older sheep 6,6,6.
A full copy of the breed standard can be found at the following link.
Love to know more?
Love to know more?
Contact us to arrange a visit, experience and learn more about our amazing Valais Blacknose breed.
North Canterbury, New Zealand
+64 27 693 9171
- email us
+64 27 693 9171 - email us