WELL-known Beltex breeder Michael Owens, of the Glantre Flock in Wales, will judge the Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club National Show, which takes place at the Omagh Show on Saturday (July 2).
Michael will be attending the show along with his wife Heulwen and is very much looking forward to the occasion.
Together with Heulwen and sons Christopher and Andrew, Michael runs a very successful pure-bred Beltex flock along with a substantial commercial flock, which includes Beltex cross mule ewes and improved Welsh Cheviot ewes on Glantre Farm in Pontsian, Llandysul.
“In terms of pure-bred Beltex we aim for around 120 lambs each year,” said Michael.
So what are the qualities that he will be looking out for when it comes to the Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club National Show day?
Having won the Welsh Winter Fair with Beltex lambs on five different occasions Michael is very much into commercial realities.
“At the end of the day I personally want to produce sheep that the commercial farmers want,” said Michael. “I like shape, something that will take my eye with a smart head and good conformation, something I would buy myself.
“I also like my Beltex to be nimble and good on their legs.”
Having joined the Beltex Sheep Society back in 2003, Michael has fond memories of visiting the Province and purchasing rams to help establish his own flock from Beltex breeder Brendan Arthurs of Portaferry more than a decade and a half ago.
“I’m very much looking forward to the show and seeing what’s on offer in 2022,” he said.
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