Welcome to Spring – and it actually feels like spring! Good to see prices, demand and interest in the breed are still high. Well done to everyone with all their market topping prices.

I would like to think this year is going to be another onwards and upwards year for the Bleus. At last, Bleus will be seen across the UK from Balmoral to Shepton Mallet and we wish all exhibitors the very best of success.

The Society will also be attending the two NSA events this year being ScotSheep in Dundee and NSA Malvern. Please do come along, your support of the stand is most welcome.

We have confirmed that our National Sale will take the same form as last year with judging the afternoon before in the main exhibition hall and the chance to raise a glass, have a catch up then move across to the Auctioneer for tea. Please remember to pre-book your places for the meal with Becky as soon as possible and pay cash at the time.

For both shows and the sale please remember that lambs need to be registered in plenty of time! But like I always say, only register your best and keep demand tight. You may also now register black lambs; just tick the box on Grassroots.

Whilst on the subject of registrations, I do personally worry about the numbers of sheep being flushed as we have a small gene pool and supply does not need to outstrip demand.

The Society has an exciting sponsorship deal with Ecofly, a company specialising in a garlic-based non withdrawal, natural product for which we welcome volunteers to trial.

Whilst we love showing top-end pedigree sheep, we must never forget that the commercial market should be the backbone of our trade so we must promote our breed not as show ponies but as viable, commercially successful sheep with good skins, locomotion and carcasses. Both Bleu du Maine and Millennium Bleus hold their own and punch above their weight commercially.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Becky and Jane for their efforts throughout and year working tirelessly for the breed and look forward to seeing you all this summer.

Sally Shone ,Chair - Bleu du Maine Sheep Society 18th April 2022