BRITISH JUDGE PRESIDES OVER 80TH ANNIVERSARY HAMPSHIRE SHOW IN ARGENTINA
ANNIVERSARY HAMPSHIRE SHOW IN ARGENTINA
Hampshire judging at La Rural Palermo Show
The Argentinian Hampshire Down Breeders Association celebrated its 80th Anniversary at La Rural Palermo Show held 25 July - 4th August 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Adding to the spectacle was a breed ‘first’ with judging taking place in the main show ring to mark the occasion. Judging honours went to British judge Alison Halcrow of the Parkstock Hampshire flock based in Northamptonshire.
Supreme Ewe Champion from Augustin Rasino pictured with judge Alison Halcrow
On what was a warm day and sunny day for Argentina ́s winter, Mrs Halcrow selected the Supreme Champions of the breed with the Hampshire ‘family’ basking in what was the country’s most important show.
Augustin Rasino
Taking the Supreme Female Championship was a milk-tooth ewe from CABAÑA LA PUERTA DE AGUSTÍN RASINO. Commenting, Mrs Halcow said: '“This was a very correct ewe; strong but still feminine with a good muscle to fat balance, fantastic top line and hindquarters. Well fleshed but not fat. With lots of breed character and colouring, she showed herself off well.” This flock took the Supreme Champion Ram award last year as well as the Reserve Supreme Champion Ram here in 2024.
Supreme Ram Champion pictured with Carlos Laborde’s family
Taking the Ram Championship was a two-tooth male, sired by a British ram, with a superb head and a strong top line at 150 kilos from CABAÑA EL HAREM DE CARLOS LABORDE. This strong, powerful ram was very correct on his legs and teeth; excellent top line, great depth of ribs, long wide loin; strong and well balanced from front to back, according to the judge. He was also presented the trophy from the Brandi Family for ‘Best Head in Show’ with all the qualities of a strong male, lovely dark colouring and ears set on well with a slight flick to the ends. This flock had previously imported semen and embryos from the Welsh Maes-glas flock, and it was its first time at Palermo Show. The same breeders also won the Reserve Female Championship here.
Carlos Laborde pictured with Alison Halcrow
“The Hampshire Down sheep on Show at Palermo showed how hard and dedicated the Breed Society there is working towards breeding quality stock, with its rigorous inspections and communication with UK breeders,” added Mrs Halcrow.
It was notable then many other section winners were offspring of British-bred semen and embryos which were imported in 2022, from Ballycreelly Livestock , Graylen Hampshire Downs and Maes-glas Hampshire Downs.
Argentina and the United Kingdom continue to forge historically strong bonds between their nations with the Argentinians keen to enhance the trading of genetics and the exchange of knowledge between individual farmers and their breed societies in the future.
Reserve Ram Champion with Sociedad Rural Vice President Marcos Pereda and Fernando Saenz Valiente President of Argentinian Hampshire Down Association
Thank you to Juan Portela of the Argentinian Hampshire Down Association, and to Alison Halcrow, for help in compiling this report.