FLEECE SHOW

Roger Clarke comments on the new system of judging fleece.

The 2023 BAS National Champion of Champions Fleece Show was held on 18th February 2023 and was the first BAS show judged under our newly adopted fleece judging system.

This new system includes a range of more current representative parameters and incorporates a dual approach to scoring. This means there are now two sections on the score card; one involving point allocations being made for breeding attributes and the other allowing the opportunity for deductions to be made in relation to fleece management.

Within the new system, we also see the introduction of various new components. These include six new age categories, a revised table of weights and microns (and associated points), applicable for both Huacaya and Suri and the introduction of points for an annualised staple length.

It was a real honour to have been invited to judge the Champion of Champions Fleece Show and an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to get hands on with and appraise such a large number of high quality fleeces.

As with all events, the show’s success reflected the astute level of forward thinking, planning and organisation on behalf of the organisers and so, I would like to thank and commend Mrs Julia Corrigan-Stuart and her team from the Heart of England Alpaca Group, on all of their hard work.

From left to right: Judge – Roger Clarke; Rebecca Block; Drew Thomas; Show Sponsor – Charlotte Major, Orchard Corner Alpacas; Scribe – Mary-Jo Smith; Show Organiser – Julia Corrigan-Stuart; Paul Wills

Supreme Huacaya fleece with Judge Roger Clarke

Supreme Suri fleece with Judge Roger Clarke