Stuart picks up Rose Bowl for eighth time

A SHEEP farmer from Helmsley has been named the winner of the Moorland Association Rose Bowl Trophy for the eighth time, it was announced.

Stuart Wood, of Wethercote Farm, Bilsdale near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, was honoured for having the best pen of ewes hefted to the North York Moors.

He was presented with the silver trophy at the famous Fadmoor Sheep Sales by Peter Woodall of Cundall Auctioneers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The pen, of Swaledale ewes, sold at the good price of £138 a head.

Mr Wood is a tenant farmer with 1,000 Swaledale ewes on Mexborough Estates’ Bilsdale West Moor, which is managed in tandem for red grouse.

His father farmed the land for 60 years before Stuart picked up the reins 10 years ago.

Mr Wood put his success down to a combination of good breeding and good shepherding – including through the winter months.

He said: “We are delighted to have won this trophy again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We liaise closely with the estate moorland gamekeepers to ensure that, between us, we manage the habitat so that the red grouse and the sheep get the best out of it.

“In addition, we protect the sheep from ticks and diseases through dipping and vaccination which has a knock-on benefit to susceptible moorland birds – such as curlew and grouse – that thrive in this managed landscape. It is crucial to get the very best out of every sheep focusing on quality not quantity.”

George Winn-Darley, Moorland Association committee member for the North York Moors, said: “Sheep grazing and grouse moor management go hand in hand to keep our internationally important heather moorlands thriving. Well managed flocks are key to ensure the best for our moorlands and the public benefits these treasured landscapes bring.”