Shows + Judging

Each year there are Valais Blacknose Shows around the world, with the most well-known being in Switzerland and England. There are now also shows in the USA and NZ.

Two of the most prestigious Shows are held in Switzerland each year, Miss Visp and Widdermarkt which are both hosted by the Upper Valais Blacknose Sheep Breeding Association: Oberwalliser Schwarznasen Schafzuchtverband.

Shows we attended

New Zealand

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  • Parkdale Valais Blacknose Sheep New Zealand Ewes

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  • Parkdale Valais Blacknose Sheep New Zealand Ewes

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  • Parkdale Valais Blacknose Sheep New Zealand Ewes

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  • Parkdale Valais Blacknose Sheep New Zealand Ewes

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In November 2023, the NZVBSS hosted six Valais classes at the New Zealand Agricultural Show in Christchurch. 
This was very exciting for the breed.

Our Parkdale Stud did exceptionally well winning Supreme and Reserve Champion Valais and Champion Valais Ewe and Champion Valais Ram.

In November 2024, we attended our second New Zealand Agricultural Show. Once again, our Parkdale stud came out on top winning Supreme and Reserve Champion Valais and Champion Valais Ewe and Champion Valais Ram.

Parkdale Greta: Supreme Champion Valais and Champion Valais Ewe 2024.
Parkdale Gabe: Champion Valais Ram and Reserve Champion Valais, 2024.
Parkdale Febe: Supreme Champion Valais and Champion Valais Ewe in 2023 and Reserve Champion Ewe in 2024.
Parkdale Flynn: 2023 Reserve Champion Valais, Champion Valais Ram and taking out third place in the 2023 Champion All Breeds Best Wool Breed Ram Hogget, a testament to his outstanding fleece.

 USA

  • USA National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show Platinum Sponsor 2023 Parkdale NZ New Zealand

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  • USA National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show Platinum Sponsor 2023 Parkdale NZ New Zealand

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  • USA National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show Platinum Sponsor 2023 Parkdale NZ New Zealand

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  • USA National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show Platinum Sponsor 2023 Parkdale NZ New Zealand

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  • USA National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show Platinum Sponsor 2023 Parkdale NZ New Zealand

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In September 2023, we travelled to Des Moines, Iowa, USA to attend the first USA National Valais Blacknose Show. We are so proud that our Parkdale genetics did so well featuring in all three maximum graded animals and Supreme Champion and Reserve Champion Purebred at the Show. 

We attended the show again in September 2024 and were once again excited to have our Parkdale genetics receive maximum points and be awarded Reserve Champion Purebred Ram, Champion Purebred Ewe and Reserve Champion Purebred at the Show.

Parkdale Crackers is the sire of Highland Kitty, graded maximum points in both 2023 and 2024, Champion Purebred Ewe and Supreme Champion Purebred in 2023 and Champion Purebred Ewe and Reserve Supreme Champion in 2024. Kitty's dam, Highland Lalle is also owned by us.
Parkdale Bubbles, is the dam of Laurelhighland Bubbles, graded maximum points in 2023. She is also the dam of Iowa Kevin, the Champion Purebred Ram and Reserve Supreme Champion in 2023 and graded maximum points in 2024 and Reserve Champion Purebred Ram.
Parkdale Dot is the dam of Iowa Koala, maximum points and Reserve Champion Purebred Ewe in 2023.

Parkdale Valais Blacknose were a proud platinum sponsor of the show in both 2023 and 2024, and we are excited to be attending again as a sponsor in 2025. 

 

other Valais Blacknose Shows around the world

Switzerland

In Switzerland, a one day show is held each March in Widdermarkt, using the same Swiss grading system as for Miss Visp. 

There is no overall winner at Widdermarkt but all rams receiving maximum points are awarded in a prize giving ceremony.

United Kindom

All our pure-bred Valais Blacknose Sheep in New Zealand have been imported as embryos from the UK. Every August, Blacknose Beauties is held in Carlisle, England. 
Sheep are graded by Swiss and UK judges using the Swiss system and maximum points. At the end of the show there are awards for the Overall Male and Female Champion and then Reserve and Overall Supreme Champion. 

We were lucky enough to attend the Blacknose Beauties Show in 2019, 2022 and again in August this year, 2025. 

Switzerland

 Miss Visp is held every February in Visp, showcasing the gorgeous Valais Blacknose ewes, wearing their traditional copper bells. 

The ewes are graded according to the Swiss system and maximum points and at the end of the two day event, Miss Visp and young Miss Visp are presented with their champion bell. 

Judging

The Swiss Valais Blacknose breed standard adopted by the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society of New Zealand is the same as that adopted by the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society UK and is taken from the Oberwalliser Schwarznasen Schafzuchtverband (Upper Valais Sheep Breeders Association).

The grading system is based on age and compares each sheep against a standard for a perfect sheep (awarded maximum points). Points are awarded in three categories – appearance (markings), conformation and fleece. The most important scores are the conformation and fleece, with markings carrying less weight. A perfect sheep 12 months and younger has maximum scores of 4,4,4 whilst sheep 12 months to 18 months receive 5,5,5 and older sheep 6,6,6.

A full copy of the breed standard can be found at the following link.
Hayden is a Senior Valais Judge with the NZVBSS and has undertaken grader training with Jamie Wood, Head UK Grader.

Love to know more?

Contact us to arrange a visit, experience and learn more about our amazing Valais Blacknose breed.
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