Shows + Judging

Shows + Judging

The Swiss are extremely proud of their Valais Blacknose Sheep 
and have shows throughout the year.

Two of the most prestigious being Miss Visp and Widdermarkt which are both hosted by the Upper Valais Blacknose Sheep Breeding Association: Oberwalliser Schwarznasen Schafzuchtverband.

Shows in 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. 

In March, it’s the rams turn, a one day show that 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.

 

other Valais Blacknose Shows around the world

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 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 and again in 2022. 

Photo credit: 

USA

In September 2023, we travel to Des Moines, Iowa, USA to attend the USA National Valais Blacknose Show.   
Parkdale Valais Blacknose are a proud platinum sponsor of the show.


New Zealand

 In November 2023, the NZVBSS are having six Valais classes at the New Zealand Agricultural Show in C hristchurch which is very exciting for the breed.

We are looking forward to being part of this inaugural opportunity.

All our pure-bred Valais Blacknose Sheep in NZ have been imported as embryos from the UK.

Every August, Blacknose Beauties is held in Carlisle, England. Sheep are graded by Swiss 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.

The Valais Blacknose Sheep Society of New Zealand plans on having a Valais Blacknose Show in NZ at some stage in the future.

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.

Love to know more?

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