Baa-rilliant win at the Great Yorkshire Show

Entering two fleeces in each Shetland Wool category, Julie’s organically grown wool was awarded first and second in ‘Moorit Class’, first and second in ‘Any other colour’ and first and third in ‘Black class’.

Following this triumphant set of wins, Julie’s black fleece was awarded Champion Shetland Fleece then progressed to win the coveted Overall Champion Coloured Fleece in Show above all coloured fleeces from all other breeds

Julie said; “Last year one of the judges said to me that competing in the Great Yorkshire Show Fleece Competition is the equivalent of being at Wimbledon – you’re up against the absolute best.

“This is only my third year competing so when I won I was absolutely blown away!”

Julie started breeding Shetland sheep for their wool in 2010 and learned of Shetland sheep, an ancient, rare, minority breed when a friend asked if their flock could holiday on her farm.

She said: “The flock stayed under my care for six weeks and I fell in love with them.

“I had been considering sheep as the next step for the farm, and wanted a native rare breed, that lambs easily and mostly independently, so Shetlands were perfect.”

Shetland sheep originate from the Shetland Isles and are known for their very fine wool which can be used to create delicate clothing,

Julie will be entering the winning fleeces in the National Rare Breed Show and Sale in Melton Mowbray in September.

She will then sell her sought-after winning fleeces to hand spinners in both the UK and internationally.