Valley wool breeder bags second big win

A Hebden Bridge wool breeder has triumphed again, winning Reserve Champion Fleece in the National Shetland Sheep Society Fleece Competition at The Traditional and Native Breeds National Show and Sale.

Julie Shearn added to her success with this being her second supreme win of the British agricultural show season.

Julie said: “The National Shetland Sheep Society judges are experienced hand spinners and Shetland breeders, so they really know Shetland wool.

“To win the Reserve Champion prize on top of two firsts out of the four fleece colour classes is really special.”

Back in July, Julie’s black fleece was awarded Champion Coloured Fleece out of all sheep breeds at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Julie said: “To be recognised by the judges at the Great Yorkshire Show and the Shetland Sheep Society judges feels like a confirmation of the excellence of our flock.”

Julie started breeding Shetland sheep for their wool in 2010 after a friend asked if their flock could holiday on her farm.

She cared for them for six weeks and fell in love with the breed.

She now has 100 in her flock and plans to sell her sought-after winning fleeces to hand spinners in both the UK and internationally.