By Lance Isbister  March 16 2010

There was an excellent turn-out of black-headed baa baas for the Feature Suffolk Show held at the Mayfair A&P Show on Saturday.

Twelve breeders entered about 70 suffolk sheep for the show, which was dominated by local breeders John Miles, Norman Carr and Elizabeth Bedford.

Lyndhurst farmer John Miles won the suffolk supreme champion ewe.

"She's performed smartly, with good balance, presence and a good length which makes all the difference," he said.

The sheep breeding veteran of 33 years said breeding suffolks has always been a challenge, especially now with fewer lambs around the country to breed from.

Mayfield farmer Norman Carr won the suffolk ram hogget and the reserve champion hogget classes.

"I believe in using plenty of rams ... we'll keep on trying rams until we get one that does the job."

Mr Carr said by breeding suffolk rams with border romney ewes he could have 75% of his lambs drafted before Christmas that weighed between 17 and 18kg.

He said the suffolk breed had improved over the last six years to produce meatier lambs that had an excellent growth rate in a shorter period than others.

Pictured: Suffolk stunner: Elizabeth Bedford with her prized sheep which won the Suffolk overall all breeds meat breed ewe. - Photo Lance Isbister 15-310-LI-005