Wannabe Shepherd Since 2021

My ‘Ronevorg’ foundation flock was established from top UK flocks - Snowdonia, Moorahill, Ayrshire and Deepdale - with pure Swiss breeding lines and top graded genetics. I have since added stock and now have 2 Max-point junior stock rams (Deepdale and Kinneff) and 3 well graded ewe lambs from the Northern Ireland Lettybrook flock as well as heritage graded ewes from Highland, Westmorland and Prendwick flocks.

Showing Since 2022

In August 2022 I took four ewes and my ram “Mr. Ignite” to the Breed Society show known as Black Beauties, at Carlisle. On the first day the sheep are “graded” by two judges, based on three categories of Appearance, Conformation and Wool. I was delighted with my results as a newcomer at my first show as one of my ewes “Indi” scored maximum points (only 23% of the 235 entrants got a maximum score), and my other three ewes and ram only dropped one point each. Those high scores secured 4 of them going through to the show the next day where I won two 3rds, one 4th, and one 5th place. A great start!
My strategy going forward is to grade all my stock, with the aim of breeding to the highest standard and achieving ongoing success in the show ring.

Jenny Campbell showing her Valais Blacknose Sheep at a competition
Three Valais Blacknose Sheep standing in a paddock looking at the camera
One Valais Blacknose sheep looking at the camera, another sticking its tongue out.
A mother Valais Blacknose Sheep tending to her new born.
A Valais Blacknose Sheep lying down in a graddy field. On the right, Jenny Campbell holding a Valais Blacknose Lamb in a grassy field with flowers.
Feeding time with the Valais Blacnose Sheep flock.
On the left, a Valais Blacknose Sheep standing in a graddy field looking at the camera. On the right, a flock of Valais Blacknose Sheep looking at the camera in a cold looking field.
Jenny Campbells awards for the Valais Blacnkse Sheep competitions she enters.
Two Valais Blacknose Sheep, one looking through a fence, the other is sticking out it's tongue.

Breeding Since 2023

My first home-bred lambs arrived in 2023. I was pleased with the quality and markings. I castrate the boys who markings do not comply with breed standards, in accordance with breed society guidance. All my stock are registered with Grassroots, and I DNA test all my ewe and ram lambs, which underpins the integrity of their pedigree records.
I now have a small selection of naturally bred, pure Swiss, beautifully marked, quality Valais Blacknose ewes, rams, ewe lambs, ram lambs and wether lambs available for show or pet homes. Viewings always welcome. Guidance on upkeep will be given.

Supporting the Future of our Breed

The breed originates from the Valais canton of Switzerland, grazing in the Alps in the summer and being housed in the winter. There is evidence that the Blacknose has existed since the 15th century. UK enthusiasts started importing the Breed in 2014. Since then sheep farmers and hobbyists have acquired and bred their own Valais Blacknose which have grown immensely in popularity, to a flock of around 10,000 in the UK. The UK Valais Blacknose Society is committed to promoting and raising awareness of this unique breed and strive to preserve and uphold the Swiss breed standards in conjunction with supporting and educating fellow breeders to continue producing quality stock. I am a Member of the Society and an elected Council member, representing the membership and working to protect the future of the breed.