DALESBRED DIGEST - SUMMER 2026
Open Day at Field Head
The Dawson family have been keeping Dalesbred sheep for four generations, with the breed remaining at the heart of life at Field Head Farm in Littledale. Their bloodlines date back to the 1950s, reflecting decades of dedication to preserving the strength and character of the Dalesbred.
Field Head Farm overlooks Morecambe Bay and extends from 750 feet to over 1,800 feet above sea level. The holding includes 162 hectares of tenanted grassland and inbye land, a 36-hectare family-owned allotment, and grazing rights on Littledale Common.
The family's connection with Dalesbreds began in 1952, when Michael's father first established the flock. Today, Emma and Katie each keep their own Dalesbred ewes, becoming the fourth generation to continue the tradition.
Alongside their pure Dalesbred flock, the family also keep Swaledale ewes and a small number of Bluefaced Leicesters. Around fifty Dalesbred ewes are crossed with Bluefaced Leicester tups each year to produce Dales Mules, renowned for being thick-set, easy fleshing and practical commercial sheep.
The family also run a herd of 35 Limousin cross and pedigree Limousin suckler cows.
The Dawson family look forward to welcoming members to the Dalesbred Open Day and Social at Field Head Farm on Sunday 16th August 2026 from 2pm. The afternoon will include judging, competitions and, most importantly, plenty of good conversation.
From the AGM . . .
Our well-attended AGM took place on the 27th of May at Bentham Golf Club. As usual at this event the meeting began with a moment’s silence in memory of friends and members we have lost since we last met.
The Chairman gave an upbeat report on the years events which included the inaugural Spring Show, this was very well supported by members. It was followed by a successful trip to North Sheep which included taking third prize in the breed exhibitor stand section. The judging and social afternoon hosted by the Bainbridge family at Marrick Abbey in August was very successful. He thanked the Bainbridge family for their generous hospitality. The chairman reported that the Yorkshire County show and Trawden show have introduced Dalesbred classes this year, he thanked members for the effort they put into supporting shows and promoting the breed. He asked members to ensure the registration form was fully complete before returning it to Meg. Finally, he thanked Meg, Rachel and the committee for their unstinting and ambitious efforts in promoting the Dalesbred.
Ronnie Suttill was thanked by the meeting for his term in the office of President. He has stepped down
and David Wilson was unanimously elected to take on this high office.
Stuart and Ann Guy have been appointed as President elect.
John Dawson (peasant farmer) was elected as Chairman.
Ronnie Sutill, Michael Dawson and Stephen Dennis were appointed as life members.
Congratulations to Andrew Bainbridge, Matthew Close, Michael Dawson and Karen Harrison for their election to serve a three-year term on the committee.
The autumn sale dates were confirmed and judges proposed. If you are fortunate enough to be nominated as a judge, a prompt reply to Megs letter of invitation is always appreciated.
A new rule stating, “Committee members must attend sixty percent of meetings plus the AGM during their term of office or forfeit the opportunity to seek re-election”, was approved by the meeting.
Subscription and registration fees for 2026 are to remain the same.
At the end of the meeting a mighty fine buffet supper was shared, and thanks were given to the Golf Club.
Remembering Members
John Bargh
20th December 1936- 25th January 2026
John Bargh’s life was shaped by the land, but it was sheep-farming- especially his deep commitment to the Dalesbred breed- that truly defined him. Growing up at Claughton Hall Farm, he developed a natural instinct for livestock from an early age. His passion for Dalesbred sheep became a lifelong dedication, and he took great pride in breeding and rearing sheep that reflected the strength, character and hardiness of the breed he loved.
John’s involvement with the Dalesbred Sheep Breeders’ Association was a source of real fulfilment for him. He served on the committee for over three decades in total, firstly from 1970-1993, and later returning from 2011-2022. His long service reflected not only his expertise, but his genuine commitment to the future of the breed. From 2007-2010, he held the role of President, carrying out his duties with the same steady judgement, humility and good humour that defined his approach to farming. Whether supporting sales, attending shows or offering guidance, John contributed with generosity and without fuss.
Although John retired from farming in 1997, he still remained firmly involved in the farming community: attending auctions, visiting local farms and judging at shows. Even in the final few years of his life, when Alzheimer’s had tragically stolen so much of his memory, he never forgot his beloved Dalesbred and time spent on the farm.
Alec Lambert
Alec was born in March 1944 in Bainbridge. He moved to Field Gate Farm at the age of one. He attended primary school in Bainbridge, followed by high school in Hawes. It was here it became clear to him that he wanted the life of a farmer, so when leaving school, he went to work for Uncle Billy Lambert a Manor House Farm.
As a young man Alec was a keen billiard and darts player and the more he drank the better he got.
In 1985 Alec was able to buy Field Gate Farm. He worked at Hawes Auction to subsidise the farm income, and he continued to work there for many years. It was at the Auction Mart that he met Sandra, and they married in December 1990. He assured Sandra that we won’t go away, as life is a permanent honeymoon living with me.
They went on to have three children; Alec ed, Julia and Henry. Henry shared his love of football, and Alec ed was always by his side listening and learning on the farm.
Alec was a man of action not words, was a friend to many and a farmer through and through.
John Whittaker
John was born on 17 June 1933 in Burnley. He was the second child, with a brother and sister. John’s Dad had a joinery business, but it was his Grandad’s farm that interested him and so his love of animals developed.
He went to Nottingham University to study agriculture and animal genetics. After university, he completed his 2 years’ National Service, and after marrying Margaret in 1958, they moved to Chipping to work on the family farm, which his father had bought. They had a family of 3 girls.
The farm was later sold due to his father’s ill health and John kept some of the land and started a flock of Dalesbreds as a hobby, whilst continuing his career as a cattle breeding consultant for Herdwise and Genus, and a classifier for the Freisian Society. John was Dalesbred Secretary from 1987 to 2007, and on retiring, was made a lifetime member.
He had many hobbies, including photography, especially of Dalesbreds at the sheep sales or home visits to farms; sport of all genres, but especially Burnley Football Club and Wigan Rugby League, having season tickets for both; classical music and dancing with Margaret once or twice a week for almost 60 years.
After Margaret’s death in 2012, John moved to a bungalow in Chipping five years later and enjoyed his greenhouse, sport on TV and church on Sunday.
Although not quite as mobile, John was pretty much independent to the end, and after a short illness, he died in hospital on 10 March.
2026 SHOW SEASON
OTLEY SHOW
16th MAY – Rob Lambert
BENTHAM SPRING SHOW
30th MAY – Richard Wilson
NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNTY SHOW
21st JUNE – Rob Lambert
GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW
14th - 17th JULY – John Carr
GARSTANG SHOW
1st AUGUST – Colin Price
RIPLEY SHOW
9th AUGUST – Tom Gill
TRAWDEN
9th AUGUST – Arthur Taylor
HORNBY SHEEP SHOW
18th AUGUST – Richard Brown
GARGRAVE SHOW
22nd AUGUST – John Kelsall
WENSLEYDALE SHOW
29th AUGUST – Helen Drinkall
MALHAM SHOW
29th AUGUST – Peter Taylor
REETH SHOW
31st AUGUST – Joe Gorst
KILNSEY SHOW
1st SEPTEMBER – John Dawson & Richard Wilson
BENTHAM SHOW
5th SEPTEMBER – Andrew Bainbridge
HORTON SHOW
5th SEPTEMBER – Will Tiplady
WESTMORELAND SHOW
9th - 10th SEPTEMBER – Peter Taylor
HODDER VALLEY SHOW
12th SEPTEMBER – Keith Pilkington
NIDDERDALE SHOW
20th SEPTEMBER
Jack Walkbank (Open) & David Charnley (Local)
MASHAM SHEEP FAIR
26th SEPTEMBER – Graham Coates
CCM SKIPTON SHOW & SALE
20th OCTOBER
“Dales Mules Crown Jewels”
Over recent years the Dales mule has become sought after and used for commercial sheep farming. Crossing the Dalesbred ewe with the Bluefaced Leicester producing the mule lamb, the Dales mule is showing strengths from both breeds. The Bluefaced Leicester for its milking ability, length of body and quantity of lamb, whilst you get the natural fitness, longevity and capability of rearing vigorous lambs from the Dalesbred.
A strong quality from the Dales mule is their natural fitness. This quality is important when selecting breeding ewes. Being easy fleshing is a real strong point which has been a hit within the industry with farmers constantly searching for the sheep which “looks after itself”. One major factor in having a successful sheep enterprise is reducing your inputs whilst still receiving desirable prices for your stock.
Dalesbreds have been bred for generations in exposed moorland conditions. The epicenter of the Dalesbred breed is based in the Yorkshire dales, suited to upland farming, thriving on rough fell land withstanding harsh climates. Dales Mule ewes have inherited the resilience of the hardy Dalesbred hill breed and maintain good reproductive performance.
Advertisement for the Dales mule has helped massively to grow demand for the breed with gimmer lamb breeding sales attracting new buyers, returning yearly. Having taken dales mules with lambs to North sheep and Scot sheep for the last 3 years, the quality and thickness of the texel lambs on them brought lots of attention to the stand.
There are three main sales for the Dales mule lambs. These are at Bentham, Skipton and Wharfdale Auction marts. There is also a show and sale for shearling Dales Mules at Bentham Auction mart.
Photographs by Sam Hutchinson & Lewis Staley Article by Henry Fawcett & Joe Gorst and
was first published in the BFL newsletter
Spring Show 2026
The second Bentham Spring Show took place on the 30th May and was well attended with a buoyant atmosphere. This year, we split both the gimmer and tup hoggs into small and large breeder sections. Richard Wilson from Crimple Head took on the task of judging the various classes and the café being open was welcomed by all. A & M Brennand & Sons took home The Bainbridge Trophy awarded to the Champion Dalesbred; a gimmer hogg that also won the SB hogg class as well as Female Champion.
Reserve Champion, Male Champion and winner of the LB tup hogg class was awarded to J & JE Bradley who also placed 2nd in the LB tup hogg class, with AD & CH Lambert placing 3rd. The SB tup hogg class was won by A & M Brennand & Sons, who also placed 3rd whilst J Carr & J Moran placed 2nd. Just two tup shearlings in attendance resulted in C Lancaster winning and new members: the Kitching family, placed 2nd. The Aged tup class was won by AD & CH Lambert, followed by J & JE Bradley in 2nd and C Lancaster in 3rd.
J & JE Bradley placed both 1st and 2nd in the LB gimmer hogg class, AD & CH Lambert placed 3rd. The SB class saw the over-all champion win, followed by FE Bainbridge placing both 2nd and 3rd. The gimmer shearling class was won by C Lancaster, FE Bainbridge placed 2. The Ewe class was won by C Lancaster, whilst A Linney placed 2nd and A Kitching placed 3rd.
The best outfit class, a Dalesbred ewe with a set of lambs by any sire, was won by A Linney with Dalesbred lambs at foot whilst C Lancaster placed both 2nd with Dalesbred lambs and 3rd with Dales Mules lambs at foot. It was brilliant to see this class well supported this year demonstrating the diversity and capabilities of the breed.
John Bradley and family donated a beautiful rose bowl in memory of Jean which was presented to the winner of the best group class, The Bainbridge Family.
The TikTok video posted to Facebook had 3.5K views in just 4 days, highlighting the importance of social media and its potential reach. On the day, we were raising money for Manchester’s Children’s Hospital who are supporting Jack Taylor and his family with treatment for leukemia. In total, we raised £250. The raffle will be drawn on the 21st of June at Chris Taylors sheepdog trial at Norber in Austwick.
In Other News . . .
We were planning to attend Scotsheep in June, but the venue does not allow sheep from England so instead, we will be at Southsheep on 28th July. Southsheep is held at the three counties showground in Malvern, Worcestershire.
Attending NSA events is a big commitment of resources and it is not easy to measure success but it should be noted that we had new customers for draft ewes following a productive Northsheep last year.
We hope to see as many of you as possible at Fieldhead from 2pm on Sunday 16th of August for the judging and social afternoon. It promises to be a true celebration of the family farm and Michael has already been seen sweeping up.
Preserving History
We have many old photographs in the archive, these are not only of interest to members, but they also provide an important link to the cultural heritage of upland and hill farming. The photos demonstrate how the breed has evolved in the nearly one hundred years since the association was formed.
We have begun the process of digitalizing these photos in order to preserve them for future generations, it will also make them easier to display at any events we might attend.
