THE emphasis in the Three Counties Show livestock classes is certainly on sheep this year and the event organisers are hoping to entice more sheep farmers to visit Malvern with a number of new features and initiatives.

The show is the venue for the finale of the Shropshire Sheep Breeders' Association's first-ever world congress to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the flock-book society.

About 17 exhibitors are expected to take part, and there will be a specially extended Shropshire showing section judged by a Shropshire breeder from Germany.

The society is also building on the success of its specially designated rare breeds day this year. The launch of the first National Rare and Minority Breeds Show, on Sunday, will include the 2007 Hebridean Sheep Society's National Show event.

A brand new class for blue-faced Leicester sheep has been added to this year's schedule.

There are substantial increases in prize money for the sheep shearing competitions and commercial farmers in Gloucestershire will be pleased to hear that Voyce Pullin Markets are staging the lamb carcass/butchers lamb competition at Cirencester Market again this year, so they won't have to travel to Worcester Market on the Wednesday prior to the show.

Sheep breed societies will be out in force, and to tie in with the fleece competition, the society is running a Fleece Bring and Buy. Only fleeces from the current season wool crop can be submitted, and should be no more than 15 months old. The show will also incorporate spinning, weaving and knitting workshops.