IT'S AN interesting time in the rare breeds world – as people visiting this summer's Royal Cornwall Show will discover.

On the final day of the three-day show (June 7 to 9), more than a dozen different rare breed sheep will be displayed in the sheep ring, with an explanatory commentary.

"In the past we've had rows of people watching three or four deep," said joint organiser Susan Howarth.

"This year we have a 40-minute demonstration – twice as long as usual – and there's plenty to see and talk about to fill that time."

More breeds were being given rare breed status as commercial breeders concentrated on fewer lines, said Susan's husband Geoff.

These included the Exmoor Horn, Devon and Cornwall Longwool, Ryeland and South Down breeds.

There were also big regional swings in favour of particular breeds, which could leave some breeds seriously under-strength nationally in terms of overall numbers.

"It means that if there's a disease outbreak, you can lose all examples of a breed very easily," said Mrs Howarth.

"That's a good reason for promoting interest in rare breeds right across the country. This demonstration allows people to see and choose.

"The fact that it's not in the rare breeds tent but in the main sheep rings will attract attention from a wider range of people."

Mrs Howarth is the chairman, and her husband a committee member, of the Cornwall Rare Breeds Survival Trust, which aims to use the occasion to bring a younger generation into the fold.

"The majority of our members are middle-aged or elderly and we're also suffering, as everybody else is, from the economic downturn," she said. "Those who listen to our commentary will learn that it's not only a rewarding experience but extremely important to keep a healthy and varied breed population.

"Some of the breeds on show haven't changed much in more than 1,000 years. They represent a genetic stock of good, healthy, wild animals."

Such animals were hardier and not so susceptible to parasites as commercial breeds, which had many of their original characteristics bred out, she said.

The Royal Cornwall Show has encouraged rare breeds exhibitors for many years.

"From a farming point of view there's no doubt that keeping a healthy stock of rare breed animals is a sensible policy," said show secretary Christopher Riddle.

"From a public point of view, having the rare breeds at the show in good numbers always creates interest."

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