Clive Morse – Marshland Flock
My interest in breeding and showing livestock started in 1985 with Welsh ponies. Under the “Pennwood” prefix I have shown all over the country with great success, including many wins at the Royal Welsh Show. Judging the Welsh ponies has allowed me to travel to all areas of the UK, Europe and America. I have been fortunate enough to officiate at the Royal Welsh twice, judging the Welsh pony section (1986) and Welsh Part-bred section (2018).
Livestock has also been my “trade”, starting my own butcher shop in 1980. All meat was personally sourced allowing me to build up a depth of knowledge and experience in the industry.
The British Charolais was my first endeavour into sheep in the mid-’80s, breeding and showing as the Pennwood Flock. The flock was successful for a number of years with 1993 being very memorable.
- Three Counties: Overall Champion & Supreme Interbreed
- Royal England: Overall Champion & Supreme Interbreed
- Royal Welsh: Overall Champion & Reserve Supreme Interbreed
This was achieved with two of the flock’s stock rams.
The British Berrichon entered my life upon retirement in 2013. Looking for a new interest I decided on the Berrichon as their carcass quality had impressed me whilst sourcing lamb for the butcher’s shop. Berrichon sired lambs had good eating quality due to the fine cover of fat over the carcass. I have always been of the opinion that a good carcass needs a “quality” fat cover, I don’t like to see the colouring of meat through a sheep’s skin. In my opinion, this is what differentiates the Berrichon from other continental breeds and gives that good eating experience. The Berrichon’s maternal traits have greatly impressed me with easily born lambs on their feet within minutes and suckling.
“Marshland Flock” was founded with the purchase of a ram and three ewes whilst walking around the show lines at the Three Counties and Royal Welsh show. The flock expanded with purchases from the Society sales at Welshpool, Worcester and Carlisle.
Show success has followed with Marshland Berrichons for both myself and other breeders.
- Marshland Salvador: Royal Welsh Champion & Reserve Interbreed
- Marshland Sabrina: Royal Welsh Reserve Female Champion
The sale ring has been another area of achievement with Marshland bred Berrichons topping the sales list on a number of occasions. Marshland rams and ewes have topped the Carlisle Premier sales regularly. The James family topped Worcester’s Early sale in 2021 with their Marshland tup as well as Marshland being Champion Berrichon at the Society’s Welshpool sale. The females too have been successful, being Champion ewe at the Society’s Welshpool In Lamb sale the last 4 years.
I have judged the Berrichons at Carlisle and a number of local agricultural shows and look forward to the honour of judging the Royal Highland Show 2022.
