A Corriedale fleece has finally snared Waipawa's Yvonne Monk the title she wanted.
Along with her husband, Don, Yvonne has been a member of the Black and Coloured Sheep Breeders Association of New Zealand for two decades.
During that time she was has won multiple awards for the coloured fleeces produced by the Romneys, Corriedales and Gotlands the couple breed.
But in her 20 years as a member of the association — of which Don is the immediate past president — one major award had eluded her. But Yvonne was thrilled when that all changed late last month when she claimed the Champion Handcraft Fleece award at the association's annual conference and AGM held at the Napier Sailing Club, with a Corriedale fleece.
"We have definitely been around a long time. The Black and Coloured Sheep Breeders Association has been going for 41 years and we have been involved for 20 years. That's the first time I have won the Champion Handcraft Fleece award," she said.
Yvonne explained that handcraft referred to the intended end-use of the fleece — spinning, felting, crochet and knitting — and the fleeces were judged on preparation, presentation, feel, eye appeal and overall wow factor.
