A successful local sheep breeder has been recognised for more than 50 years' support of A&P societies across New Zealand.

John Miles was given a Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand award for excellence in agriculture at the recent Methven A&P Association AGM.

Outgoing president Ben McIntosh said Miles had been a loyal competitor at the Methven show for most of his life.

"The sheep pens would not be the same without his involvement. Not only has he been a big supporter of the Methven show, but John has also judged and shown sheep all over New Zealand.

"John was president of the 1998 show and as most of you know John's big passion is sheep breeding and he has been very successful over the years."

Local farmer Stuart Mangin said Miles first registered his Southdown stud in 1959, Suffolks in 1978, Romney and Lincoln studs in 1983 and Dorsets in 1986.

Miles joined the Methven committee in the 1980s and supported A&P shows from Invercargill to Palmerston North, and everywhere in between, as an exhibitor or judge.

On occasion he'd take one or two breeds and judge another, Mangin said.

"He has been a devoted exhibitor in the Methven show, exhibiting not only in stud classes, but prime lambs and flock sheep sections. Most Methven shows he would deliver one truck and trailer load by 7am, and return home for a second load and still have them all penned well before 9am.

"During his showing era he has exhibited with success in the most prestigious classes in Christchurch and royal shows throughout the country including super suffolk, double crown dorset, blue ribbon romney and milliondollar southdown. These classes are highly contested with 50-plus entries per class."

By Sharon Davis