From 5 to 7 September 2025 the 37th meeting of the IG Englische Widder, the international English Lop interest group, took place in Freiberg am Neckar, hosted by the breeding family Jasmin and Mike Schubert-Groß and Kurt Groß. Numerous breeders from Germany and abroad accepted the invitation to exchange expertise and to foster cooperation within the IG.
Things got under way on Friday with everyone arriving individually and a relaxed get-together at the “Scheunen-Café” (barn café). There was already the opportunity there to house animals brought along for expert discussion or planned exchanges. In the evening we all went to a Maultaschen seminar (Maultaschen are Swabian filled pasta pockets), where alongside the regional cooking there was plenty of time for personal exchange.
After breakfast, Saturday began with a trip together to a covered wagon ride through the vineyards near Hessigheim. In the loveliest weather, with a wine tasting and a small snack, there was the chance for lively conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. After lunch together we visited a local small livestock breeders’ club that was holding a mixed young stock show with rabbits and poultry. The day ended in the evening with a meal together in Freiberg am Neckar.
On Sunday morning the annual general meeting of the IG Englische Widder took place at the “Scheunen-Café”.
After the welcome and the approval of the agenda, a minute’s silence was held in memory of our fellow breeder Luzia Blaser, who had recently died. For many years Luzia Blaser was a committed and valued fellow breeder in our interest group. With her always positive manner, her good humour and her friendly, open nature, she enriched the spirit of togetherness within the IG, and we will remember her fondly.
The IG currently has 43 members. The spokespersons’ reports gave an overview of what has been happening in the IG, the financial situation and the breeding and show year. The accounts for 2024 closed with a positive balance, which was confirmed by the auditors; the board was discharged unanimously.
On breeding, attention was drawn to a decline in the number of youngsters reported, and members were reminded of the importance of health, vitality and careful rearing. Reports from the international scene covered, among other things, current developments in Switzerland.
Finally, the planning of future meetings was discussed. The next IG meeting will take place from 18 to 20 September 2026 at fellow breeder Reto Stucki’s in Switzerland.
The stock assessment followed the annual general meeting.
Claudia Gerst presented youngsters in the colour varieties chinchilla and blue-grey-and-white.
Franziska Sprenger brought youngsters in blue and blue-and-white for assessment.
Animals from the hosts in the colour varieties Thuringian and yellow could also be examined.
The animals presented provided a good basis for expert discussion of development, type, colour and suitability for breeding, and were discussed intensively by those present.
All in all, the meeting was very well organised and offered a successful mix of expert information, community and conviviality. The personal exchange among breeders, the opportunity for a stock assessment and the varied supporting programme once again made the IG meeting a thoroughly successful event.
Obituary
It was with great sadness that we learned that Walter Krimbacher, a long-standing member of the IG Englische Widder, died suddenly in January 2026.
For many years Walter was a committed breeder and a valued fellow breeder who enriched our interest group with his experience, his helpfulness and his passion for the breed in the blue-grey colour variety. We will honour his memory. Our sympathy goes to his family and loved ones.
Signed Franziska Sprenger, 3rd spokesperson, breeding and shows