A trio of young farmers from Bridgwater scooped the inaugural dairy team showing challenge at the Royal Bath & West Show on Wednesday (1 June).
Matt House (25), Jake Sayer (20) and Jade Chidgey (22) – who are all members of Bridgwater Young Farmers Club – pooled their different areas of expertise to claim the champion title with their beautiful Denmans Ayrshire cattle.
“It’s really special to win the first competition,” said Mr House. “There are so many young, keen kids out there and there aren’t many competitions like this you can go to.”
Mr House prepared the cattle, while Mr Sayer judged other stock, and Miss Chidgey exhibited the pedigree Ayrshire calf. “Preparation is about getting them clean and shiny – you have to clip them and then blow the hair along their back to give them a good topline shape,” said Mr House. He scored 95 out of 100 for his efforts.
Mr Sayer spent some time judging four cows alongside the master judge, scoring the maximum number of points available. “You have to give your reasons for choosing the winning stock,” he said. “I also selected the calf that we exhibited to start halter breaking in February – she’s quite well bred and has good conformation.”
Miss Chidgey then exhibited the calf, coming third in the stock handling side of the competition. “It’s been really good fun,” said Mr House. “It doesn’t matter what standard you are, it’s just good to have a go.”
Winning the beef team showing challenge were Lottie Hill, Jess Maynard and Michael Phillips from the British Blue Cattle Society.
- The Royal Bath and West Show takes place from 1-4 June, 2016, at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Gate prices are £22 adult, £7 child and £49 family. Visit www.bathandwest.com for more information.