TWO Keith Young Farmers secured the top two awards at this year’s Rising Stars calf show held at Thainstone, last Monday, where competition was fierce in a series of classes.
Taking the supreme for the second year in succession was an entry from Mark Robertson, Easter Fodderletter, Tomintoul.
His winner this time was a June-born British Blue cross heifer, bred by Alistair and Melanie Robson, of Old Manse, Huntly, and purchased privately earlier this year. She was on her first outing and is heading to the Spring Show, at Thainstone, in February.
Judge, Scott Watson, from Carnoustie, said: “There was a spectacular show of calves forward, but Mark’s British Blue was just outstanding.”
Last year’s overall winner, Jack Hendry, from Heads of Auchinderran, Keith, took the Young Famers’ champion for the second consecutive year with a Limousin cross also on its first outing.
Bred by JA Cruickshank, Coleburn, this March-born heifer was purchased alongside its mother at that herd’s dispersal near Elgin, in May for £3500. By Redstroke Egor, she is also destined for next year’s Spring Show.
Commenting on the event, John Angus, ANM’s store and breeding cattle manager, said: “The ‘Rising Stars’ competition had a strong entry forward this year, with many top quality calves on display. The exhibitors put in a lot of hard work into this show and deserve credit for their achievements. It’s pleasing to see this competition grow.”