A team of seven enthusiastic young dairy breeders have made the final line up for a once in a lifetime chance to participate at the European Young Breeders School (EYBS).

The privileged young breeders making the trip to Belgium this week were Mark Whitehurst, Folemillfarm Holsteins, Staffordshire; Neil Sloan,herd manager for Muir Ayrshires and Holsteins Scotland; Ifan Wilson, South Wales; Chloe Braithwaite, Shropshire; Ellie Westaway, West Midlands; Ellie Fisher, Mossrigg Holsteins, Border and Lakeland and Jamie Pottow, South and Wiltshire).

EYBS is a five-day, taking place each year in Battice, Belgium. Throughout the week emphasis is placed on team spirit, and the participation of each member is evaluated throughout each stage of animal husbandry and preparation. Competitors get hands-on experience from workshops including bedding, showmanship and clipping, as well as classroom based sessions such as marketing your farm business.

After three days of workshops and practice, the youngsters put their skills to good use in stock judging, showmanship and calf classes.