Moffat Show

Jenna (19) and Lara (17) Reid.

We continue our look at the future of the show circuit – the young handlers!

With the 2021 show season once again falling foul of Covid, and most summer shows once again not taking place, we’ve asked the individual show societies to nominate a young handler or two, for us to speak to, and get their outlook on shows, and the wider industry. After all, they are the future.

Running in a similar order to the show calendar, we’re looking forward to hearing what the next generation have to say...

Where do you and your family come from?

Our family live at Calfpark Farm, in Mouswald, Dumfriesshire, running a sheep unit with 20 commercial cows too, predominantly made up of British Blue crosses, with Jenna running her own Anvil flock of pedigree Border Leicesters.

How did you get into showing livestock?

We grew up with it. Our mum and dad showed Suffolks before we were born and once we were old enough, we got involved in the young handlers competitions at a young age. We love it so much that we've never really left the showring!

What is your favourite type of stock to show and why?

Jenna – I prefer showing my Border Leicesters as they catch the eye of the judge and there is just something about them you can;t walk past in the show ring. I also liked showing my Aberdeen-Angus calf at the young farmers calf rally, as well as the Suffolks too.

Lara – So for me, I prefer showing the Suffolks, Dutch Spotted sheep and cattle at the calf rally. With the calves, I really enjoy dressing them and attending the practices as it's a new skill to pick up and enjoy!

Do you have a favourite animal that you like showing the most? If so, why?

Lara – My Suffolk ewe called Sweet Pea. I have been showing her for five years straight as she is easy to handle and 5 years straight, however she and enjoying retirement.

Jenna – My Border Leicester ewe, Daisy, as she was the first ewe I ever took into the show ring from my flock and I managed to bag sixth place at the Royal Highland Show on my first outing.

What was the first show you went to?

Jenna – It would be to the Royal Highland Show at three-weeks old so you can say I got involved at a very young age!

Lara – Ayr Show in 2002, at five-months-old.

What is your favourite show to go to?

The Royal Highland Show by far. We both love the atmosphere and catching up with friends that we haven't seen in a while, and making new ones too! The party side of the show is hard to beat too!

What is your favourite thing about showing?

Lara – I like the build up towards the show and prepping our stock, as well as the anticipation of getting into the show ring and doing your best.

Jenna – The pride of winning with a home-bred animal would be my favourite thing. The first time we achieved that was with an old Suffolk ewe – 1244 – which won lot of championships for the family.

What has been the biggest success of your show career so far?

Lara – It would be winning Dumfries and Galloway Young Handler of the Year award in 2013. I qualified at one Moffat Show and made it through to the final.

Jenna – I would say winning both young handlers at the larger suffolk tup sale, at Shrewsbury and the Stirling show and sale.

Is there anything you don’t like about showing?

Lara – For me, no – I like everything about it!

Jenna – Probably if an animal misbehaves, it makes showing them off a lot harder.

Have you had any disappointments, yet?

We are both happy with what we have achieved. Showing has it's up's and down's and you just have to learn from your mistakes in order to do better next time.

Who would you say you look up to in the showing world?

Lara – Don Sinnett would be my pick as he has achieved so much in the showing world and turns out livestock to the best they can be.

Jenna – For livestock in general, I would say Jimmy Douglas, as he has helped me help establish my own flock and has been a good person for seeking advice. Another we both look up to would be Davey Sloan, at Rigghead – we nicknamed him handsome and his advice is great but his jokes are not so good!

What is the best bit of advice that sticks in your mind?

Jenna – I was given this piece of advice through my school years but it can be related to farming... "fail to prepare, prepare to fail". If you don't turn your animal out correctly to show then it won't succeed.

Lara – If you quit your going to fail so stick at it and see where you go.

How do you spend your spare time?

Jenna – I spend a lot of my time doing various young farmers events through Lower Nithsdale and I am also the club's handicraft convenor this year so that keeps me busy!

Lara – I work a part time job at Kinmount Hotel, and the rest of time is spent having a party!

What are your plans for the future just now? Does it feature agriculture?

Lara – I would love to get into dealing with pedigrees in some sort of way.

Jenna – I already have a job working towards attaining my accountancy qualification, in Dumfries, but a part of me will always remain in agriculture.

Do you have any advice for other young people trying to get in to showing?

Lara – Keep smiling, don't give up and never let go of your stock..even if you do get dragged through the ring in the mud!

Jenna – Keep practicing and always remember the small tips your given along the way.