Ellis and John Caldwell - Catrine show

Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?

Ellis: My name is Ellis and I live at Ladyyard Farm, Mauchline, with my Dad, Stuart, Mum Fiona and little brother, Ellis. We milk around 200 Holstein dairy cows. I am in 3rd year at Robert Burns Academy. Unfortunately, I haven’t attended school very much in the last year due to Covid, but I have made the most of it and enjoyed my time at home helping my dad on the farm. I love working with the calves on the farm and I have led calves since I was about three years old and I could not imagine my life without cows and my pony, Breeze. I’m definitely more a cows girl than a tractors girl, when it comes to farm work.

John: My name is John and I am 11 years old. I’m in p7 at Mauchline Primary School, and my favourite part of school is PE. I am the youngest in my family and I love hanging out with Ellis and helping my dad on our farm. We have lots of cows and calves on the farm and they all take a lot of looking after. If I had to pick a favourite make of tractor, it would be a John Deere because I think they’re the best and that’s what we have at home.

What made you get involved in showing livestock?

Ellis: I love attending our local shows. As Catrine show is our local show my dad would look out a calf for me to lead at the show, from when I was really wee, as soon as I could hold a halter, and I have been hooked ever since. Right from when the calves are born, we look out for any with any show potential. I have attended many shows as Dad would often be asked to judge the dairy section or showmanship, and I love watching him in action.

John: I started showing along with Ellis, we would both be given a calf to take to Catrine show. Dad got us involved by helping us pick our calves, then we would train them to lead. Mum, Ellis and I would then wash them, Dad would clip them. It’s a team effort. We always have the next show in mind when we’re working with the cattle.

Do you have a favourite breed?

Ellis: My favourite would have to be a Holstein, but we also have a few Ayrshire cattle in our herd. My favourite cow is Ladyyard Symbol Amanda. I was reserve champion at the West of Scotland calf show with her and we are best friends!

John: My favourite would have to be the Holstein too. I have been brought up with them on our farm and can’t imagine having any other breed.

What was the first show you went to? Do you have a favourite show?

Ellis: My first show was Catrine show and this has to be my favourite, too. We always show our calves at Catrine and the sun seems to always shine on show day, so it's always a really good day out. I also love the Holstein Young Breeder calf shows, they always have a great turnout of calves and leaders.

John: I would say the same as Ellis. We love showing our calves at Catrine and all our friends go so its so much fun. It’s a very friendly show and there is always a great turnout of cattle and sheep and a great crowd at the side supporting! It’s been rubbish not having shows last year or this year. They’re really a big part of our lives.

Do you have thing about showing?

Ellis: I love everything about showing, from preparation to the showing. John and I feed the calves on the farm so we pick out the calves we like and then try and get a halter on them to train them to lead. My favourite part would be the build up to the show. It's so exciting, and very satisfying when you’ve had a good day.

John: My favourite thing about showing is the washing and clipping. I’ve had a shot of clipping, and its hard work but fun, and something I want to do more of in the future. I love seeing the end result once they are washed and clipped and ready for the ring. It's a great feeling.

What has been your biggest success so far?

Ellis: My biggest success has been winning Junior Handler at the Scottish Calf Show and by doing so qualifying for the All Breeds all Britain Calf Show. I was delighted to be placed 5th in my class at the ABAB. I have also won the Junior Handler Trophy at Ayr show, which was great, because the classes at Ayr are big.

John: My biggest success would be when I was placed 1st in my calf class at the West of Scotland Calf Show. I was disappointed all the shows were cancelled last year so I hope the calf shows will go ahead later in the year. To be honest though, if the calf is in a good mood and has behaved, I see that as a big success! It’s not always the case – they definitely have minds of their own.

Have you had any disappointments so far?

Ellis: I’ve had a few but that is part of showing. Calves can be so unpredictable so you never know what can happen on show day. You can’t let the disappointments put you off.

John: My biggest disappointment would be when my calf, Gayle, led perfectly at home and received a 2nd place rosette at the West of Scotland Calf Show. We then took her to the Scottish Calf Show where she dragged me around the ring to the point we had to take her out the class. These things happen!

Who do you look up to in showing? What is the best piece of advice that you have been given?

Ellis: I would say my Dad, he has taught us so much. He has shown cattle himself and has also judged many calf shows including the All Breeds All Britain Calf show so I take on board everything he says and does. The best piece of advice he has given me would be, ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail!’ Also look like you are enjoying yourself. A smile always helps!

John: I would say my Dad too. It is so much work getting a calf ready for a show, but you need to be patient and calm when working with the calves. The best piece of advice would be every time I am working with my calf, make it a positive experience for her, that way she will gain your trust. Mum helps with the preparations as well. Dad says she’s the best at getting the handlers looking well and he just helps with the calves.

Outwith showing, do you enjoy working on the farm?

Ellis: I love helping out and during lockdown I learned to milk the cows. I am now asked regularly to help out at milking time. I also feed calves and check on the calving pen for signs of cows calving.

John: My jobs on the farm are feeding the calves and feeding the youngstock. I also help with bedding and any other jobs that I can help with. There is always something to do. I enjoyed rolling the fields for Dad this year, in a John Deere of course!

Do you have any other hobbies?

Ellis: I have my pony, Breeze. I have had her for four or five years I love jumping and taking her for long walks. I also love making TikToks, some of my favourite cows have even appeared in some! I also love to paint, especially paintings of cows.

John: I love playing rugby for Cumnock Rugby Club. I can’t wait till the games start up again, I really miss my Sunday games. I went back to training last night, so that was great, even though it’s just touch rugby and club games just now. I loved watching Scotland play in the Six Nations this year. Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell are my favourite players.

Do you have plans for the future? Do they feature agriculture?

We have loads of plans but Mum and Dad say we should concentrate on schoolwork for now! We’ll get that over with then see what happens…

Do you have any advice for young people wanting to try showing?

Ellis: Give it a try! There is a lot of work and time involved in showing and a lot of fun. You definitely need to be patient as both you and your animal have a lot to learn before your first show. It’s 100% a good thing to get involved with.

John: I would just say to treat your calf well and you will gain their trust. And regardless of your placing, keep smiling.