Scotland wins champion team at All Britain Calf Show

With the event taking place at the East of England Showground, the show witnessed a huge entry of over 260 calves and 140 young handlers come together for the annual event which represents the Ayrshire, British Friesian, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey breeds.

On the Saturday morning, the Holstein showmanship class was in the safe hands of well-respected Scottish breeder, Brian Weatherup, who welcomed young breeders to the ring to showcase their talent, whilst Stuart Williams judged the coloured breed classes.

Neil Sloan, Scotland, took the mature showmanship title and reserve overall honours Ref: Richard Hodgson

Among the Holstein classes, Brian found his mature class winner in the form of Scottish competitor Neil Sloan – who took the champion title at this year's Royal Highland Showcase – who then went on to clinch the reserve overall title. Winning the junior class was Matthew Hodgson from the Border and Lakeland Club, whilst the intermediate class was dominated by Lillie Jones from the Western Club.

Champion showmanship was awarded to Rosie Dennison, from Lancashire Ref: Richard Hodgson

Rosie Dennison from Lancashire topped the senior class, as well as bagging the championship honours, with Natasha Kirby being named as the honourable mention.

Champion calf, Wolfa Doorman Celicia 2, from William Horsley of the Border and Lakeland club Ref: Richard Hodgson

The National Holstein Calf Show, held on the Sunday, was ably judged by Ben Yates, who had the difficult task of judging over 140 calves, however, it was the December-born Wolfa Doorman Celicia 2, owned by William Horsley from the Border and Lakeland Club, that stood champion on the day.

Taking reserve honours was Absolute Doorman Shes a Belter from Absolute Genetics, based at Lancashire, with Grayridge, Drointon and TLC Holstein’s Drointon TLC Jordy OK Seisme from the Scotland Club being named as honourable mention.

The Littlestar Award was presented to Rory Scott, Scotland Ref: Richard Hodgson

Scotland Club representative, Rory Scott, was also awarded the Littlestar Award for his outstanding application and interview in front of the panel of judges, consisting of Holstein UK President John Jamieson, Holstein UK Board Member Jane Whittaker and Semex Representative Richard Green.

The Dick Stapleton Award was presented to Zoe Clear from Stonebridge Jerseys, while the Louise Hartley Award was awarded to Jodie Nutsford of the Western Club.

Winning Handlers in the Showmanship competition from all breeds Ref:Richard Hodgson

Commenting on the successful weekend, National HYB Coordinator, Naomi Lewis commented: "It has been so great to see everyone come together again after the last ABAB Calf Show, in 2019. After two years, the level of competition was as high as ever and it is fantastic to see the enthusiasm, passion and dedication from the young breeders across all breeds.

"The weekend is a real testament to the hard work they put in ahead of the show and I would like to congratulate everyone and extend a special thanks to all of the young breeder’s family, friends and helpers who come along and support the children and event each year – the event wouldn’t be possible without your help".

LEADINGawards:

Showmanship championship – Ayrshire – Champion, Enfys Wheeler; reserve, Alison Hunter; honourable mention, Millie Tomlinson. British Friesian – Champion, Abi Marshall; reserve, Ruaridh Lawson; honourable mention, Daniel Edwards. Brown Swiss – Champion, Mark Guthrie; reserve, Hattie Hassall; honourable mention, Rachel Williamson. Dairy Shorthorn – Champion, Harry Collins; reserve, Georgia Bowman; honourable mention, Molly Collins. Guernsey – Champion, Margaret Thomas; reserve, Michael Dawes; honourable mention, Shannon Dawes. Jersey – Champion, Jessica Ravenhill-White; reserve, Chloe Braithwaite; honourable mention, Peighton Robertson.

Coloured breed championships – Ayrshire (Judge: James Lawrie). Champion, Knowe B-King Dainty Lass 2, Esquirdo and A Struthers; reserve, Brieryside Magic Sea Baby, G Lawrie and Sons; honourable mention, Creech Hill Hawaiian Blossom, Creech Hill Farm Partnership. British Friesian (Judge: Brian Miller). Champion, Aintree Jingle Pauline 2, Aintree; reserve, Gemini Ben Rosie Red, T Barrell and A Malt; honourable mention, Adams Laura 14, B Lawson and Sons. Brown Swiss (Judge: David Wright). Champion, Blackrack Glenwood Mandy, Messrs Williamson; reserve, Blackrack Dynamite Fantastic, Messrs Williamson; honourable mention, Kedar Faust Esprit, T Lochhead and Sons. Dairy Shorthorn (Judge: Blaise Tomlinson). Champion, Cotonhall Montagna Moonlight, RD Kite and Son; reserve, 454 Churchroyd Bronte Wildeyes 71, IRG Collins and Partners; honourable mention, Churchroyd Tulip, IRG Collins and Partners. Guernsey (Judge: Iwan Thomas). Champion, Emma Eve Excalibur Rosie, Polly Whetham; reserve, Emma Eve TBC Rosie 2 ET, Polly Whetham; honourable mention, Kimcote Brogden Fragrant 8, AD and RM Thomas. Jersey (Judge: Iwan Morgan). Champion, Rivermead Bubba Levi, The Davis Family; reserve, Moonshine Engineer Lady, Ben Etteridge; honourable mention, Mydrim Volcanos Tracy, JD Evans.

Team – Tidy Lines – Champion, Border and Lakeland; reserve, South East. Best presented stand (small clubs) – Champion, North East; reserve, East Midlands. Best presented stand (large clubs) – Champion, Derbyshire; reserve, Border and Lakeland. Best presented overall stand – Champion, North East; reserve, Derbyshire. Overall stand competition – Champion, Border and Lakeland; reserve, Derbyshire. Holstein showmanship champion team – Border and Lakeland and Lancashire. Holstein calf champion team – Scotland. Holstein champion team – Champion, Border and Lakeland; reserve, Scotland.