LANCASHIRE Holstein breeder, Claire Swale, is set to make history later this month when she becomes the first person from the UK to judge at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair (RWAF) in Toronto.

Claire has been involved in the pedigree since an early age and now owns 40 Holsteins under her own Heavenly prefix as well as runs an export business, specialising in buying and selling cattle and embryos for clients around the world.

She has judged showmanship and conformation classes throughout the UK as well as Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Switzerland, and will take to the show ring at the RWAF on Monday, November 5, to judge the showmanship classes of the 39th TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic, which has drawn more than 400 entries from throughout Canada.

“It really is a tremendous honour to be invited back after acting as associate judge in 2017,” said Claire, who will be joined in her task by Steve Fraser, Fraeland Farms.

“The level of competition in Toronto is world class, which reflects the ongoing success of Canada’s 4-H programme.”