The Beef Shorthorn Calf Show was the last of the pedigree shows to take place at Agri-Expo, but a good crowd remained to see Judge Esyllt Price work her way through the busy classes.

In the end, it was a double celebration for the Thornber family, who secured the overall champion and reserve tickets with heifers from their Halifax-based Blackbrook herd. Taking the top spot was Blackbrook Heathermaid True, a March-born heifer calf by Fearn Elmer, out of the show cow, Blackbrook Heathermaid Rosa.

Second in line to that one was Blackbrook Madeline Tris, a seven-month-old heifer calf, sired by Highlee Phoenix, out of the bought-in cow, Millerston Madeline Nell.

The best of the bulls was Hazelbank Tiger, from Raymond Steen’s Moffat-based herd. He is a January-born son of Fearn Night Watchman, out of Glenisla Sally Broadhooks.

It was a yearling bull that finished as reserve male champion – Redstones Snowman, from Charlie Fletcher and Jack Kay, Blackcleugh, Eaglesfield. Sired by Napoleon of Upshall, he is out of Runleymill Miss Ramsden Flo.

Leading Awards

Bull born Sep 12, 2022-Dec 31, 2022 – 1, Charlie Fletcher’s Redstones Snowman; 2, L Crowther and M Gray’s Buckenhill Shandy; 3, Headlind Partners’ Headlind Soldier.

Bull born Jan 1, 2023-Feb 28, 2023 – 1, RJ Steen’s Hazelbank Tiger; 2, Headlind Partner’s Headlind Tomahawk; 3, Stanford Park Farm’s Stanfordpark Task Master.

Bull born on or after Mar 1, 2023 – 1, Natalie Hynd’s Westbroad Trident; 2, S and G Currie’s Beautry Talisman; 3, Duncan Welsh’s Westbroad Tristan.

Heifer born between Sep 15, 2022-Dec 31, 2022 – 1, L Townsend’s Coxhill Magic; 2, Millie and Boomer Birch’s Highsky Erin's Elizabeth; 3, Duncan Welsh’s Westbroad Joyfull Summer.

Heifer born between Jan 1, 2023-Jan 20, 2023 – 1, S Ryder’s Ryden Tequila; 2, S Ryder’s Ryden Taboo; 3, Gerald Turton’s Augusta 1735 of Upsall.

Heifer born between Jan 21, 2023-Feb 28, 2023 – 1, Millie and Boomer Birch’s Highsky Enchantments Empress; 2, M and J Souter’s Jodame Princess Tamzin; 3, Caitrina Ward’s Kimrina Treacle.

Heifer born between Mar 1, 2023-Mar 31, 2023 – 1, A Thornber and Daughters’ Blackbrook Heathermaid True; 2, A Thornber and Daughters’ Blackbrook Madeline Tris; 3, Charles Lowther’s Lowther Gaia Z1.

Heifer born on or after Apr 1, 2023 – 1, Natalie Hynd’s Westbroad Bramble Tina; 2, RJ Steen’s Runleymill Duchess Twiggy; 3, RJ Steen’s Hazelbank Lily T41.

Pairs – 1, A Thornber and Daughters; 2, Natalie Hynd; 3, Gerald Turton.

Young handlers – Junior and overall – Dylan Mackenzie. Senior – Charlie Fletcher.