Warm weather and top results mark a day of success for Hereford breeders
It was a day of sunshine and standout performances for the team at Pulham Herefords, who clinched both the overall breed champion and reserve breed champion titles at the Royal Norfolk Show.
A strong turnout of cattle represented the breed across classes, providing plenty for judge Mr Robert Wilson of Kelso to consider. Ultimately, it was Pulham 1 Achilles, exhibited by PRJ & LR Vincent, who claimed the overall title. Mr Wilson praised the bull’s size, structural correctness, and fluid movement, noting he was in “tip-top show condition”. This win marked a step up for Achilles, who had previously secured the male champion and reserve breed champion titles at the same event in 2023.
Pulham 1 Achilles
Pulham 1 Achilles, born in September 2022, is sired by Appel 1 Kaboom and out of homebred cow Pulham 1 Curly 3rd, an impressive combination that continues to deliver results.
Adding to the Pulham success story was Pulham Blaze, a flashy March 2024-born bull. This stylish young prospect, also from PRJ & LR Vincent, caught the judge’s attention immediately on entering the ring. Mr Wilson commented on his dark coat, correct markings, and “all the white in the right places.” Sired by homebred bull Pulham Ranger and out of Clipston Diadem M12, Blaze went on to shine in the interbreed section, taking the junior native champion title. Mr Wilson described him as “a bull with real future potential, either to win more shows or sire many future winners.”
Pulham Blaze
In the female section, J & E Lake of Borovere Herefords enjoyed a strong day, with success across several classes. Their October 2023-born heifer, Borovere Tiara 3rd, took the female champion title. Sired by Pulham Va Va Voom and out of Pulham Tiara 5th, she represents the strength of Pulham genetics in other herds. Mr Wilson noted her “long frame, well-balanced brisket, and strong future ahead.”
Borovere Tiara 3rd
The reserve female championship also went to the Lakes, with the youngest animal of the day, Borovere Tiara 4th, rising to the top of her class before securing the reserve title. Standing alongside her dam, Pulham Tiara 5th, in the cow-in-milk class, she impressed the judge with her natural ring presence and potential. Also sired by Pulham Va Va Voom, Tiara 4th demonstrated the depth and consistency of this bloodline.
Borovere Tiara 4th
Further recognition came in the prestigious Burke Trophy competition, where Herefords were placed third overall. Representing the breed were Pulham Tiara 5th and Pulham 1 Achilles, exhibited by J & E Lake and PRJ & LR Vincent, respectively, showcasing collaboration and top-tier breeding across herds.
Full Results
Overall breed and male champion – Pulham 1 Achilles – PRJ & LR Vincent
Reserve overall champion and reserve male champion – Pulham Blaze – PRJ & LR Vincent
Champion Female – Borovere Tiara 3rd – J & E Lake
Champion Reserve Female – Borovere Tiara 4th – J & E Lake
Junior Champion – Pulham Blaze – PRJ & LR Vincent
Reserve native bull champion – Pulham 1 Achilles – PRJ & LR Vincent
Junior native champion – Pulham Blaze – PRJ & LR Vincent
Heifer, born on or after 1st April 2024
1st – Borovere Tiara 4th – Borovere Herefords
Heifer, born on or between 1st January & 31st March 2024
1st – Ernford Lobelia 24 – Skinner McInnes
2nd – Pulham 1 Clover 1st – PRJ & LR Vincent
3rd – Hilgay 1 Betsy – Hilgay Betsy
Heifer, born on or between 1st January & 31st December 2023
1st – Borovere Tiara 3rd – Borovere Herefords
2nd – Pulham Tiara 11th – PRJ & LR Vincent
3rd – Pepperstock 1 Jennefer B1003 – J Spiers
Cow, in milk, in calf or with calf at foot, born before 1st January 2023
1st – Pulham Tiara 5th – Borovere Herefords
2nd – Wellhart 1 Arabella – L Freeman
Bull, born on or after 1st March 2024
1st – Pulham Blaze – PRJ & LR Vincent
2nd – Newtoncroft 1 Bushwacker – Newtoncroft Farms
3rd – RTC 1 Biggus Dickus – R Coates
Bull, born prior to 1st January 2024
1st – Pulham 1 Achilles – PRJ & LR Vincent
2nd – Pepperstock 1 Benson – J Spiers