The opening Traditional Hereford breed classes of the year were held at the Royal Welsh Spring Festival where the sun shone on the line-up, attracting exhibitors from far and wide.

Albany Lindy from L Cook

Standing in the overall breed championship spot was maiden heifer Albany Lindy, bred and exhibited by the Cook family, Cambridgeshire. Sired by Willow Grange Louis, a son of MMB bull Summerpole Norseman bred by J Duggan in 1972, this heifer also represents the prolific L family at Albany which originates from the famous Wigmore Grange tribe bred by AP Turner at The Leen, Herefordshire.

Albany Model 2nd from L Cook

The reserve championship went to another from both the same home and the same maiden heifer class, Albany Model 2nd also sired by Willow Grange Louis. Judge Alun Thomas of Premier poll Herefords, Carmarthenshire described the contest between the two heifers as very close, and had deliberated for some time about his decision, settling on the winner for its length and style.

Carpenters Monarchist from H MacLeod

In the male section, it was the two-year-old Carpenters Monarchist, another from Helen MacLeod which won the class for bulls of any age. A full brother to last year’s male champion at the event, this bull is sired by Shefford Monarch, bred by Mr P Carter.

Alun Thomas ended his day’s judging by thanking all the exhibitors in the cattle section and those behind the scenes for their hard work towards the event, and the staff and stewards at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society for their fantastic hospitality and organisation. Alun and his wife Anwen, are involved in running the Welsh Multibreed Pedigree Calf Show at Carmarthen Livestock Market, which sported a strong Hereford section in 2022.

Results

Breed champion and female champion, Albany Lindy, L Cook

Reserve breed champion and reserve female champion, Albany Model 2nd, L Cook

Male champion Carpenters Monarchist, H MacLeod

Bull, any age, 1st, Carpenters Monarchist, H MacLeod

Cow or heifer with calf at-foot, 1st, Carpenters Laura, H MacLeod

Heifer in-calf, 1st, Albany Prettymaid 30th, L Cook; 2nd, Gavelock Sarah, P and E Lynn; 3rd, Caebach Unity Amorous, N and R Johnson

Maiden heifer, 1st, Albany Lindy, L Cook; 2nd, Albany Model 2nd, L Cook; 3rd, Hockerwood Caroline, P and E Lynn; 4th, Rhydri Heidi Laura, G Crow

Calf under 12 months of age, 1st Albany Leona, Mr L Cook; 2nd, Lower Eaton Io Sylvia 54th, M Horton