Learning, Laughter and Livestock: A UKHY Weekend to Remember
The day began full of promise as the sun rose over Place Barton Farm, home of Gerald and Amelia Wood, Ben, Jess and little Rex, proud owners of the Allwood Herefords herd. The cattle were ready for pampering and preparations were complete to welcome 27 young Hereford enthusiasts from across the country.
On arrival, boots were dipped, tea was poured and cake was enjoyed, and there was plenty of it! At 10:30am the first workshops began, with attendees split into their groups.
The eight juniors kicked off the long-awaited rematch of the team challenge: girls versus boys. Each team was presented with a heifer and tasked with washing, drying and preparing the animal for the show ring. Judge Glen Pritchard was on hand to support, observe teamwork and assess their final presentation. The teams were then challenged to wash the heifers again, ensuring no products remained on the animals, a task that looked great fun, with water and talc flying everywhere.
The six seniors spent their morning with local vet Ben, discussing herd health planning, disease management and biosecurity. This highly interactive session encouraged discussion, with participants and vet challenging each other’s thinking. They then moved on to stock judging two classes of young bulls. Gayle Bersey from Liskeard encouraged them to consider the differences between commercial and pedigree traits, focusing on legs, feet and overall structural balance. It was a thought-provoking and engaging morning.
Meanwhile, 14 ‘Newbies’ learned clipping and grooming skills for the show ring. UKHY members and USA team representatives Will Awan and Ethan Brook led these sessions, with Will focusing on grooming and Ethan on clipping. Due to numbers, the group split to ensure everyone gained hands-on experience.
A delicious hog roast lunch, prepared by host Ben using locally produced pork, gave everyone time to relax, network and recharge. During lunch, attendees enjoyed a light-hearted competition to guess the weight of Dendor 1 Alabama.
The afternoon resumed with Glen leading a practical beef evaluation session using a live bull to demonstrate key points and explain the different meat cuts. Participants were able to handle the animal and put theory into practice. Seniors then remained with Glen to discuss the wider beef industry, while the remaining groups judged the young bulls. Impressively, only one person correctly placed both classes in line with the judge: Will Awan.
The day concluded with leading and handling sessions. The newbies took to the ring first, supported by the seniors as part of the teaching and communication element of the competition. The juniors then held their own competition, with results as follows:
The seniors then delivered a masterclass in showmanship. Results were:
The day was a fantastic success and a wonderful way to celebrate the 10-year anniversary workshop of UK Hereford Youth. The raffle raised £229, and sincere thanks go to everyone who donated prizes. Even the celebration cake was well received.
The celebrations continued into the evening in Totnes, where members enjoyed social time, strengthened friendships and built connections within the Hereford community.
Sundays herd walk
On Sunday, the group visited the Hollystone herd, kindly hosted by Philip and Chris Caunter, along with son Mike and wife Fran. Attendees enjoyed a herd walk among cows, calves and youngstock while learning about the farm’s breeding policies and management. Despite the weather, enthusiasm remained high and the visit concluded with homemade rolls, pizza, cake and plenty of tea while taking in the views of the South Devon countryside.
A huge thank you goes to both host families for welcoming so many people onto their farms and sharing their passion for the Hereford breed
Saturday results
Overall Junior of the Day – Mia S.
Overall Newbie of the Day – Jacob F.
Overall Senior of the Day – Ollie G.S and Jorja S.B
Best Overall Junior Handler – Mia S.
Best Overall Newbie Handlers – Lauren M. and Pheobe P.
Best Newcomer – Callan N.
Team Junior Competition – Girls (Mia S., Emmy E. and Harriet E.)
Guess the weight of the bull – Dexter N.