Following the release of the Sustainable Farming Scheme earlier in July, the Welsh Government was being questioned by bodies such as NFU Cymru at this year’s Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd, with faces such as Gareth Wyn Jones posting on this topic throughout the week urging for the policy to be reviewed and made more accessible to the masses.

Despite this and an unseasonably cold and wet start to the first day at the show, the cattle shed was abuzz with activity. Bodies moving around beasts, coats brushed, finishing touches applied, and farmers doing what they do best – tending to the welfare of their animals ahead of a busy day.

As if by divine intervention, the rain stopped when the Herefords stepped into the show ring, and things continued to heat up. Under the watchful eye of Mr Des Kelly, Northern Ireland, the Hereford classes were thoroughly assessed and enjoyed. New to the Royal Welsh, Mr Kelly had been invited to judge previously with his debut delayed due to the pandemic. Mr Kelly, gave some insight into a judge’s perspective and explained what he was hoping to see.

“I came to the show hoping to see animals that weren’t unnecessarily pushed, with natural muscle, power and clean throughout. It was well worth the wait!” he said.

At the end of the Hereford classes, the animal leaving with the coveted Supreme Champion rosette and sash was Solpoll 1 Trailblazer, adding another championship title to his ever-increasing resume this season following his success as Supreme Male Champion and first within the Senior Bull Class on Monday. These wins come hot on the heels of Trailblazers’ recent wins as the Interbreed Champion at the Shropshire County show and reserve Interbreed Champion at Bath and West.

Tapped out by Des Kelly for his natural ability, proper form and power, this Northern Irish-bred bull, purchased for £10,000 from John and William McMordie, exhibited by L&L Bowen, is proving to be an exciting addition to the Bowendu herd, with his successes not limited to the bull classes.

His progeny Bowendu 1 Ruby took second prize later in the morning, scooping up both heifer born between January and March 2022 and overall female champion, following in her sire’s hoof prints in doing so. To add to an already strong start Ruby later in the week, claimed reserves in both the exhibitor-bred championship and the junior heifer interbreed beef championship, despite fierce competition.

Another well-decorated member of the Bowendu herd, Ruby is no stranger to the ring. Winner of the heifer born between Jan and March class at Shropshire County Show in May and a previous Christmas Calf Show junior champion.

Brought forward by Mr Kelly, he said ‘She had the style, lovely head, and a clean and nice power whilst remaining feminine’.

Having only been members since 2016, L&L Bowen, Nelson, Glamorgan are delighted to have gained success on home soil.

Another bull who took the ring by storm, earning seven titles throughout the four days, was Harveybros 1 Willy-The-Womanizer from G&S Harvey.

Born in March 2022 from father and daughter double act: George and Sophie Harvey, Willy’s success made the 345-mile journey from Blafron, Glasgow to Builth Wells worthwhile.

He sits comfortably in reserve supreme champion besides Trailblazer, following his win in bull born between Jan and April ’22 class, exhibitor bred champion, junior bull interbreed reserve champion, breed male reserve champion, and Elite Junior Bull champion.

“The junior bull champion, I really liked,” remarked Des Kelly “Long, clean, wide and carried width and power through the back end, which helped placed him as overall reserve champion.”

The trio have been familiar faces within the show circuit this season winning the junior bull class at The Royal Highland Show in June and male and junior male champion at the 2022 Agri Expo.

As the week drew on, Willy once again donned his show halter to re-enter the ring finishing the week on a high by seizing the junior interbreed native breed championship title.

Within the female breed championship, Kingsland 1 Starlet 22 was selected by Des Kelly as the reserve champion, revealing that there was a fine margin between first and second place.

“My reserve female champion was a smooth and correct heifer who was lovely through the shoulder and back”. He commented.

Brought to the show from Vaughan Farms, Kingsland, Herefordshire, born March 2022, this heifer, sired by 2018 Royal Welsh Show Supreme champion and Three Counties Show Male Champion Gouldingpoll. Another heifer moving from strength to strength, Starlet claimed reserve junior female at the Three Counties show in June.

The Kingsland herd saw further success, with Kingsland 1 Wolf achieving reserve champion within the junior bull championship. A half-brother to the reserve female champion, sire Gouldingpoll Moonshine has been stamping his progeny with the winning gene.

E L Lewis & Son brought Havenfield 1 Weston across the border to seek success in Llanelwedd.

Weston did not disappoint, winning his class bull born between Sep and Dec ‘21.

Bred by E L Lewis & Son, Weston is by Solpoll 1 Lawman the supreme champion at the Tullamore show in 2016 and 2017; grandsire is also Panmure 1 Henry.

Earning the red rosette for bull born on or after May 2022 was DE, ED & AL Jones’ Dendor 1 Atlas, one of the more local exhibitors. DE, ED & AL Jones have been members of the society since 1963, seeing multiple successes in the Christmas Calf Sales.

Dendor 1 Atlas’ half-sister, Dendor 1 Jano 23rd, sired by Pepperstock 1 Trigger, mirrored Atlas’ success in winning the junior breed heifer class.

The female classes started with a smaller but well-represented senior female class, seeing the daughter of 2019 sire of the year, SMH Kingsize 87K, Moralee 1 Ruth from Glynis and David Sherman, bred by Tom and Di Harrison, come out on top.

In the Heifer with calf or calf at foot class born between Jan and Aug 2021, third-generation Bromley bred Bromley 1 Thunya 953 caught the judge’s eye and proceeded to win the class.

From Studdolph Vogue lines, with bloodlines leading back to their original polled purchase in 2005, Dendor 1 Greta 5th, Studdolph 1 Vogue saw red with Mr Kelly tapping her out as the winner in heifer born between Sep and Dec ’21.

We caught up with Mr Kelly following the proceedings.

“I enjoyed judging the class. There wasn’t a bottom end within the classes, and there was good consistency throughout with animals parading well.”

Wednesday marked the beginning of the young handler classes, an opportunity for the future of the show ring to demonstrate what skilled and accomplished handlers we have coming up for the future.

The interest in Interbreed Young Handler Beef competition was magnified this year, with the attendance of celebrity judge Sara Cox, alongside her dad and long-time member/supporter of the breed Len Cox.

Drawing attention from media sources that would otherwise bypass the agricultural event, it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase to a wider audience the hard work and dedication involved in showing these tremendous creatures.

No stranger to the ring herself, Sara Cox’s excitement to judge the class was evident, prompting a short clip post alongside fellow BBC broadcaster and native Welsh man, Gethin Jones.

With her family having much to do with the Hereford society over the years, Sara, Dad Len and Brother Robert took the opportunity to visit old friends in the cattle sheds before taking up the position of judges in the cattle ring.

Represented by three teams of two handlers, the Hereford was well-represented in a class consisting of various other native and continental breeds. Following much scrutiny from Sara, handlers Cara Doggett and Ollie Garnett-Smith were chosen as the winners, sighted by Sara as they had the “extra 5% and sparkle.”

On the final day, seven Hereford members representing the UK Hereford Youth partook in the last of the young handler classes. The conditions were unfavourable, with some of the animals losing patience.

Despite the elements, the skilled young handlers kept their composure, and their hard work paid off.

Olwen Roberts placed third in the Junior Section. Findlay Soutter won first, Grace Denning third and Freddie Cloke fifth in the Intermediates. Ethan Brook took first, Cara Doggett third, and Harvey Clock placed seventh in the seniors.

At the end of these four exceptional days, we would like to congratulate all those who took part and made the event such a fantastic experience for all, as well as a big thanks to our sponsors Dunbia for their continued support.

Following the release of the Sustainable Farming Scheme earlier in July, the Welsh Government was being questioned by bodies such as NFU Cymru at this year’s Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd, with faces such as Gareth Wyn Jones posting on this topic throughout the week urging for the policy to be reviewed and made more accessible to the masses.

Despite this and an unseasonably cold and wet start to the first day at the show, the cattle shed was abuzz with activity. Bodies moving around beasts, coats brushed, finishing touches applied, and farmers doing what they do best – tending to the welfare of their animals ahead of a busy day.

As if by divine intervention, the rain stopped when the Herefords stepped into the show ring, and things continued to heat up. Under the watchful eye of Mr Des Kelly, Northern Ireland, the Hereford classes were thoroughly assessed and enjoyed. New to the Royal Welsh, Mr Kelly had been invited to judge previously with his debut delayed due to the pandemic. Mr Kelly, gave some insight into a judge’s perspective and explained what he was hoping to see.

“I came to the show hoping to see animals that weren’t unnecessarily pushed, with natural muscle, power and clean throughout. It was well worth the wait!” he said.

At the end of the Hereford classes, the animal leaving with the coveted Supreme Champion rosette and sash was Solpoll 1 Trailblazer, adding another championship title to his ever-increasing resume this season following his success as Supreme Male Champion and first within the Senior Bull Class on Monday. These wins come hot on the heels of Trailblazers’ recent wins as the Interbreed Champion at the Shropshire County show and reserve Interbreed Champion at Bath and West.

Tapped out by Des Kelly for his natural ability, proper form and power, this Northern Irish-bred bull, purchased for £10,000 from John and William McMordie, exhibited by L&L Bowen, is proving to be an exciting addition to the Bowendu herd, with his successes not limited to the bull classes.

His progeny Bowendu 1 Ruby took second prize later in the morning, scooping up both heifer born between January and March 2022 and overall female champion, following in her sire’s hoof prints in doing so. To add to an already strong start Ruby later in the week, claimed reserves in both the exhibitor-bred championship and the junior heifer interbreed beef championship, despite fierce competition.

Another well-decorated member of the Bowendu herd, Ruby is no stranger to the ring. Winner of the heifer born between Jan and March class at Shropshire County Show in May and a previous Christmas Calf Show junior champion.

Brought forward by Mr Kelly, he said ‘She had the style, lovely head, and a clean and nice power whilst remaining feminine’.

Having only been members since 2016, L&L Bowen, Nelson, Glamorgan are delighted to have gained success on home soil.

Another bull who took the ring by storm, earning seven titles throughout the four days, was Harveybros 1 Willy-The-Womanizer from G&S Harvey.

Born in March 2022 from father and daughter double act: George and Sophie Harvey, Willy’s success made the 345-mile journey from Blafron, Glasgow to Builth Wells worthwhile.

He sits comfortably in reserve supreme champion besides Trailblazer, following his win in bull born between Jan and April ’22 class, exhibitor bred champion, junior bull interbreed reserve champion, breed male reserve champion, and Elite Junior Bull champion.

“The junior bull champion, I really liked,” remarked Des Kelly “Long, clean, wide and carried width and power through the back end, which helped placed him as overall reserve champion.”

The trio have been familiar faces within the show circuit this season winning the junior bull class at The Royal Highland Show in June and male and junior male champion at the 2022 Agri Expo.

As the week drew on, Willy once again donned his show halter to re-enter the ring finishing the week on a high by seizing the junior interbreed native breed championship title.

Within the female breed championship, Kingsland 1 Starlet 22 was selected by Des Kelly as the reserve champion, revealing that there was a fine margin between first and second place.

“My reserve female champion was a smooth and correct heifer who was lovely through the shoulder and back”. He commented.

Brought to the show from Vaughan Farms, Kingsland, Herefordshire, born March 2022, this heifer, sired by 2018 Royal Welsh Show Supreme champion and Three Counties Show Male Champion Gouldingpoll. Another heifer moving from strength to strength, Starlet claimed reserve junior female at the Three Counties show in June.

The Kingsland herd saw further success, with Kingsland 1 Wolf achieving reserve champion within the junior bull championship. A half-brother to the reserve female champion, sire Gouldingpoll Moonshine has been stamping his progeny with the winning gene.

E L Lewis & Son brought Havenfield 1 Weston across the border to seek success in Llanelwedd.

Weston did not disappoint, winning his class bull born between Sep and Dec ‘21.

Bred by E L Lewis & Son, Weston is by Solpoll 1 Lawman the supreme champion at the Tullamore show in 2016 and 2017; grandsire is also Panmure 1 Henry.

Earning the red rosette for bull born on or after May 2022 was DE, ED & AL Jones’ Dendor 1 Atlas, one of the more local exhibitors. DE, ED & AL Jones have been members of the society since 1963, seeing multiple successes in the Christmas Calf Sales.

Dendor 1 Atlas’ half-sister, Dendor 1 Jano 23rd, sired by Pepperstock 1 Trigger, mirrored Atlas’ success in winning the junior breed heifer class.

The female classes started with a smaller but well-represented senior female class, seeing the daughter of 2019 sire of the year, SMH Kingsize 87K, Moralee 1 Ruth from Glynis and David Sherman, bred by Tom and Di Harrison, come out on top.

In the Heifer with calf or calf at foot class born between Jan and Aug 2021, third-generation Bromley bred Bromley 1 Thunya 953 caught the judge’s eye and proceeded to win the class.

From Studdolph Vogue lines, with bloodlines leading back to their original polled purchase in 2005, Dendor 1 Greta 5th, Studdolph 1 Vogue saw red with Mr Kelly tapping her out as the winner in heifer born between Sep and Dec ’21.

We caught up with Mr Kelly following the proceedings.

“I enjoyed judging the class. There wasn’t a bottom end within the classes, and there was good consistency throughout with animals parading well.”

Wednesday marked the beginning of the young handler classes, an opportunity for the future of the show ring to demonstrate what skilled and accomplished handlers we have coming up for the future.

The interest in Interbreed Young Handler Beef competition was magnified this year, with the attendance of celebrity judge Sara Cox, alongside her dad and long-time member/supporter of the breed Len Cox.

Drawing attention from media sources that would otherwise bypass the agricultural event, it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase to a wider audience the hard work and dedication involved in showing these tremendous creatures.

No stranger to the ring herself, Sara Cox’s excitement to judge the class was evident, prompting a short clip post alongside fellow BBC broadcaster and native Welsh man, Gethin Jones.

With her family having much to do with the Hereford society over the years, Sara, Dad Len and Brother Robert took the opportunity to visit old friends in the cattle sheds before taking up the position of judges in the cattle ring.

Represented by three teams of two handlers, the Hereford was well-represented in a class consisting of various other native and continental breeds. Following much scrutiny from Sara, handlers Cara Doggett and Ollie Garnett-Smith were chosen as the winners, sighted by Sara as they had the “extra 5% and sparkle.”

On the final day, seven Hereford members representing the UK Hereford Youth partook in the last of the young handler classes. The conditions were unfavourable, with some of the animals losing patience.

Despite the elements, the skilled young handlers kept their composure, and their hard work paid off.

Olwen Roberts placed third in the Junior Section. Findlay Soutter won first, Grace Denning third and Freddie Cloke fifth in the Intermediates. Ethan Brook took first, Cara Doggett third, and Harvey Clock placed seventh in the seniors.

At the end of these four exceptional days, we would like to congratulate all those who took part and made the event such a fantastic experience for all, as well as a big thanks to our sponsors Dunbia for their continued support.

Coley 1 Duchess 609 from Heather Whittaker, Halifax strode into the supreme champion spot at the Royal Norfolk Show having also won the junior and female championships and 2021-born heifer class, as judged by Dendor Herefords’ Twm Jones. Already winning the reserve female and junior champion at the Highland this summer, it started the 2022 show season at the foot of its mother Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 916, taking the reserve supreme title at the 2022 Royal Highland Show. Now shown in its own right, it stood champion at the 2022 Agri Expo and is the current reserve poll female of the year. It was reserve grand female and overall junior champion at last year’s Poll Show and won its junior heifer class at the Great Yorkshire last year.

The show also yielded great interbreed success for the Hereford breed and was judged by Mary Cormack, Herefordshire. The interbreed pair was won by Coley 1 Vincent from L Jackson-Carr, Carle Coates, Sheffield alongside Coley 1 Duchess 609 from Heather Whittaker, with Spartan 1 Oyster Gem SP166 from SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire joining the duo to make the winning interbreed group of three. With Luke Murphy at the helm, SC and GL Hartwright also won the exhibitor-bred interbreed group of three. The trio was made up of Spartan 1 Voyager SP V138, Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret and Spartan 1 Oyster Gem SP166. The team of five stood reserve interbreed champions.

Standing next to what was its stable mate until very recently, Coley 1 Vincent, now owned by Liam Jackson-Carr of JC Herefords, Carle Coates, Sheffield, took the reserve supreme and reserve male titles after winning the senior bull class. It was Carolyn Fletcher’s supreme champion at last week’s Highland Show, and has also been male champion at Northumberland County Show this year. Vincent previously stood reserve supreme and junior bull champion at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2021 before being named reserve junior male champion at Moreton. A Fabb 1 Northern Star son, it is out of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 591, a daughter of the Canadian-bred Remitall Super Duty 42S.

Solpoll 1 Sympa exhibited by PRJ and LR Vincent, Pulham Market, Norfolk was named reserve male champion. Born in March 2019, it is by Panmure 1 Henry and out of a Solpoll 1 Dynamite sired Starlet female. Sympa was also best junior bull in the 2021 Midlands and East Anglia herd competition.

Reserve female champion was Newtoncroft 1 Patience 452 from Leicestershire’s Newtoncroft Farms, shown by Ryan Coates. March 2021-born, it is by Maxstoke 1 Rambler and out of Baybridge 1 Leo daughter, Hawkesbury 1 Patience.

The classes began with the junior heifers which saw Twm hand his first rosette to Jonathan Wells and partner, Costessey, Norfolk with Wellhart 1 Peach-Willow. April 2022-born, it is by the Australian AI sire Wirruna Katnook K74 and out of Classic 1 Galaxy daughter, Wellhart 1 Willow.

Next in the ring were the January to March 2022-born heifers, which saw Causeway Blossom 13th from Granger Harrison, Lakenheath, Suffolk win first prize before success as reserve junior champion. Born in March 2022, it is by the previous UK sire of the year SMH King Size 87K and out of a home-bred female which goes back to the Badlingham Blossom line.

The senior female class was won by Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret from SC and GL Hartwright. Reserve supreme and grand female champion at the recent Royal Highland Show. By UK sire of the year Solpoll 1 Perfection, this September 2020-born female is out of Cleland 1 Glissade 26th this female also won its class at the Highland last year and stood reserve supreme at Shropshire last month.

Newtoncroft 1 Whole Lot-Of-Fun from Newtowncroft Farms led the January to February 2022 bull class which also won a red ticket at the most recent English Winter Fair. By Hawkesbury 1 Swift and out of Dendor 1 Honeysuckle 19th.

The intermediate bull class saw more success for young Liam Jackson-Carr, this time with home-bred JC 1 Wilbur 002. April 2022-born it is by the Danish sire Solbakkens Patrik and out of Solbakkens Marrigold.

In the young handlers section, Finlay Soutter of Normanton Herefords, Leicestershire won the overall championship and was congratulated by The Prince of Wales.

Coley 1 Vincent was selected by Carolyn Fletcher of Barwise Herefords as breed and grand male champion at the Royal Highland Show. Recently purchased by Liam Jackson-Carr of JC Herefords, Carle Coates, Sheffield, it was bred by Heather Whittaker, Halifax and stockman Andrew Hughes led the September 2020-born bull into the top spot having won the senior bull class. Having already been male champion at Northumberland County Show this year, Vincent previously stood reserve supreme and junior bull champion at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2021 before standing reserve junior male champion at Moreton. A Fabb 1 Northern Star son, it is out of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 591, a daughter of the Canadian-bred Remitall Super Duty 42S.

 

The reserve supreme and grand female titles went in the direction of Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret from SC and GL Hartwright having travelled north from Oxfordshire. By UK sire of the year Solpoll 1 Perfection, this September 2020-born female is out of Cleland 1 Glissade 26^th also took the red ticket in the September 2020 to August 2021 female class. It won its class at the Highland last year and also stood reserve supreme at Shropshire last month.

Coley 1 Duchess 609 from Heather Whittaker took the reserve female championship, the junior title and led its September 2021 to February 2022 born heifer class. Born in September 2021, it is by out-cross Solbakkens Patrik, imported from Denmark. Having started the 2022 show season at the foot of its mother Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 916, the outfit took the reserve supreme title at the 2022 Royal Highland Show. While shown in its own right, it stood champion at the 2022 Agri Expo and is the current reserve poll female of the year. It was reserve grand female and overall junior champion at last year’s Poll Show and won its junior heifer class at the Great Yorkshire last year.

Spartan 1 Voyager SP V138 from SC and GL Hartwright was reserve male champion and won the January to August 2021 bull class, having already been well shown. It took the reserve male championship at the 2022 Royal Norfolk Show as well as at the recent Royal Three Counties Show. March 2021-born, it is by Solpoll 1 Perfection and out of Panmure 1 Plum K19, which is by Hawkesbury 1 Volcano. Together with Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret, the Hartwright-bred pair won the pairs class.

The junior bull title went in the direction of Harveybros 1 Willy-The-Womanizer from father and daughter double act, George and Sophie Harvey, Balfron, Glasgow after winning its junior bull class. A son of the Australian AI sire Wirruna 1 Matty M288, it is out of the Harveys’ sole female line, the Crocus family. This March 2022-born bull was also male and junior male champion at the 2022 Agri Expo.

December 2021-born Panmure 1 Plum W1 from JM Cant and partners, Arbirlot, Angus was selected as reserve junior champion. Out of a Dendor 1 Leota daughter, it is by Romany 1 Distiller and was second in its class.

First class of the day, the junior heifer class, was led by Porton House 1 Duchess 2^nd from Bethan Hutchinson, Greatham, Co Durham. Starting life with South Wales breeders Paul and Vicky Moyle, this March-2022 born heifer is by Dendor 1 Sherlock and out of the Solpoll 1 Kentucky Kid daughter, Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 978.

Leading the October 2018-born senior female class was Moralee 1 Kylie KS S3 from Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland. Having won the HCBA Christmas Calf Show in 2019, it was also junior and junior female champion at the National Poll Show in the same year. By SMH King Size 87K it is out of a home-bred Spurstow 1 Recruit 1^st daughter.

Saltire 1 Wallace from WP and K Wason, Kinglassie, Fife was in front in the September 2021 to February 2022 bull class. By AI sire Wirruna Lennon L102, it is out of home-bred Saltire 1 Ruth 2^nd, a daughter of Baldinnie 1 Orient son, Saltire 1 Predator.

Friday saw the breed win the championship in the native group of three and consisted of Moralee 1 Kylie KS S3 and its bull calf Moralee 1 Americano TE308 along with Coley 1 Vincent and Spartan 1 Victorias Secret.

Joining the trio for the interbreed group of four was Coley 1 Duchess resulting in a third place, although the highest place natives.

A team from the South Western Hereford Breeders’ Association was announced as winning the National Stockjudging Competition which saw society president David Smyth officiate as master judge as per tradition. Consisting of Lanscombe Herefords’ Chris and Emily Mitchell with Gerald Wood of Allwood Herefords, the team gained 396 points.

In second place was Steve and Sarah Cowle and Cassidy Bowen representing Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association, with 388 points.

Powys Hereford Breeders’ Club saw success in coming third place with Neil and Nathaniel Johnson and Shannon Lawrence, gaining 387 points.

Powys also took fourth place with Adam Bowen, Ethan Brook and Caleb Vater making up the team. Generating the same number of points at 378 was a UKHY team consisting of Cara Doggett, Will Awan and Tia Moyle.

In the individual competitions, in neck-and-neck at 135 points were Emily Mitchell of Lanscombe Herefords and Finaly Soutter of Normanton. Chris Mitchell, also of Lanscombe Herefords won the overall highest placing individual cup with 143 points.

At a sun soaked Royal Three Counties Show, the senior female Hereford champion and reserve stuck together all the way to the supreme championship. Leading the way with Joe Clark on the steering end was Rempstone 1 Curly N604 from M Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire which also won the supreme championship at Agri Expo in November 2021 as a calf. January 2021-born, it is a daughter of Solpoll 1 Nobility and from the Curly line which goes back to the Badlingham herd.

Tapped out by judge George Harvey was Pebworth 1 Vesper from Nick and Lucy Holdsworth, Pebworth, Warwickshire, mirroring the outcome of its class, the senior female and grand female championships. Six weeks younger than the supreme champion, it is by stock bull Dendor 1 Smokin’ Joe, it is out of Blakesley 1 Glamour, a FS 1 Versache daughter.

Grand male champion was Solpoll 1 Trailblazer from L and L Bowen, Nelson, Glamorgan which has already had a successful show season so far, including reserve interbreed champion at the Royal Bath and West and interbreed champion at Shropshire County Show. It also stood senior male champion and won the most senior bull class.

Spartan 1 Voyager SP V138 from SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire was successful as reserve grand male champion, and also stood next to Trailblazer in the senior male championship. March 2021-born, it is by Solpoll 1 Perfection and out of Panmure 1 Plum K19, which is by Hawkesbury 1 Volcano.

The junior male championship victor came from Paul Dickin, Solihull in the form of January 2022-born Jacobean 1 Warrior. By SMH Euro 30E son Dendor 1 Kununurra, it is out of Jacobean 1 Willow 047 which goes back to many generations of Lowesmoor breeding.

Standing as reserve junior male championship was Lanscombe 1 Doormouse from RA Mitchell, Dorchester. By Vexour 1 Phantom which was junior male champion at the 2018 autumn show and sale at Hereford market, it is out of Lanscombe 1 Sonnet.

Bowendu 1 Ruby 2nd led the proceedings in the junior female championship. Bred and shown by L and L Bowen, it is a daughter of Trailblazer and out of Dendor 1 Ruby 23rd which was third place female of the year in both 2019 and 2017.

Reserve junior female was selected as Kingsland 1 Starlet 22 from Vaughan Farms, Kingsland, Herefordshire. Sired by 2018 Royal Welsh Show champion Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine, its Starlet name originates from its Solpoll breeding.

Elsewhere in the classes, RA Bradstock and partners, Tarrington, Herefordshire led the bull born September to November 2021 class with Free Town Wealth. September 2021-born, it is by stock bull Boycefield Stormzy and from generations of Free Town females.

Kinglee 1 Will-I-Am, another from Nick and Lucy Holdsworth, took the red ticket in the March to April 2022 bull class. Bred by Pete Cobley, Leicestershire, this bull is out of Kinglee 1 Miss 520 which goes back to Costhorpe’s Miss family.

Continuing their lap round the summer show circuit, FJ Wood and sons, Morleigh, Devon won the cow and calf class with Solpoll 1 Pansy T17. Purchased from John and William McMordie, Co Down, it was shown with its Fabb 1 Top Prize sired heifer calf at-foot. Born in April 2020, it is by Danish-bred Moeskaer Mentos. Purchased in-calf at the 2022 spring show and sale at 6,200gns, its dam is a full sister to Solpoll 1 Lawman while its grand dam is a full sister to Solpoll 1 Gilbert, the three times UK sire of the year, having also sired five females of the year.

Another from the Hartwrights’ stable, this time Spartan 1 Oyster Gem SP166, moved to the fore in the September to December 2021 heifer class. Sired by the UK sire of the year Solpoll 1 Perfection, its dam is from the Cleland Oyster Gem line.

The junior heifer class was taken by Bosbury 1 Rosa W129 GT from Sarah Hawkins, Bosbury, Herefordshire. Born in May 2022, it is by Grifford 1 Try which was purchased at 5,500gns at the 2021 spring show and sale and has bred well for the herd.

The pairs class was won by Mike and Caroline Shaw of Thornysure Hereford, Ilmington, Warwickshire.

Royal Cornwall locals and longtime supporters, the Hawke family, secured the supreme and male champion positions with Hustyn Cider at the Royal Cornwall Show. September 2020-born, it is a son of Border Souvenir S40 which took the supreme title at last year’s show. Out of Hustyn Curly 5th bred from the Border herd’s Curly line which originated from the Wenlock herd, its dam’s sire Hustyn Onslow stood male champion at the Royal Cornwall in 2018.

Solpoll 1 Pansy T17 from FJ Wood and sons, Moreleigh, Devon occupied the reserve supreme and female championship positions and follows on from its supreme championship at Devon County. With Jonathan Moorhouse sorting the line-ups, the April 2020-born female also moved to the fore in its senior female class. By Danish-bred Moeskaer Mentos, the young female was purchased in-calf at the 2022 spring show and sale at 6,200gns. Its dam is a full sister to Solpoll 1 Lawman while its grand dam is a full sister to Solpoll 1 Gilbert, the three times UK sire of the year, having also sired five females of the year.

Nicholashayne 1 Frankie from K and A Prettejohn, Nicholashayne, Somerset stood next to Hawkes’ bull as reserve male champion and also won the junior bull class. January 2022-born, it is a son of Nicholashayne 1 Kingkong which was reserve interbreed junior bull at the 2015 Royal Welsh Show among other successes.

Lanscombe 1 Cilla from RA Mitchell, Dorchester, Dorset was tapped out as reserve female champion after taking the red ticket in its intermediate female class. Having already won the female champion title at Devon County. By Lanscombe 1 Wizard, it is out of Lanscombe 1 Winkie, a daughter of Brangwyn 1 Emperor, bred by the Roderick family, Gower, Swansea. The Mitchell family also won the group of three.

The junior heifer class was led by March 2022-born Kingsland 1 Starlet 22 from Vaughan Farms having travelled down from Herefordshire. A daughter of Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine which won the 2018 Royal Welsh Show, its maternal line quickly goes back to Solpoll.

Hustyn Greyart, another from the Hawke family, took the red ticket in the August to December 2021-born bull class. By Border Souvenir S40 bred by Stan Quan, it is out of Hustyn Gaylass, a Phocle Generator daughter.

It was another successful show for Solpoll 1 Trailblazer from L and L Bowen, Nelson, Glamorgan, at the Royal Bath and West where it won reserve interbreed, supreme and male champion following hot on the heels from its interbreed victory at Shropshire County Show.

Purchased from Northern Ireland’s John and William McMordie at £10,000, it is a son of Solpoll 1 Promoter, which was imported from Canada as an embryo. Its dam is Solitude 1 Duchess bred by Andrew McMordie and goes back to the Duchess line at Dorepoll. Trailblazer also went on to stand interbreed champion pair with stablemate Bowendu 1 Ruby 2nd.

Reserve supreme and reserve male champion was Midford 1 Whatyalookinat from Will Awan, Midford, Bath, as tapped out by judge Ryan Coates, Leicestershire. Born in March 2022, it is by Intelagri 1 Jaguar L, a Fisher 1 Jaguar J347 son and out of a Panmure 1 Henry daughter, Intelagri 1 Rosie. This young bull also won junior native interbreed bull.

The female championship was another title to head back over the Severn Bridge with the Bowen family as Bowendu 1 Ruby 2nd moved to the fore before also winning reserve native interbreed champion heifer. January-born, it is a daughter of the day’s supreme champion Solpoll 1 Trailblazer and out of Dendor 1 Ruby 23rd which was third place female of the year in both 2019 and 2017, having also taken the supreme championship at Shepton Mallet.

Hudley 1 Luna from Harriet Jackson, Gundleton, Hampshire stood reserve female champion. By AI sire Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman, it is out of Solpoll 1 Ferrari daughter, Hudley 1 Lucy.

Taking the supreme and male championships in the Traditional section at Shropshire County was Albany Sailor from FW Cook and son, Fen End, Cambridgeshire. By Albany Lincoln, this May 2021-born bull it is out of Albany Sable, a Boresisle Lawrence daughter. This young bull is entered for the Traditional Hereford Breeders’ Club Grass Masters sale.

In reserve was February 2021-born Gavelock Sarah from P and E Lynn, Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Bred by C Redmayne, Over, Cambridgeshire it was purchased at the 2022 Grass Masters sale. Another by Albany Lincoln, it is out of Gavelock Sybilla, which is also a Boresisle Lawrence daughter.

Junior champion and winner of the John Featherstone Trophy was Carpenters Monroe from Malvern-based Helen MacLeod. January 2021-born, it is out of home-bred female and by the prolific Shefford Monarch.

The heifer born on or after 1st January 2022 class was won by Albany Prettymaid 32nd, anther from L Cook. Out of an Albany Lincoln sired home-bred female, it is by Willow Grange Louis, a bull bred by Mrs F Dunne, Chittering, Cambridgeshire.

Taking the interbreed accolade at Shropshire County Show was Solpoll 1 Trailblazer from L and L Bowen who had made the trip north from their Glamorgan home having already stood native, supreme and male champion that day after leading the senior bull class. Purchased from Northern Ireland’s John and William McMordie at £10,000, it is a son of Solpoll 1 Promoter, which was imported from Canada as an embryo. Its dam is Solitude 1 Duchess bred by Andrew McMordie and goes back to the Duchess line at Dorepoll. Trailblazer also went on to stand interbreed champion pair with stablemate Bowendu 1 Ruby 2^nd.

Standing next to Trailblazer in the supreme championship was Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret, taking the reserve position. Bred and exhibited by SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, the current UK show herd of the year, it too is heavily influenced by Solpoll breeding, being a son of the 8,000gns UK sire of the year Solpoll 1 Perfection. Last year, this September 2020-born female took red tickets in its class at Shropshire and at the Royal Highland.

Hallwood 1 Lady Jewel from R and RI Shaw, Wirral stood reserve female champion having won the July 2020 to 30 June 2021 heifer class. By AI sire Fabb 1 Northern Star it is out Hallwood Jewel, a daughter of Canadian embryo import, Hallwood 1 Nibbs.

The reserve male champion title also headed to Oxfordshire with Spartan 1 Voyager SP V138 from SC and GL Hartwright coming to the fore. Born in March 2021, it is another by Solpoll 1 Perfection which has done so well for the breeders. It is out of Panmure 1 Plum K19, a daughter of Hawkesbury 1 Volcano and stood reserve intermediate champion at the National Poll Show as well as reserve male champion at the Royal Norfolk.

The July to December 2021 bull class was led by M and C Shaw, Ilmington, Warwickshire with Thornysure 1 Willy Wonka. Out of Solpoll 1 Ferrari daughter Kinaston 1 Neala, it is by Fisher 1 Monarch, a superior carcase sire purchased at the 2017 spring show and sale for 6,000gns.

The most junior bull class forward saw success for January 2022-born Hallwood 1 Apollo. By yet another Canadian embryo import, this time Dorepoll 1 93N Nationwide, it is out of a home-bred dam.

In the females, the senior class was led by locals G Llewellyn and D Sharman, Weston Heath, Shropshire with Harvest 1 Alice and its calf at-foot. By Hollyvalle 1 Neville purchased at the 2017 autumn show and sale for 3,000gns where it also stood grand male champion, it is out of Shraden 1 Alice R863 which was bought out of Shrewsbury in 2019 for 2,200gns.

The July to December 2021 heifer class was won by young members A and N Hughes, Llanwyddelan, Powys with the October 2021-born Ashnan 1 Fancy Kicks, a Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks son. Also with Moralee breeding on its maternal side, it is out of Moralee 1 Dainty 1^st.

A previous Christmas calf show junior champion, Bowendu 1 Ruby 2^nd from L and L Bowen attracted the red ticket in the January to March heifer class. January-born, it is a daughter of the day’s supreme champion Solpoll 1 Trailblazer and out of Dendor 1 Ruby 23^rd which was third place female of the year in both 2019 and 2017. On the show scene, it took reserve supreme champion at the 2019 Royal Cornwall Show, supreme at the Royal Bath and West, Devon County and Pembroke Shows.

The junior heifer class saw RJ and PS Windsor, Sound, Cheshire come to the fore with Sound’s Villa 1 Fasion 2nd. With its maternal line going back to Costhorpe breeding, it is by Australian AI sire Wirruna Peace P198.

The pairs class was won by SC and GL Hartwright as well as the group of three.