Staffordshire YFC members were ahead of Glamorgan YFC taking the Overall Team Cup at the English Winter Fair YFC Stock and Carcase Judging Competition held on Sunday 16th November. Their members fought off a very high standard of competition from over 150 young farmers’ members across 19 teams entered into this year’s English Winter Fair YFC Stock and Carcase Judging classes. The one-day competition was hailed a great success following a great comeback year for YFC clubs across England and Wales. The competition organiser from Staffordshire YFC, Cathie Hurdman said “It has been such a positive day with members from across England and Wales travelling to Staffordshire and competing against fellow members in the Stock and Carcase Judging. YFC members really appreciate being able to hold this type of competition using the excellent facilities at the County Showground in Stafford and it is a pleasure to organise them on behalf of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society.”
The English Winter Fair took place at the weekend, 15th – 16th November and the YFC classes were kindly sponsored by IAE the UK’s largest and leading manufacturers of livestock handling and housing equipment, with their very generous prize monies on offer. Young Farmers were able to judge Live Lamb and Beef Classes and Lamb and Beef Carcase Classes thanks to support from the show organiser, Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society along with IAE. Lorna Thomson of IAE said “We’re proud to continue our support for Staffordshire Young Farmers as they host the YFC Stock and Carcass Judging Competitions at this year’s English Winter Fair. It’s always inspiring to see Young Farmers from across the country step up and showcase their skills across four diverse classes. At IAE, we know our industry’s future relies on encouraging talented young people and giving them room to thrive. By backing the YFC Stock and Carcass Judging Classes once again, we hope to fuel passion in those who are already deeply committed to the sector.”
The English Winter Fair Committee Chairman, Sandra Hopley, presented the members with their prize cards in the main ring.
In the Live Lambs class, judged in Bingley Hall, with the lambs kindly provided by Mrs Mary Madders and Mr Stuart Johnson, the highest scoring Senior Competitor was awarded Holly Page of Montgomery YFC with 98 points. The Overall Intermediate Competitor was Charles Jarrom of Leicestershire YFC with 91 points. The highest scoring team in this class was awarded to Kate Oakes and Paddy for their combined total of 174 points.
The Live Beef class was judged in the stalls, with some fine cattle provided by the very supportive exhibitors at the show. The highest scoring Senior Competitor was Charlotte Mayhall of Herefordshire YFC with 97 points. In the Intermediate Section, Caitlin of Montgomery YFC came first with 92 points. As a team, Herefordshire YFC took first place in this class, with members Charlotte Mayhall and Huw scoring a combined total of 188 points.
The Carcase Classes were all judged in the excellent Carcase Hall facility with carcasses very kindly provided by Messrs Bradshaw Bros and Lee Machin of Manifold Meats. In the Lamb Carcase class, the Overall Senior Competitor was won by Elizabeth Swancott of Radnor YFC with 93 points. The Overall Intermediate Competitor was won by Harriet of Gloucestershire YFC with 80 points. The Overall team in this section was won by the team from Radnor YFC, with members Elizabeth Swancott and Robbie Hodnet who achieved a combined total of 170 points.
The final class of the day was the Beef Carcase Class. The Overall Senior Competitor was won by Millie Preece of Shropshire YFC with 96 points. The Overall Intermediate Competitor was Sioned Woodward of Shropshire YFC with 91 points. The Overall Team in this final class was won by Millie Preece and Sioned Morris of Shropshire YFC with a combined total of 187 points.
The Michael Bradshaw Award for the Overall Stockjudging Team was awarded to Montgomery YFC with Shropshire YFC in second place and Staffordshire YFC in third place. The Michael Bradshaw Award for the Overall Carcase Judging Team was awarded to Staffordshire YFC with Worcestershire YFC taking second place and third place awarded to Glamorgan YFC.
After a full day of judging, The Birmingham Agricultural Exhibition Society Silver Challenge Cup, awarded for the Overall Team on the day went to Staffordshire YFC after they gained a grand total of 660 points in all the classes. They were followed by Glamorgan YFC in second place with 628 points and in joint third place, Gloucestershire YFC and Shropshire YFC with 625 points.
Stockjudging and Carcase judging competitions remain a very important and competitive sector in the Young Farmers Federations across the country, as this day has demonstrated so well. The facilities at the English Winter Fair are ideal for YFC to showcase this. Next year, the English Winter Fair committee will continue to host these competitions for YFC members and looks forward to welcoming the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs again, to take part in this very successful show, with their Live and Carcase Judging Competition Finals, which were also held again at the Show this year.
Photos from the Competition can be found HERE
