[T]he 21st Annual Young Farmers Club (YFC) Stock Judging Competition took place at Park House Farm, Heversham and Lawrence House in Levens on Monday 23 April. Organised by the Westmorland County Agricultural Society (WCAS), the competition received its highest number of entries with 64 young farmers competing to be Stockman of the Year 2018.
Open to all young farmers aged 26 or under, entries were received from across Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire. There was keen competition and friendly rivalry amongst the competitors who judged dairy cattle, beef cattle and prime lambs, along with a quiz on animal health and husbandry. Competitors judge the animal within each section, looking at their characteristics and confirmation. They then place the animals in order of preference and present reasons to the judge as to why they have arrived at their judgements. Competitors are awarded points based on how close their placings compare to the judge’s order of choice.
Chairman of the Westmorland County Agricultural Society, Stephen Procter, said: “We are really pleased to have received a record number of entries for the Stock Judging this year. The judges were very impressed with the high standard of competition and the maturity and confidence shown by all the competitors. I would like to take this opportunity to say well done to all the young farmers who took part and a huge congratulations to the winners.”
The results were as follows:
Senior
1st Bob Lawrence, Kent Estuary YFC
2nd Sam Wilkinson, Kent Estuary YFC
3rd Will Horsley, Skelton YFC
3rd Hannah Sowerby, Eden Valley YFC
Intermediate
1st Sam Bleaze, Kent Estuary YFC
2nd Will Longmore, Lowick YFC
3rd Marie Powell, Vale of Lune YFC
Junior
1st Eddie Burrow, Vale of Lune YFC
2nd Rachel Bland, Grayrigg YFC
3rd Archie Carr, Lowick YFC
Team
1st Kent Estuary YFC A
2nd Kent Estuary YFC B
3rd Grayrigg YFC A
Female with Highest Points – Hannah Sowerby, Eden Valley YFC
Winners were presented with their trophies, prize money and certificates by former President of WCAS and Life Member, John Geldard.
