The event was once again extremely well attended with farmers from all over the North of England who flocked to Penrith and District Farmers Mart on Thursday 14th November to support the annual stock judging competition. The event organised by the mart in conjunction with The Farmer Network continues to be a highlight in the farming calendar.
The master judges for the evening were Neil Allen, Richard Priestley, John Capstick and Joe Mounsey who undertook the task of placing four sheep in each category and giving their reasons for doing so. An excellent show of sheep were provided by A Geary, Yew Tree Farm (Mule), I Craig, Hanging Wells (Bluefaced Leicester), D & G Bland, West Head (Herdwick), B S & J Strong, Hewer Hill (Texel), Steph Ryder, Holme House (Suffolk), S & W Maughan, Street House (Swaledale), I & J Mallinson, Borrow Bridge House (Rough Fell).
The Marston family from Easegill Head, Kirkby Stephen swept the board with Andrew taking 4th in open male, Rachel Marston taking 1st in open female and daughter Abigail taking 3rd in the under 16’s categories.
FULL RESULTS
Open Male
1st Henry Crocker, Town End Farm, Johnby, 2nd David Bland, Grasmere, 3rd Matthew Emmott, Wythop Hall Farm, Cockermouth, 4th Andrew Marston Easegill Head.
Open Female
1st Rachel Marston, Easegill Head, 2nd Amy Harrison, Boundary Beck, Kentmere, 3rd Joanne Bentham, East Bank Farm, Dent, 4th Kerry Scott, Cracrop Farm
Under 16
1st Lewis Staley, Kilngarth, Kaber, 2nd Sarah Bland, Cotegill, Tebay 3rd Abigail Marston, Easegill Head, 4th Josh Wade Calthwaite
A lamb butchery demonstration was given by Caterite Butchers with the two halves of lamb auctioned for £110 each.
There followed an auction of items including a food hamper from Derek and Jean Wilson which made £125 and a crook from R Tailford making £100 with further raffle items kindly donated.
David Crowden, Executive Chairman at Penrith and District Farmers Mart LLP said: “I would like to thank everyone that attended and supported the event and helped raise in excess of £2,500 for Eden Valley Hospice.”
